Skin Test: The Obagi Medical Diary

Is it worth the hype?

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It's not very often that I do a complete skincare overhaul. Sure, I like to substitute items in and out, because there are so many amazing products on the market these days (and I need to try them all!), but I rarely change it up totally. Honestly, it's kind of scary as you never know how your skin is going to react (ain't nobody got time for breakouts, amiright?).

Eight weeks ago I decided that it was time to try something new, persuaded by no other than the hype of Obagi Medical. I'd heard and read amazing reviews of all of their products, so why not share my experience with you?

Keep reading for my Obagi Medical AM and PM skincare routine and fortnightly diary.

First things first, I use the Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser on a damp face and neck, and then rinse off with water. If I'm wearing makeup that day, I cleanse thoroughly twice just to make sure my skin is super clean.

Using a cotton pad, I apply the Obagi Nu-Derm Toner to my face and neck. The good thing about toner is that it seems to take off any remaining oils from makeup, as well as restoring pH levels.

Next I apply the Nu-Derm Exfoderm, which is a skin smoothing lotion that is only to be used in the morning. This stuff goes a long way, so I find that just a tiny bit on my fingers applies effortlessly all over my face.

Then I gently roll on the ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex Serum rollerball in small circles under the eye. Any excess serum is patted until dry with my ring fingers as delicately as possible.

To finish my twice daily skincare routine, I apply the Obagi Medical Hydrate Facial Moisturizer again to both my face and neck. While I like to keep it quite light in the AM before applying makeup, there's no harm in applying it quite heavily at night. After all, there's nothing better than a well moisturised face.
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THE SKIN DIARY

Week 2: I've replaced all my current skincare with Obagi Medical for two weeks now and so far overall I'm really enjoying the products and they haven't had any adverse affects on my skin, which is a great sign when you're using all new skincare. Based on first impressions, my favourite products are the Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser, as it doesn't feel harsh on my skin like some cleansers, and the ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex Serum, for the cool soothing sensation of the rollerball.

As my skin tends to be on the dry side, I really need a good moisturiser. While it has it has a whole bunch of amazing ingredients, I was a little concerned that the Obagi Medical Moisturiser contained avocado, as I've seemed to develop an intolerance to eating it, as well as getting a minor rash when I treated myself to an avo bath bomb - not cool! In saying that, I haven't had a problem at all and my skin seems to be loving it so far. I love that it doesn't feel oily or heavy on the skin, and I seem to be able to apply makeup on top of it pretty much straight away.

Week 4: I'll admit I was skeptical about using the Exfoderm thin lotion to exfoliate my skin at first, but I haven't used anything else for a month to exfoliate and it definitely seems to have worked wonders. I do find that my skin can be a little red immediately after application, but I don't think it's anything to be concerned about.

I also found the Obagi Toner would make my skin slightly red after application, but it hasn't done that for a while now. The great thing about the Obagi Toner is that it's made with natural ingredients, and doesn't seem to dry out my skin like some toners (worst feeling!).

Week 6: I've just got back from Sydney, after a last minute opportunity to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. With only a couple of days to plan everything for Fashion Week, it was a very stressful week, which often results in a break-out (not to mention ladies, it was that time of the month!). While I was struck with a few red spots during the week, they were nowhere near as bad as usual and disappeared before I knew it. Despite two almost five-hour flights to and from Sydney within the space of 4 days, I didn't suffer from any dryness.

Week 8: It's been almost two months since I started using the Obagi Medical skincare, and while my skin seems to be loving it, it hasn't completely stopped breakouts, which is kind of expected (after all, skincare sadly doesn't calm hormones).

What I really love about these Obagi Medical products is that a little seems to go a long way. After two months, the only one I'll need to top up on is the Hydrate Facial Moisturiser. So, while the skincare range does have a fairly high price point (the featured products range from $50.00 to $104.00), I really think it is justified purely because of the size and quality of the skincare.

Have you ever done a complete skincare overhaul? I'd love to know your experiences!
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