This is why of all the skin acre products you can buy, toners are the one product that you can actually make your own version of at home if you're really interested in a steep discount.

Even so, Obagi markets their toner as a ph adjuster and witch hazel on its own does not effect your skins ph. You see, on a normal day your skins ph number is somewhere in the area of 7.

The alum in Obagi Toner will lower raise your skin ph by a digit or so, to around 8, which makes it easier for substances such as the active ingredients in skin treatment products to penetrate the surface.

Once again though this is not hard to do with plain baking soda. Just dissolve some in a little water then rub it on your face. However you will be left with the powdery residue.

Even so, for convenience sake, $20 for a 6.7 oz container of Obagi Toner, really isn't that bad a deal. This considering that a little bit dabbed on a cotton swab or moist towelette goes a long way.

Also aside from the alum ph adjuster in Obagi Toner, it also includes a few botanicals that you won't find around your home. Remember that you must use a toner with any of the multi-stage acne treatment systems that are so popular today.

See larger image OBAGI NU-DERM STEP #2 TONER 6.7 OZ. New, Sealed. (Health and Beauty) New From: $14.50 In Stock

So then, what are the differences between the two? In fact there are several stark differences, aside from just the fact that one is meant for daytime use, while the other is meant for night-time therapy.

For instance, their Nu-Derm product tends to be made up of what might be described as more benign, natural substances. I won't go into all of them but the first one listed on the ingredient list is Aloe, which is the juice of a soft fleshed, succulent cactus like plant.

On the other hand, their Elastiderm cream is comprised of what would definitley be best described as synthesized chemical substances. Once again, I won't go into all of them but the first one, which would be the most prevalent, is listed as ethylhexyl Palmitate just after water.

So it would appear that rather than an “either or” situation, both of these eye creams are formulated to be used in conjunction with each other as a combined regimen. Each one functioning in its own way to foment change

The Elastiderm works at night, to penetrate below the skins surface and function on a cellular level to induce and enhance the production of elastin and and collagen. Then in the daytime the Nu-Derm Eye Cream functions to soothe, heal and protect the thin skin in the orbital regions of the eyes.

See larger image Obagi Elastiderm Night Eye Cream, 0.5-Ounce Jar (Health and Beauty) List Price: $95.00 USD New From: $38.00 In Stock Release date July 11, 2008.

Meanwhile, lengthy write ups on competing products are a dime a dozen. All of them for all the products seem to go on and on about what they will do how they will do it and what they contain that does it. So then whats the real story?

The real story is that you don't have to look to closely to see that the user before and after photos for Obagi Clear are real and un-retouched. The stuff actually does what it's supposed to do and there is a good reason why.

That reason is that its main active ingredient is tretinoin. So then whats the problem there? The problem there, is that this is a very powerful chemical that is in fact regularly used to treat people with leukemia.

By the way, it's also been directly linked to birth defects in unborn children of women who use it while they're pregnant. So what about possible side effects in adults who use it? Who knows? Those type of determinations can take decades.

So Obagi simply chooses to let their before and after pictures do the talking and if people then want to research beyond that, they can do that on their own. You see Obagi Clear and the results it can deliver is big news in all the blogs, so they don't need to promote.

So whether you choose to use it or not, is your own personal decision to make but do heed this warning. That is that its makers openly recommend that women who do, use two types of birth control when they do use it, to avoid getting pregnant.

Also understand that those amazing before and after pictures, are of people who followed an exacting regimen. It begins with an exfoliating treatment with Obagi Blue Peel and then progresses through the three strength levels of Obagi Clear.

I've tried all the major skincare stores like SkincareRX, Spalook, Skinstore...Nada. I did find one bottle for sale at Amazon and you might be able to as well - try this search I did.

If you can get your hands on Obagi Clear consider yourself lucky, this is a great product that works wonders.

The biggest downside is the price. At around $67-$80 (depends on where you buy) it's pretty pricey for me. But if you're really looking for a solution that works, this is it. You can easily waste $100 trying out a ton of different stuff that just doesn't work (I've done this a million times, maybe you have too).

I've compiled some reviews of Obagi Clear below. Some negative, some positive. Hopefully from these you can get a better idea of whether its for you or not.

Me personally, I really like the way Clear works. It's certainly one of Obagi's most popular products and it's easy to see why. It works very well and I would recommend it if you can stomach the price .

How to Use Obagi Clear

Apply Obagi Clear evenly all over your face right to the hair line. Put it on over and behind your ears as well. Wait a couple mins and then apply another coat over your darkest spots. If you have dark skin you should use Clear on your face just 1 time for every day, in the morning for the best results. Once you get your skin to the way you want it then just use it sparingly, as you need it.

The cheapest price online (when you can find it) would defintely have to be at Amazon. Check the latest prices here:

What Do Other Reviewers Say About Obagi Clear?

MakeUpAlley reviewers give it a 4.3/5 stars overall which isn't bad at all.

"This stuff really WORKS!!!! It is very expensive but I saw results after only using it twice. I have continued to use it and it has really lightened my hyper-pigmentation. I had spent a lot of money on laser treatments over the past year and they simply did not work. I finally decided to give this a try and wish I would have found out about it sooner. The laser treatment was very expensive and when it was apparent that it was not working the technician upped the laser level and ended up burning my skin. Obagi Clear is the only thing that has worked."

Collenwin @ MakeupAlley

"The first time I bought this, it did nothing for me and I thought it was a waste of my money. Then I read the tips from you lovely MUAers who recommended using it in combo w/ a Retin-A product (I got some of the cheap stuff from Mexico). So I bought it again. Tadaaaaa, lots and lots of peeling w/ the combo use in the beginning. I was kind of bummed having ‘fluffy’ flaking skin for a while, but I knew the effects needed to be drastic to get results since I had spent hundreds of dollars at dermatologists for zapping/burning w/ only temporary results. The peeling has diminished and I still have age/sun discoloration, but it has lightened a bunch of spots/areas. I feel like I don’t have to use as much foundation. I just ordered more of it through askderm.com because they have a 25% off code of THANKS so it turned out to be $64. It’s cheaper and more convenient than getting zapped at the dermatologist."

Reyna @ MakeupAlley

Unfortunately this reviewer thought that Clear meant it was for acne and had a bad experience with it. Just to set the record straight it's not for acne.

"Looked forward to using this product after the rave reviews here, but unfortunately it had no use in dimishing acne or marks even when used alongside retin A. In some cases i think it might have made it worse.. definitely not worth the price when it does nothing at all."

BlueStars @ MakeupAlley

"I started using this in conjunction with my photo facials and the results are awesome. I have had comments about how great my skin looks, which has never happened before. Its expensive but well worth it, I will be a lifelong devotee"

Lisa904 @ TotalBeauty

"This product is a miracle. I went to a derm as a last minute resort. A couple years of tanning destroyed my skin, and I'm only 27! I stopped tanning, went to the derm, and she suggested I try this.... I'm on my 3rd month now and I have to say that this works along with SPF 45 daily! I took a photo of the process and the ch...ange is noticeable. If you have age/sun darkened spots or melasma, I strongly suggest you look into this product"

bemyvalentine @ TotalBeauty

"Using the Obagi line transformed my skin. The Clear is great great, but ber careful not to overuse or you may experience too much lightening effect."

MissMam @ TotalBeauty

To be honest I only started using it because it was apart of the Nu-Derm system - but still I'll share with you a little bit of my experience with just the toner alone (and I'll also include some customer reviews at the end).

If you've got normal-oily skin like me then you're in luck because this is the exact skin type that the toner was designed for.

Within just 3 weeks I could see a dramatic improvement from using this. It really shrinks my pores and is a good after-product to use after a cleansing gel or cleanser. Oftentimes the cleansers don't get rid of all the junk on your skin and the toner is good for a second round of cleanup so to speak.

The cool thing about the toner is you can actually watch it work. Let me give you a good example.

After I wash my face with the Obagi cleanser I'll take a cotton pad and wet it a little bit with the Obagi toner. You can literally wipe the pad on your face a couple times and just watch all of the dead skin and impurities come right off and onto the pad.

And let me tell you, it's a rejuvenating feeling!

Considering the price, it's not terribly expensive compared to other similar products.

The cheapest price I've found on the toner is @ Amazon:

See larger image OBAGI NU-DERM STEP #2 TONER 6.7 OZ. New, Sealed. (Health and Beauty) New From: $14.50 In Stock

What Do Other People Have To Say About the Obagi Toner?

"Obagi Nu-Derm Toner is the truely the best toner I have used. doesn't strip essential oil, yet leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed, without that tight sensation.Obagi Nu-Derm Toner also has a pleasant scent; many of the other toning products I have tried smell antiseptic and medicinal. The Obagi system has rejuvenated my skin; I have received many compliments on my youthful appearance since starting the regimen."

Amy @ Spalook

"This is a great product, especially used with the Obagi system. I've used toners in the past and they dried out my skin-- this product does not do that- it just removes soap residue and leaves your skin soft and ready for other products."

LJ Moore @ Amazon

Of course when you spend the kind of money on a system like this you should be entitled to results. However, with this product the results aren't exactly instant (as in plastic surgery instant). If you have the patience to wait at least a month to start seeing results then you might give Decolletage a thought. If you're the complete opposite then chances are you're going to be dissapointed.

Check out what a few users had to say about this product.

More Reviews by Obagi Elastiderm Decolletage System

"just like obagi products...you need to use for a month or two to see results. but, when you do, they are very good results. use it consistently, and you will be glad you used it. I will continue to buy this. but, i think the 2 products are the same as the facial products: skin lightening and eye gel (for the skin wrinkling)"

K M M. of Phoenix, AZ @ Lovelyskin

"I am starting to see improvement on my neck and chest after a couple of weeks. I will need to use much longer because I have so much redness. The Wrinkle Reducing Lotion that is used in conjunction with the Skin Lightening Complex did an amazing job on the neck creping and a deep wrinkle at the base of my neck."

Rebecca G @ Lovelyskin

"I just recently (2-3 weeks) started using the Obagi Elastiderm Decolletage System. While the results have not been what I had hoped for thus far, I am continuing to use to see if more significant signs of improvement can be noticed. My skin tone has improved a little just not what I had hoped for especially considering the price of this product."

Lois @ Lovelyskin

The ZO Skin Health line is a simple 5 step process - in fact much like the Obagi Nu-Derm system so if you're already familiar with this popular system then you'll have no trouble. Step by step, it's Cleanse, Activate, Stimulate, Nourish, and Protect.

Why Exactly Did Dr. Obagi Develop ZO Skincare?

Dr. Obagi created this brand new skincare line because there's a low concentration of active ingredients that help stimulate activity within the cells of your skin - which in turn work to rejuvenate your skin.

He also knows that the majority of people who use the original Obagi regimen don't continue using quality products after they complete the 18-weeks regimen. Most of these people go back to using over-the-counter products purchased at drug or department stores. This is naturally the favorite and most common place people shop, so it isn't too much of a suprise.
Essentially the ZO Skincare line is made for people who want to continually maintain the effects of using a quality skincare regimen.

ZO Skincare also won't give you as much redness as the Nu-Derm System will, but will still help the quality of your skin.

Obagi vs ZO Skincare

There really isn't a winner in this case, as both product lines are entirely complimentary. You can use ZO skincare while you are using the Obagi Nu-Derm line. From extensive research, Dr. Obagi found that his patients on Nu-Derm actually benefitted from using both lines in conjunction with each other.

The Downside to Obagi ZO Skincare

The products are a little more pricey than Obagi Nu-Derm. The Ossential Radical Night Repair alone is a whopping $325. Only time and reviews will tell if they are actually worth the substantial price increase.

When it comes to the healing stages of the Obagi Blue Peel, it really depends on how deep of a treatment you've had done.

• If your Blue Peel was only a light exfoliation, expect a healing time of 3 days.
• If it was a deeper exfoliation, expect a healing time of 6 days.
• The standard Blue Peel treatment comes with a healing stage of 7 to 8 days.
• And for the maximum depth (a peel to the immediate reticular dermis also knowns as the IRD) expect healing time of 10 days.

The firmer your skin is then the longer the peel should remain on your skin, since it will take time to reach the deeper layers of your skin.

After the procedure, your physician will see what stage of healing your skin is in to get an indication of what depth the Blue Peel achieved.

See larger image Yavonae SPOT PEEL SKIN TREATMENT 50% TCA - 1 fl oz 30 ml - PLUS Antibacterial Ointment (Required) (Health and Beauty)

You have certainly come to the right place. I have reviewed both Obagi Nu-Derm as well as the Obagi-C RX systems and I give you both the good with the bad.

Which system is right for you? Well if you're having serious skin troubles then no doubt you should check out the customer review I did for the Nu-Derm system. Although it comes with side effects in the beginning, it might be the 'holy grail' of skin care that you're looking for.

If your problems are less serious then check out my customer review on the Obagi-C system. Less side effects, but the end result is not quite as impressive as what you'll see with the Nu-Derm system.

Both systems have their uses and it really depends on what kind of solution you're looking for.

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If you really want to ensure that you are getting the best price on the Obagi products that you use, you should check out some of the auction sites such as eBay. Many times you will be able to find vendors who are trying to get rid of overstock and they are all but giving away Obagi products! You can stock up on the items that you use and pay less than you would have for one product if you would have purchased it at retail prices. The fact of the matter is that just about anywhere you go you can find Obagi products, shopping around will just allow you to get the products that you need for a price that is right.

See larger image Obagi Professional C-Serum 20% 1oz (Misc.) List Price: $99.00 USD New From: $38.00 In Stock