Obagi Medical is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, markets and sells, and is the leading provider of proprietary topical aesthetic and therapeutic clinically-proven skin care systems in the physician-dispensed market. The systems are designed to prevent and improve the most common and visible skin disorders. The foundation of the company began in 1988 with the creation of the Obagi Nu-Derm® System, developed by leading skin care experts. In 1997 the company officially began operations as Obagi Medical. The company has continued to grow each year, introducing multiple product lines and expanding its commercial operations. The company sells its products through a direct sales force in the United States and internationally through distribution partners in over 42 countries across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Over the years, the company has developed clinically-proven skin health products and systems primarily for the dermatology, plastic surgery and related aesthetic markets. Obagi's products are designed to improve common and visible skin conditions including photodamage, hyperpigmentation (chloasma, melasma and freckles), senile lentigines, acne vulgaris and sun damage.