The Blue Peel is an in-office procedure designed to significantly improve the appearance and health of the skin. This peel uses a low concentration of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a chemical commonly used in peels to efficiently remove outer layers of skin, revealing a “new” layer of skin that appears smoother and more vibrant. This powerful ingredient, mixed with a special blue base to slow penetration, allows our skin care specialists to monitor the appropriate depth to effectively remove the thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin from the face and other areas on the body.
Is the Blue Peel Right for You?
The Blue Peel is unlike other peels or superficial procedures because it allows the depth of the peel to be tailored to address your skin’s specific needs. This treatment exfoliates the damaged skin layers, leaving you refreshed and renewed with little downtime. The Blue Peel can be therapeutic for the face, neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs. It is most efficacious when combined with the Obagi NuDerm system to prepare the skin and maintain results after the procedure. The technique of mixing a blue dye with the TCA allows visualization of the product as it penetrates the skin, giving our skincare specialists greater control of the outcome.
The Blue Peel may not be the best option for some patients. Those who may not be candidates for this treatment include:
- Patients with active cold sores, active acne, open cuts or scrapes in the area to be treated
- Patients with sunburned or excessively sensitive skin
- Accutane use within the past 6-12 months
- Allergy to aspirin
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Before Treatment
For at least one week before treatment, electrolysis, waxing, depilatory creams and laser hair removal should be avoided in the area being peeled. Two to three days before a peel, Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Avage, retinol or any products containing AHA (alpha hydroxyl acids), benzyl peroxide and any other agents that produce exfoliation, drying or irritation of the skin must be discontinued.
After Treatment
You should allow at least a full week for recovery after a Blue Peel. During the healing process, dead skin cells are replaced by healthier ones, resulting in improved skin color and texture. After treatment, you can expect:
- Light swelling and the beginning of skin peeling within two to three days
- Peeling that continues over the next several days and should be healed in an average of 7 to 10 days
- To avoid picking or pulling at the skin, as it will slough off at the appropriate time
- No additional treatments performed during the peeling phase
- Suspension of regular skin care products until the peeling process is complete. Dr. Biesman and our skincare specialists will recommend specific products for your skin during the healing process. You should not resume your regular skin care regimen until specifically given permission by our staff to do so.
- Red and possibly itchy and/or irritated skin
- Other possible adverse side effects may occur. Although rare, skin breakouts, acne, infection, rash, dark spots, swelling or burning sensations and even scarring have been reported after having a Blue Peel. It is important to follow instructions carefully and contact Dr. Biesman or his staff immediately if you feel you are having a problem.
When your skin has completely finished peeling, you will immediately notice dramatic results of your newly improved complexion. Your skin’s appearance will continue to improve for the next four to six weeks becoming firmer, clearer, smoother, healthier and more youthful looking.
The results of the procedure are not permanent and are subject to natural, environmental, and hormonal factors. Complementing the procedure results with continued use of the Obagi Nu-Derm system will help maintain the results of the procedure.