We cannot stop the natural aging process and turn the clock back. But it can sometimes be frustrating when our skin says more about our future than our past. After all, who wants a dull and unhealthy complexion with etched-in lines, deep wrinkles, and sporadic brown spots? While many age-reversing cosmetic procedures help you unleash your skin’s full potential, not all are suitable for everyone. Chemical peeling is one of the simplest and easiest methods to try for this purpose, and Blue Peel is the best among them so far. If you want to enhance the complexion and texture of your skin, peel away the signs of aging with this fantastic product. Here is everything you need to know about it.
What Is Blue Peel?
Blue Peel, a medium-depth chemical peel by skincare leader Obagi, is a scientifically supported breakthrough in skin enhancement and rejuvenation. Formulated by renowned dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi, this unique blend of acids exfoliates dead cells, promoting the generation of healthier ones. Ideal for various skin types, it delivers an instant glow and tighter, smoother, and younger-looking skin. Apart from ageless beauty, it efficiently addresses diverse skin conditions. Administered as an in-office medical procedure, only physicians or trained specialists can perform Blue Peel treatments.
Features Of Blue Peel
- Chemically superior to standard facial peels
- Gentle superficial exfoliation with little to no downtime
- Optimum skin resurfacing with instant outcomes
- Customizable based on the skin type and patient’s needs
- Can be performed alone or combined with dermabrasion or CO2 laser treatment
Ingredients Of Blue Peel
While most chemical facial peels contain glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acid, the Blue Peel comprises a blue-colored trichloroacetic acid or TCA solution. It also includes salicylic acid to fight against pesky acne and breakouts.
How Does It Work?
Trichloracetic acid, the main active ingredient of Blue Peel, works by sloughing off the dead cells from the thin uppermost layer of aged and damaged skin. It also stimulates the production of fresher, healthier cells, thereby allowing the natural clarity and tightness of the skin to resurface. As a result, you get a less wrinkled, tighter, and renewed appearance. However, being a slow-acting compound, TCA gives physicians less control of the procedure. It enables them to tailor the method and depth of peeling to the patient’s unique requirements. Therefore, the new skin cells are revealed one layer at a time (1).
Read Also – How To Give Your Skin A Complete Makeover With ALASTIN Skincare
What To Treat?
Blue Peel can transform the entire skin by effectively improving several concerns. These include dullness, acne, fine lines, wrinkles, shallow acne scars, large pores, age spots, sun damage, blemishes, pigmentation, freckles, melasma, uneven skin tone, poor skin texture, etc.
Areas Of Treatment
Blue Peel can be used for both facial and non-facial treatments. Apart from the face, the procedure can also be performed on other body parts like the neck, chest, back, arms, hands, and legs.
Is Blue Peel Safe?
Blue Peel treatment is a proven and FDA-approved solution for skin aging. Moreover, there are no internal toxic effects as the trichloroacetic acid solution used in it does not get absorbed into the skin. Hence, it is entirely safe to use.
Ideal Candidates
Anybody who is unhappy with the quality of her skin and wants to reverse the appearance of signs of aging can consider Blue Peel. However, those with active cold sores, warts, or herpes simplex should postpone the treatment until the issues subside.
How To Prepare?
There is a pre-treatment kit by Obagi that helps prepare for the Blue Peel treatment. Physicians recommend using it at home to maximize the desired results. If you have lighter skin, use it at least 2-4 weeks before the procedure. If you have a darker skin tone, do it nearly 4-6 weeks ago. It would be best to stop using all sorts of beauty products that could irritate your skin two days before the treatment. Such products include exfoliants, cleansers, and toners containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, tretinoin, etc. Also, ensure that you steer clear of excessive sun exposure and regular hair removal practice (waxing, laser method, depilatory cream, electrolysis) 5 to 7 days before it (2).
The Procedure
- Typically, no sedation is required for the Blue Peel treatment. However, your physician can still indicate it, depending on the requirements.
- There will be a mild heat or burning sensation upon applying each coat. So, the physician sets up an electric fan to minimize the sensation and alleviate the discomfort.
- Then, he cleanses the skin of the area to be treated thoroughly. It is also allowed to dry completely.
- The Blue Peel is applied systematically to ensure an even outcome.
- Based on the type and nature of your skin, it is left for 5-10 minutes so that the solution can work properly.
- After that, the physician uses a medicated cleanser to remove the products from your skin.
- Finally, a layer of SPF is applied all over it.
Time And Sessions
Each session of the Blue Peel treatment takes around 25 to 30 minutes to be finished. Depending on your skin condition and exclusive goals, you may need 1-4 sessions spaced out over weeks (2 to 4) or months,
Post-Procedural Care
As mentioned earlier, a mild burning or stinging sensation is experienced during the procedure, which is usually comforted with fanning. However, it lasts only 2-3 minutes and is not very hurtful. There will be a light bluish tint on the treated area of the skin, which will wash off in the next 12 to 24 hours. Your skin will start peeling within 2-3 days, a slow process. So, be patient and do not pick at the flaky skin. Instead, use a soft towel to remove the dead skin gently. As the treatment takes effect, the skin will turn a little dry and red, which is normal. Ensure you do not go out in extreme sunlight and always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Also, no makeup should be used 7-10 days after the treatment.
Recovery And Downtime
Unlike other skin resurfacing treatments, Blue Peel takes only 7 to 10 days to recover completely.
Risks And Complications
Being a well-tolerated procedure, the Blue Peel treatment does not cause serious complications. The peeling of skin also takes place lightly and in a controlled manner.
Lasting Time
Blue Peel offers long-lasting benefits. Nonetheless, excessive sun exposure and a damaging lifestyle will shorten the duration of its effects.
Costs Involved
Each session of the Blue Peel treatment will cost you about $350 – $500.
Summary
Visible scars remind of past events or injuries, impacting aesthetics and skin functionality. Biocorneum, an advanced scar treatment by Sientra Inc., offers a solution. It features FDA-approved SilishieldTM technology and is a weightless gel formulation with SPF 30 protection. Silishield creates ‘bonds’ with the skin, enhancing Biocorneum’s effectiveness. Clinically backed and patented, it softens and flattens scars, making it a preferred choice for physicians. Suitable for various scars, Biocorneum is easy to apply, ensuring optimal results in two to three months. Available in three sizes, the largest is priced at $99.95.
References:
- “Obagi Blue Peels,” KassMD.com
- “Obagi Blue Peel Radiance,” NewportAesthetics.com
