Obagi, a proven high-end skin care line has introduced a new solution for acne sufferers. The Obagi CLENZIderm system is a prescription strength acne therapeutic system. Obagi's acne treatment is the only acne product that uses a liquid form of benzoyl peroxide, which does a better job than tradition treatments which use less soluble benzoyl peroxide crystals. For this reason, CLENZIderm's active ingredients are absorbed more fully by the skin and begin working on acne under the skin, rather than just the acne above the skin's surface. It has been clinically proven to lead to visible acne reduction in as little as two weeks.
Obagi acne products may work, but they aren't cheap. The average retail price for the whole three-step system is 5.00. Each step is sold separately for .95. Most acne sufferers are teenagers and young adults who can not afford to spend 5.00 every couple of months on skin care products.
Step One of the system, the Obagi Clenziderm Daily Care Cream Cleanser removes dirt, oil and makeup while moisturizing and soothing the skin. It is basically a simple cleanser with a little lavender extract to help sooth the skin. Similar and less expensive cleansers include the dermatologists' staple, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleansing Bar is another far less expensive cleansing option. This face wash, like many acne fighting cleansing products, include salicyclic acid. The Obagi acne cleanser does not include salicyclic acid which may make it less effective at unclogging pores.
Step Two in Obagi's battle against acne employs the Obagi Clenziderm Therapeutic Lotion. Because it includes a liquid form of benzoyl peroxide, it serves as a better anti-acne agent than drugstore brands and less expensive products. However, products like Neutrogena On the Spot Vanishing Formula contain the same amount of benzoyl peroxide for less money, and MD Formulations Benzoyl Peroxide 10 contains twice as much benzoyl peroxide, also at a lesser cost. Furthermore, as many as 60 percent of acne patients suffer from antibiotic-resistant acne strains, so antibacterial agents like benzoyl peroxide may not work. Also, although the directions advise otherwise, you may not want to aply the Therapeutic Lotion all over your face. Benzoyl peroxide is a drying agent, and for many people it may be better used as a spot treatment.
Finally, the last step in the Obagi acne treatment regimen is to apply the Clenziderm Therapeutic Moisturizer to hydrate and protect the skin. The product is almost identical to less expensive oil-free moisturizers that cost significantly less. It does not contain any anti-aging antioxidants or even sunscreen, so it is unclear why the cost is so high. Although it smells nice and goes nicely with the other Obagi acne care products in your medicine cabinet, it doesn't make sense for your wallet.
