My name is Laurence Dryer and I'm Chief Scientist and Head of Product Development here at Obagi Medical Products. Ninety percent of what we perceive as inevitable skin aging is actually caused by extrinsic factors. The main contributor is the Sun. The problem with sun damage is that it can lead to structural changes in the skin that may not be visible for years. There are a number of factors that can cause pigmentation problems. One factor is sun exposure, which in excess, can cause sunburns. This may lead to unwanted pigmentation problems such as freckles, age spots, or sun spots. Melasma is another common form of skin discoloration most commonly seen in darker skin types and during certain periods of woman's life such as her reproductive years. One of the most under-recognized causes of dark spots is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or PIH. PIH can occur after some type of trauma to the skin such as acne. But regardless of the underlying cause, pigmentation problems can be troubling and difficult to treat for many. Hydroquinone is the gold standard skin ingredient used by top dermatologists for fifty years to treat pigmentary disorders. Obagi Medical Products award-winning Nu-Derm System with 4 percent hydroquinone has been proven to effectively reduce moderate to severe cases of sun damage on the skin such as freckles age spots, melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. You can prevents the effects of sun damage by limiting your exposure to the sun and by wearing sunscreen every day. My personal favorite is Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50. I always recommend using a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. Even when you don't think you'll be in direct sunlight you might still be exposed to harmful UVA and UVB. So no exceptions - sunscreen every day. When you know you'll be in the sun, bring hat or an umbrella for further protection. And always wear sunglasses this will not only help with sun damage to the eye area but it will reduce squinting, which in itself cause fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Consider a complete skin care system like Obagi-C Rx, which combines both the benefits of prescription-strength hydroquinone and the power of vitamin c to address early signs of aging. To find more information about Obagi Medical Products or for more tips on keeping your skin healthy and beautiful please visit our website www.obagi.com.