—A new approach to at-home skin resurfacing
If your skin is looking a little dull, feeling congested or you're starting to notice uneven texture, pigmentation or post-breakout marks, it might be time to rethink your skincare routine.
Introducing the NEW Obagi CLENZIderm Multi-Acid Resurfacing Wipes – Obagi's first at-home multi-acid treatment designed to deliver a multi-tiered approach to skin resurfacing.
This isn't just another exfoliating pad. It combines four carefully selected acids, each working in a slightly different way, alongside ingredients that help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier. The result is a targeted at-home treatment designed to brighten, exfoliate and refine the appearance of the skin.
What makes this formulation particularly interesting is that each acid has a different molecular size and set of properties. This allows the ingredients to address several skin concerns, from surface dullness and rough texture to congested pores and uneven skin tone.
At FAM Clinic in Waterbeach, Cambridge, we love treatments and skincare that work with the skin rather than simply stripping it back. Supporting skin health, maintaining the skin barrier and choosing the right ingredients for individual concerns are all part of our approach. And with winter approaching, this is a great time to look at introducing a more targeted skin renewal routine.
—What's different about the Obagi Multi-Acid Resurfacing Wipes?
The wipes use a dual-sided textured pad designed to deliver gentle, even-coverage exfoliation with every swipe. Each pad is individually packaged, helping provide a consistent, measured dose with every application.
The real innovation, however, is the combination of four acids:
Rather than relying on one exfoliating ingredient, the formulation brings together four acids with different properties, allowing them to target multiple aspects of skin quality. Let's look at what each ingredient does and why the combination matters.
—The four acids: understanding how they work
1. Glycolic Acid 4% – Smoothing and resurfacing
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and has the smallest molecular size of the four acids in this formulation. Being water-soluble, it works primarily at the skin's surface, helping to exfoliate accumulated dead skin cells and encourage a smoother-looking complexion.
It can help improve:
- Rough or uneven skin texture
- Dull, tired-looking skin
- The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
- Overall skin smoothness and radiance
By helping remove the build-up of dead skin cells, glycolic acid can reveal a fresher, more refined-looking skin surface.
2. Phytic Acid 3% – Brightening and antioxidant support
Phytic acid is another exfoliating acid, but it has a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid. This means it primarily works at the skin's surface, making it an interesting ingredient in formulations designed to brighten and refine the complexion.
- Helping promote skin turnover
- Improving the appearance of dull skin
- Supporting a brighter, more even-looking complexion
- Providing antioxidant benefits
3. Salicylic Acid 2% – Targeting congestion and blemishes
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), and unlike glycolic acid, it is oil-soluble. This allows it to work within the oily environment of the pores, helping dissolve excess sebum and debris that can contribute to congestion.
- Clear the appearance of congested pores
- Reduce excess oil
- Improve the appearance of blackheads and blemishes
- Reduce the appearance of redness associated with blemishes
- Help prevent new blemishes from forming
This makes it particularly useful for people who experience congestion, breakouts or a combination of oily and uneven skin.
4. Mandelic Acid 1% – Improving pigmentation and uneven tone
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from bitter almonds. It has a larger molecular weight than glycolic acid, meaning it penetrates the skin more slowly — which can make it a more tolerable exfoliating option for some people.
- Uneven skin tone
- The appearance of pigmentation
- Post-blemish marks
- Uneven texture
- Dullness
It is particularly interesting for skin that has been left with lingering marks following breakouts, helping improve the appearance of uneven tone over time.
—It's not just about exfoliation: supporting the skin barrier
When using acids, maintaining the skin barrier is incredibly important. Over-exfoliating or combining too many active ingredients can leave skin feeling dry, tight, irritated and sensitive. The wipes also contain two supportive ingredients.
Supports the skin's natural barrier, helps regulate excess oil, and improves the appearance of uneven skin tone for a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
Attracts and retains water within the skin, maintaining hydration and comfort — especially important when introducing exfoliating ingredients.
Exfoliating acids with niacinamide and glycerin — a multi-dimensional approach that addresses texture, tone and congestion while also considering hydration and barrier support.
Any multi-acid treatment can still cause dryness or irritation, particularly if used too frequently or alongside other active skincare.
—What skin concerns can the wipes help with?
Results vary depending on your skin condition, concerns and consistency of use. These wipes are not a treatment for all types of pigmentation or active acne, but can form part of a wider skincare strategy.
—Why winter is a great time to introduce skin resurfacing
Cold outdoor temperatures, central heating and changes in our skincare routines can leave skin feeling dry, dull or unbalanced. It is also a good opportunity to concentrate on texture, congestion and uneven tone.
1. Addressing dullness and uneven texture
Gentle, controlled exfoliation can help improve the appearance of skin texture and radiance.
2. Working on post-breakout marks
Ingredients such as mandelic and glycolic acid can help improve uneven tone and post-blemish marks over time.
3. Establishing a consistent skincare routine
Winter is a chance to review what we're using and introduce targeted ingredients gradually.
4. Supporting long-term skin quality
Consistency, appropriate exfoliation, hydration and barrier support all contribute to healthier-looking skin.
Winter doesn't mean we can forget sun protection. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50 remains essential when using exfoliating acids, even on cloudy days.
—How to incorporate the wipes into your Obagi routine
At FAM Clinic, we don't believe everyone needs the same products. We look at the skin first and then decide which ingredients and combinations are most appropriate. Here are some combinations worth considering.
For dull, dehydrated or uneven-textured skin
- Obagi Gentle Cleanser – removes daily impurities without harsh cleansing.
- Obagi CLENZIderm Multi-Acid Resurfacing Wipes – exfoliate and improve texture and uneven tone.
- Obagi Hydrate or Hydrate Luxe – helps maintain skin hydration.
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50 – every morning.
For blemish-prone and congested skin
The Obagi CLENZIderm system is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and includes:
- CLENZIderm Foaming Cleanser – 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate, remove excess oil and clear congested pores.
- CLENZIderm Pore Therapy – 2% salicylic acid to help unclog pores.
The new wipes may be an alternative resurfacing option within a carefully planned routine. We wouldn't automatically use them alongside the Foaming Cleanser and Pore Therapy because of the additional salicylic acid exposure — the aim is to avoid over-exfoliating or compromising the skin barrier. We assess your skin and decide whether the wipes, the traditional CLENZIderm system or an adjusted combination is best.
Adding Obagi Nu-Derm Cellular Renewal Serum
Designed to support skin renewal and improve the appearance of visible ageing and skin quality, its AGE CTRL™ complex includes NAD+, NMN and niacinamide. Rather than another exfoliating step, it offers a complementary approach — considered where appropriate, taking into account your routine and your skin's tolerance.
As with any active skincare combination, introduce products gradually and avoid layering multiple potentially irritating treatments without first assessing suitability.
—Our FAM Clinic approach: professional skincare, personalised to you
We don't believe in simply recommending the latest product or filling your bathroom cabinet with unnecessary skincare. We want to understand what is happening within your skin and why — that is why skin analysis forms part of our consultation process. We look at:
- Skin hydration and barrier condition
- Oil production and congestion
- Pore appearance and texture
- Pigmentation and uneven skin tone
- Signs of inflammation and sensitivity
- Your existing skincare routine and lifestyle
From there, we create a personalised plan that may include professional treatments such as chemical peels, skin boosters or collagen-stimulating treatments, targeted skincare, or a combination of both.
It's about more than treating individual skin concerns. It's about supporting healthier skin for the long term.
—Ready to refresh your skin this winter?
The new Obagi CLENZIderm Multi-Acid Resurfacing Wipes bring together four different acids in one convenient, individually packaged treatment. But the best skincare routine is always the one that is right for your skin. If you're unsure which ingredients to use, or how to combine products without overwhelming your skin, we're here to help — at our clinic in Waterbeach, just outside Cambridge.
You can also browse Obagi skincare in our online shop.