What is the Obagi Blue Peel?

The Obagi BLUE PEEL is a one to four step application of blue solution mixed with TCA* (Trichloracetic Acid). These applications will lead to the removal of thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin. Layers of dead skin cells exfoliate and are replaced by healthier ones allowing the skin's own clarity and tightness to resurface.

The Obagi Blue Peel is an in-office procedure designed to significantly improve the appearance and health of your skin. Using a low concentration of the chemical tricholoracetic acid (TCA) mixed with a special blue base to slow penetration, the Blue Peel allows your doctor to monitor the appropriate depth to effectively remove the thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin from the face or other parts of the body. These dead skin cells are replaced by healthier ones, allowing the skin's own clarity and tightness to resurface. The procedure is performed by your own doctor, who has specialized training and experience with this highly effective peel.

Who should consider an Obagi Blue Peel?

Anyone who wants to look better and reverse the appearance of the aging process. Those who have blemish-prone skin, wrinkles, pigmentation problems, sun damage, or general poor skin quality will benefit the most. If you are pregnant, please consult with your physician first.

What is unique about the Blue Peel?

Unlike alpha-hydroxy peels or other superficial procedures, the Blue Peel allows your doctor to control the depth of the peel and the number of coats applied in order to tailor the process to your skin's specific needs. The Obagi Blue Peel can even be performed on the neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs.

What does the procedure consist of? 

The Blue Peel is a quick, relatively simple and highly tolerable procedure that in most cases, does not require sedation.

Application of the Blue Peel takes about 20 minutes, depending on the number of coats your doctor has determined are necessary to achieve your goals. You will experience a mild burning sensation that lasts two to three minutes (your doctor may use an electric fan to minimize this sensation). Immediately after the procedure, a bluish tint remains on your skin, which will usually wash off in 12 to 24 hours. Your doctor can explain the process to you in greater detail.

Will the Obagi Blue Peel procedure damage my skin?

No. Peeling the skin lightly in a controlled manner will not cause any damage to the skin. There are no internal toxic effects.

Obagi Medical Products does not manufacture nor distribute TCA.

How many Obagi Blue Peels can be done?

Your doctor will determine how many peels are necessary to achieve the desired result. In most cases the procedure takes 25-30 minutes.

How long is the recovery period?

After the procedure, you will experience light swelling, and your skin will begin to peel within 2 to 3 days. This peeling will continue over the next several days and should be healed in an average of 7 to 10 days.

If you are having a lighter, exfoliative Blue Peel, healing is completed in 3 to 6 days.

In either case, this peeling should not disrupt your regular lifestyle for long, although you may want to limit your normal activity.

Can I apply makeup after a Blue Peel?

To best aid in the recovery process, makeup should only be applied after the skin is completely healed.

How will my Skin look after recovery?

When your skin has completely finished peeling, you will immediately notice the dramatic results of your newly improved complexion. Your skin's appearance will continue to improve for the next 4 to 6 weeks, becoming firmer, clearer, smoother, healthier and more youthful looking.

Can the Blue Peel be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Your doctor has been trained to combine the Blue Peel with many other procedures you may be interested in. This can be very effective in achieving even more dramatic results in the same time period. Talk to your doctor about the possible combinations that may be best for your skin.

Can the Blue Peel be repeated for maximum results?

Your doctor will tell you how many peels are necessary to give you the desired result. In most cases, one to three Blue Peels can achieve dramatic improvements in many skin problems. The peels can be performed in 6 to 8 week intervals until your desired goals are reached.

How can I Maintain the benefits of the Blue Peel?

Keeping your skin's new healthy glow and youthful appearance is an ongoing process. The Obagi Nu-Derm restoration system is an at-home program designed to promote long-term overall skin health and work safely and effectively in conjunction with the Blue Peel. Ask your doctor for more information on Obagi Nu-Derm

What do I do to get started?

Take the opportunity to discuss the Obagi Blue Peel procedure with your doctor. He or she will help you determine whether the Blue Peel is right for you, and give you all the information you need to get started on the road to smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin.

How is the Obagi Blue Peel different than the Alpha Hydroxy products used by doctors and aestheticians today?

The Obagi BLUE PEEL represents a breakthrough and significant improvement in skin rejuvenation. Using slow acting TCA*, instead of glycolic acid, the Obagi BLUE PEEL enables the physician to control the peel process and its depth. The process is tailored to the nature of the problem to be corrected: wrinkles, scars, laxity or pigmentation problems.

What can I expect?

Depending upon the condition of your skin, 1-4 coats of the Obagi BLUE PEEL solution will be applied. Most people will not require sedation. If the doctor indicates sedation, you will need someone to drive you home.

At each level, you will experience a mild burning sensation that lasts 2 to 3 minutes. The doctor may use an electric fan to minimize this sensation. A bluish tint remains on your skin: it will usually wash off in 12 to 24 hours. Your skin will begin to peel within 2 to 3 days and should be healed in an average to 7 to 10 days. This peeling should not disrupt your regular lifestlye.

Can the Obagi Blue Peel procedure be used to treat other parts of the body?

Yes. The Obagi BLUE PEEL can be performed on the neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs using the same technique as for the face. Discuss the benefits and process with your physician.

Can I do the Obagi Blue Peel procedure myself?

No, the Obagi BLUE PEEL is a medical procedure and MUST be performed by a physician or a properly trained specialist working under his/her supervision.