Obagi Medical - Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask

A scrub and a mask in one jar: first polish, then let it absorb. For skin that feels rough and has lost its glow.

Why it works

The concept behind this product is as simple as it is clever. Ultra-fine crystals loosen the top layer of dead skin cells, and just as your skin is stripped of that layer, you leave the formula on for another ten to fifteen minutes as a mask. The high dose of L-ascorbic acid—about thirty percent, making it much more concentrated than a daily serum—can then penetrate more easily. This is combined with sea buckthorn oil, rich in fatty acids and carotenoids, which nourishes the skin after the exfoliation.

The texture is firm and waxy, not a creamy scrub. On damp skin, it becomes supple and spreads easily. A slight tingling sensation while it sits is normal.

For whom

For a dull complexion, rough or uneven skin texture, and clogged pores. Suitable for normal-to-oily, normal-to-dry, or combination skin.

If you have very sensitive or easily reddened skin, or if you use a strong retinol, this will likely be too intense. Using it once a week or skipping it altogether is a wiser choice.

How to use it

Two to three times a week, on clean, damp skin. Apply a thin layer and massage very gently in circular motions with your fingertips, without applying pressure. Avoid the eye area. Leave on for ten to fifteen minutes, wipe off, and rinse with lukewarm water.

Do this in the evening. After exfoliation, your skin is more sensitive to UV rays, so sun protection with a high SPF the next day is essential.

My advice to you

The biggest mistake with this product is pressing too hard. People think a scrub requires force and start scrubbing away, and then two days later I see red, irritated skin with tiny abrasions. The crystals do the work; you only need to move them around. Let your hands feel heavy rather than pushing.

The second mistake is using it too often. More exfoliation does not mean more glow; it results in thin, reactive skin. Twice a week is enough for most people, and in periods when your skin is already sensitive, just skip a week. By the way, the result is immediately visible after one use—your skin looks fresher that same evening—but the lasting difference in texture only becomes apparent after about four weeks.

Are you unsure if this is right for your skin or how often you should exfoliate? Feel free to send me a message, and we can check it together.