Obagi Festive 26: Brighten & Regenerate Kit

Dull, uneven or tired-looking skin. Anyone who wants antioxidant protection by day and texture refinement by night. Normal and combination skin types. A sensible step up if you already use vitamin C and want to add retinol to the routine. Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Morning: cleanse and dry the skin, apply 5-7 drops of Professional-C Serum 15% to the face, neck and chest, then 2-3 pumps of Nu-Gen Cellular Renewal Serum. Follow with moisturiser and a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or above. Evening: cleanse and dry, apply 2-3 pumps of Nu-Gen, then 1-2 pumps of Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream, avoiding the eyelids. Introduce the night cream gradually - two or three nights a week for the first fortnight, then every other night, then nightly once your skin is comfortable. A slight tingle from the vitamin C on application is normal and usually settles with regular use.

L-ascorbic acid 15% (Professional-C Serum): the pure form of vitamin C Obagi uses across the Professional-C range, helping to brighten and even skin tone. AGE CTRL Complex (Nu-Gen): NAD+, NMN and niacinamide, supporting the skin's energy, resilience and elasticity. Entrapped retinol (Retinol + PHA): a slow-release vitamin A designed to be better tolerated than conventional retinol. Polyhydroxy acid, as gluconolactone (Retinol + PHA): a larger-molecule exfoliant that refines texture more gently than smaller acids. Supported throughout by sodium hyaluronate, squalane, shea butter and vitamin E.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant from the first application, but visible brightening builds over four to eight weeks of consistent daily use. The retinol is the slower half of the routine. Obagi's eight-week clinical test reported 90% of participants seeing smoother skin by four weeks and 87% saying tone looked more even by eight; the Nu-Gen serum's separate 12-week test reported improvements in the appearance of fine lines, tone and radiance at 12 weeks. Expect a settling-in period with the night cream - mild dryness or light flaking in the first fortnight is common and usually eases as the skin adjusts. If it does not, drop back to every third night. Results vary between individuals.

A broad-spectrum SPF every morning is not optional with this kit - both retinol and acids increase sun sensitivity, and vitamin C works better underneath good protection. Obagi Sun Shield Mineral SPF 50 is the natural partner. If the night cream feels drying as you build up, Obagi Rebalance Skin Barrier Recovery Cream calms things without blunting the result. When the serums run out, Professional-C Serum and Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream are both stocked in full size. For pigmentation that does not shift with topicals alone, our clinic offers chemical peels and skin treatments led by GMC or NMC-registered medical professionals.

The Professional-C Brightening Duo pairs a full-size serum with a travel size at one strength - the better buy if vitamin C is all you want. This festive kit is broader: it adds night-time renewal and Obagi's newest NAD+ technology, so it covers brightness and texture rather than brightness alone. Against the Obagi Bestsellers Trial Kit, the difference is commitment - that one is five small sizes to discover the range, this is two full sizes you will use for months. If firmness rather than brightness is the concern, the ELASTIderm Lift, Firm & Sculpt festive kit is the one to look at instead.

Can I use the vitamin C and the retinol on the same night? No - vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night. That is how the kit is designed to work.

Is the Nu-Gen serum full size? No. The standalone Nu-Gen serum is 30ml; the 10ml in this kit is a smaller size exclusive to the festive collection. The Professional-C serum and the Retinol + PHA night cream are both full size.

Can I use this while pregnant or breastfeeding? No - retinol is not recommended. You could use the two serums and set the night cream aside, but speak to us first.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin? The 15% strength is aimed at normal and combination skin. If yours is reactive, book a consultation before starting.

How long will it last? Around three months of daily use for the serums, and longer for the night cream if you build up gradually as directed.

Obagi Festive 26: Brighten & Regenerate Kit. Limited edition, available while festive stock lasts. Contains Professional-C Serum 15% 30ml, Nu-Gen Cellular Renewal Serum 10ml and Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream 50ml. Store out of direct sunlight at 15-25C. For external use only; avoid the eyes and rinse thoroughly if contact occurs. Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Obagi is a professional-only brand and we are an authorised UK stockist.

Free UK delivery on orders over £99. Standard delivery 3-5 working days, £4.99; express next working day, £9.99.