The Obagi blue peel was developed by a dermatologist named Dr. Zein Obagi and is considered a medical treatment rather than a cosmetic one. Obagi blue peels are not available in salons. They must be done by a physician, and they do sting, but not to the point where you would need a general anesthetic. As with all chemical peels, an Obagi blue peel is intended to remove the top layer or so of skin, erasing fine lines and sun damage and revealing fresh, new skin. The Obagi blue peel treatment gets its name from the blue dye added to the active ingredient--trichloracetic acid, also known as TCA--which helps the doctor ensure that it goes on in an even layer with no missed spots.
Anesthetic
According to the experts at Orange Coast Aesthetic Medical Group, "The majority of patients request anesthesia because it is a medium depth peel. Also, oral sedation and pain medications can be given. No general anesthesia is needed." So, the first thing your doctor will do is determine if you want anesthesia, and then administer the kind that he thinks will be best for you.
TCA and Glycerin Layer
Your doctor will apply a thin layer of a 15 to 20 percent solution of TCA and glycerin to your skin. The glycerin helps the TCA go on smoothly, and it also keeps your skin from absorbing too much of the TCA too quickly. He will use a brush or a thin, flexible, plastic spatula.
Wait
Once the Obagi Blue Peel is applied, you must let it sit on your skin. Each layer will sting for the first two to three minutes, so a lot of doctors position a small fan to blow across your face. The number of layers is generally no more than four, and it depends on how damaged your skin is.
Neutralize the Acid
After the appropriate amount of time--which will vary from person to person according to skin condition and the desired results--your doctor will neutralize the acid of the chemical peel. The blue tint will remain for 12 to 24 hours.
Maintain Your Skin As It Peels
Your skin will begin to peel a little, as it does with a slight sunburn, within two to three days of the treatment. This will continue for seven to 10 days, after which you should see clear, new skin. According to the reviewers at Skinsite.com, "Patients can thus resume their normal lives more quickly after blue peel than after CO2 lasers or dermabrasion.” Do not apply makeup for seven to 10 days after an Obagi blue peel. Your doctor will recommend skin care products to use after your peel, and you should follow these recommendations.
Further Treatments
If you require multiple treatments, you must wait at least four to eight weeks between them. Discuss your treatment plan with your doctor to make sure you understand exactly what to expect. After each treatment, you will experience the same after effects and should follow the same skin care regimen that you did after the first one.
Member Comments