Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm 4 AM VS. C Day Lotion AM Review

Obagi's C Day Lotion is a pleasant smelling white lotion that comes in a 2-ounce plastic bottle. I found that squeezing the lotion out to be a pain. Either too much came out or too little.

The purpose of Obagi's C Day Lotion is to gently exfoliate and accelerate skin cell turnover while hydrating and protecting the skin. 

Obagi's C Day Lotion contains 7% Glycolic Acid, Ascorbyl, Glucoside Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, SPF 12 pH 3.5 - 4.0, Octinoxate Octisalate Oxybenzone.

It was time for me to buy more and I decided in spite of loving the Obagi C System that I would try the Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm System. I am still using the C-Cleansing Gel because I had a lot of it. The system comes with another product that I use before I use Obagi Exfoderm 4 but the Exfoderm 4 AM is equivalent to Obagi's C Day Lotion primarily because they are only used in the morning; however they have even more in common.

 Exfoderm like the C System is an exfoliating white lotion that is meant to smooth and tone skin. I find that Exfoderm is easier to come out of the tube but not enough for this to make a significant difference.

Looking at the ingredients I was surprised that they are not similar. The ingredients listed above are not in Exfoder 4. The first few ingredients are Water Purified, Ethoxydiglycol, Phytic Acid, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate. There is no sun protection in Exfoderm AM. Just looking at this I am thinking the C system is better.

The price is about the same but at first it looked markedly different as well. Exfoderm 4 costs $69.00 and C Day Lotion is about $39; however, the C System has a serum that costs $85 and a nightime lotion that costs $75.00. The Nu-Derm System has another lotion that runs about $82.00.

Ok enough about money because these are both expensive so really the issue is does one work better than another?

When I started using Nu-Derm Exfoderm my skin peeled a bit which it did when I used the C System. That surprised me because I figured my skin would be used to Obagi. This told me that perhaps Nu-Derm was stronger. My skin is no longer peeling.

I first used the C System with an aesthetician helping me. The products are supposed to be prescribed but they are easily bought at www.obagi.com and even at drugstore.com. 

My thougths and Obagi's thoughts

You are probably as confused as I am which is why a doctor should be helping you. When I realized that I was going to compare these two products i.e. systems I wrote to the company with some questions. I got a thorough answer which I wlll share with you.

"Obagi Exfoderm is an exfoliant and helps with the removal of the outer layer of dead skin. This allows better penetration of the skin care products such as hydroquinone and tretinoin. Exfoderm is indicated for dry, thin, or sensitive skin. We do still carry this product. If you would like to order this product from Skincare-MD, please follow this link:

http://www.skincare-md.com/index.cfm?event=ProductDetail&ProductID=46

I do think it would be best if you could call our office between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm and speak to our licensed esthetician, Lisa Roberge, to determine what skincare system would be best for you. Both systems are excellent but the amount of hyperpigmentation and sun-damage you have would determine what system would be more appropriate for you.

The Obagi-C Rx System's retail price is $320.00 but is discounted to $256.00 while supplies last. The Obagi-C Rx System helps to smooth and hydrate skin while evening out skin tone. The Obagi-C Rx system combines 4% prescription strength Hydroquinone (skin lightener) with professional strength Vitamin C. The Obagi-C Rx System is a less aggressive system than the Obagi NuDerm System.

The Obagi Nu-Derm System's retail price is $394.00 and is also discounted to $315.20. The Obagi Nu-Derm System restores health to sun and smoke damaged skin and helps to even out pigmentary problems. The Obagi Nu-Derm system stimulates cell renewal, improves circulation and helps to rebuild collagen. One other product needs to be purchased with this System which is Tretinoin 0.025%. This is a very important aspect of the Obagi NuDerm System. It is physician dispensed and the cost is $55.00 for a 20 gram tube. This system is available for normal to oily and normal to dry skin. This system is considered the "gold standard in skin care" by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The links to our website for these systems is as follows:

Foaming Gel Starter Kit (normal to oily)
http://www.skincare-md.com/index.cfm?event=ProductDetail&ProductID=55

Gentle Cleanser Starter Kit
http://www.skincare-md.com/index.cfm?event=ProductDetail&ProductID=56

Tretinoin 0.025%
http://www.skincare-md.com/index.cfm?event=ProductDetail&ProductID=58"

I will call the next time I order products. It's less expensive than seeing my doctor. In actuality I see no difference in my skin using either AM lotions or systems for that matter. I love Obagi and although I bought another product I will try on a whim I am sure I will stay with Obagi for a long time.