Want to Dramatically Improve Your Skin?

The pricey line I use, and other powerful drug store substitutes

You name the skin problem-I’ve had it. For example, since I was a child, I’ve hated my freckles. However, as I got older, acne came along to add to my insecurity and low self-esteem. Finally, a decade later, dullness and dryness set in, and not too long after, those fine lines I’d been expecting started dancing their way across my face.

And I was tired of spending hundreds of dollars on ineffective skincare products. I waited to see a new and improved me with each new purchase. And every time, I was heartbreakingly disappointed.

So I decided to go to a dermatologist.

And I’m so glad I did.

She introduced me to a line of skincare that exceeded my expectations, and this product line is one I’ve used ever since.

So, I’m going to give you a look into my holy grail skincare brand and tell you why I love it. (By the way, please understand I have no affiliation with this brand and receive no compensation for mentioning their products.)

Then I’m going to give you an arsenal of advice on cheaper (but still amazingly effective) skincare essentials that may more closely match your beauty philosophy.

The skincare line I use

The product line I use is called Obaji. While some of its products can be only be bought by prescription, a considerable number of them can be purchased online without a dermatologist visit.

Because there are simply too many of their products for me to mention here, I’ll talk about my three favorite ones: Obaji Clear, Exfoderm, and Tretinoin.

Obaji Clear

The Obaji Clear I use is prescription only. It contains four percent hydroquinone to lessen the appearance of skin discoloration and reduce the prominence of melasma, freckles, age spots, acne scars, or sun damage. There are formulations for both dry, oily, and normal skin.

While there is some controversy over the ingredient hydroquinone, Obaji also offers a hydroquinone-free version called Obaji Nu-Derm Clear FX.

Almost as powerful, this product contains antioxidants and vitamin E, which fight skin-damaging environmental factors, and vitamin C for building collagen and creating glowy skin. In addition, its main ingredient Arbutin works to prohibit the production of pigment that can lead to hyperpigmentation.

While the hydroquinone version of Obaji Clear must be obtained by doctor prescription, the hydroquinone-free Obaji Nu-Derm Clear FX can be purchased at the Obaji site or many other skincare sites on the web.

Obaji Exfoderm and Exfoderm Forte

Exfoliation is a must-do for brighter, healthier skin. The reason is that, although our skin cells are constantly being shed and replaced by newer ones, sometimes old skin cells are stubborn and refuse to budge.

Exfoliation, however, loosens and removes those dead skin cells and leaves you with brighter, more youthful skin.

This is where Obaji Exfoderm excels. Containing two of the most powerful exfoliators, antioxidants glycolic and lactic acid, Obaji Exfoderm works to increase cell turnover, resulting in radiant baby smooth skin (no prescription required).

Obaji Tretinoin

Tretinoin (most often called Retin-A) and its weaker but still potent version called retinoids are gold standards for improving almost every skin concern, particularly aging and acne. Any tretinoin cream will work, but I choose the Obaji brand simply because I use most of the brand’s other products.

Tretinoin must be doctor prescribed, but it truly is a miracle product. It clears acne, makes older skin look more youthful, and prevents signs of aging in those who don’t want fine lines and wrinkles to form in the first place.

Tretinoin is a powerful synthesized form of Vitamin A. Healthline reports why tretinoin and retinoids work wonders, stating:

“Tretinoin is able to speed up the life cycle of skin cells. It makes them divide faster and die faster, so newer, healthier cells can take their place.”

Medical News Today elaborates on the benefits of tretinoin, citing the following:

“Topical tretinoin increases collagen production and stimulates skin cell production. Both of these effects may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.”

Tretinoin does take some getting used to and must be used sparingly at first so it doesn’t irritate the skin. You can get prescriptions for different percentages of tretinoin. For example, it’s wise to start with the lowest percentage (.005%) and then, if you wish, work your way up to the most powerful concentration (.1%). Unfortunately, some people, thinking more is better, slather on too much tretinoin or use it too often. These actions can cause side effects such as dryness, redness, peeling, and stinging. This is why those with more sensitive skin should focus on retinoids rather than tretinoin.

Two more things you need to know:

• Your skin will look worse before it looks better. You can read more on the “retinoid uglies” here.
• Tretinoin takes a while before you see an improvement in your skin, ranging from six weeks to three months (depending on the frequency of use and concentration).

However, even in light of these facts, after using tretinoin for over four years, it’s the one product I simply won’t do without.

You can read more about its benefits here.

A final note about Obaji and other prescription skincare products:

Your use of any prescription skincare product needs to be discussed with your doctor first. For instance, some products may interact negatively with other medications, be unsuitable for those breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant, and have other adverse effects.

Cheaper, less “intense” ways to help you achieve the skin you want

The Obaji line has worked wonders for me, but I’m a high-maintenance kind of gal who’s willing to pay the big bucks. (I’m including a picture of myself at 48 below so you can judge for yourself.)However, in addition to good nutrition, hydration, and sunscreen, the truth is good skin comes from the ingredients you put on your face, not a brand name.

When searching for good products, most researchers and skincare professionals recommend the same “tried and true” ingredients. Here’s a list of them with links to popular brands and essential information.

Note: Please do not assume that all these ingredients need to be used for skin improvement. Many of them, like vitamin C and retinoids, are multitaskers.

• licorice
• hyaluronic acid
• ferulic acid
• marine extract
• glycolic acid
• vitamin E
• azelaic acid
• acai berry
• vitamin C
• lactic acid
• retinol or retinoids
• peptides

The bottom line:

I’ve found a brand I like in Obaji. However, I’ve found great success with many other brands when my budget is extremely tight. Choosing your skincare is about your personal preferences, problems, and what things work for you.

Please let me know what your holy grain skincare products are in the comments. I’d love to investigate.

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