The epidermis is the outermost layer. It forms the protective covering. This layer contains no blood vessels but has small nerve endings and is made up of five layers of cells. The pigment called melanin is found in this layer. Melanin protects the sensitive cells beneath, from the harmful effects of the sun.

The dermis is located just under the epidermis. This layer is highly sensitive because it contains nerve endings, numerous blood vessels, lymph vessels, sweat glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. These are held together by collagen and elastin fibers, which together give the skin its strength and resilience.

Unfortunately as we age, our skin heals and renews itself less efficiently. And acne can be a problem at any age.

Each hair follicle contains a gland which produces sebum. Excess sebum makes your skin look and feel oily. If the neck of a sebaceous gland is clogged, sebum accumulates, and you get acne. Not enough sebum production and you have dry skin.

Your teenage years could be your best time for your skin depending on your hormonal activity. Generally, puberty is a bad time for your skin.

In your 20's your skin is resilient, clear and glows, but it can however be adversely affected by allergies, hormonal imbalances, stress, and exposure to the elements.

In your 30's your skin may begin to lose some of its resiliency. You may begin to see the appearance of dryness and fine lines. The skin tends to be more sensitive and extra special care is required during this period.

In your 40's your hormone production slows and the skin begins to lose tone and elasticity, giving rise to wrinkles, creases and fine lines. While these changes occur naturally as you age, they can be minimized and controlled by properly caring for your skin. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin twice daily can help you rejuvenate and revive your skin.

Now that you have a better understanding of your skin and how it works, then you know that the time to begin your personal skin care routine is now! And that is where Obagi Skin Care comes in. Regardless of your age, Obagi Skin Care addresses numerous problems you might be having whether it is dry skin, oily, skin, acne, discoloration, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, redness, and loss of firmness. This is because Obagi changes your skin at the cellular level causing it to both look and act healthier and younger. Obagi also has several product lines to address your specific needs.

Obagi Nu-Derm System is excellent for skin with moderate to severe sun damage. It accelerates cellular turnover, resulting in clarity and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Obagi-C Rx System is designed specifically for skin with mild to moderate sun damage. It will give you brighter skin that simply glows.

Our Obagi Professional-C Serums are potent vitamin C serums for damage from free radicals. Professional-C Serums provide maximum daily topical antioxidant protection.

If you are having a problem with acne, and those other acne skin care systems haven't worked for you - Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. is it! The three-step acne therapeutic system includes a liquefied form of benzoyl peroxide that is clinically proven to penetrate deeply (deeper than any other product on the market - straight to the source) and clears acne fast.

If you're like most women the first thing you've noticed are those annoying crow's feet. Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Treatment works to reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles and bring back the smoothness, and firmness of your eye area.