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None of us can stop the natural process of aging and turn the clock back. But when our skin says more about our future than it says about our past, it can really be frustrating at times. After all, who wants a dull and unhealthy complexion with etched-in lines, deep wrinkles, and sporadic brown spots? While there are many age-reversing cosmetic procedures to help you unleash the full potential of your skin, not all of them are suitable for everyone. Chemical peeling is one of the simplest and easiest methods to try for this purpose and Blue Peel is so far the best among them. If you want to enhance the complexion and texture of your skin, just peel away the signs of aging with this amazing product. Here is everything you need to know about it.
What Is Blue Peel?
Blue Peel is a scientifically backed, clinical-quality, medium-depth chemical peel from the futuristic chemical peel range by the leading skincare company Obagi. Formulated by Dr. Zein Obagi, the world-renowned dermatologist and chemical peel expert, this transformational product is a breakthrough in skin enhancement and rejuvenation. Being a unique blend of acids, Blue Peel can work gently yet effectively to exfoliate the layers of dead cells and encourage the production of new, healthier ones. This results in a tighter, smoother, and younger-looking skin with an instant glow. It not only ‘promotes skin health and restores beauty’ irrespective of age, color, and skin type but also treats a range of skin conditions efficiently after just one treatment. However, the application of Blue Peel is an in-office medical procedure that can only be performed by a physician or a professionally trained specialist.
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 solution of trichloroacetic acid or TCA. It also comprises 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 fresh 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. But being a slow-acting compound, TCA provides full control of the procedure to the physicians. It enables them to tailor the method and depth of peeling to the unique requirements of the patient. Therefore, the new skin cells are revealed one layer at a time (1).
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What To Treat?
Blue Peel can transform the entire skin by improving a number of concerns effectively. 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 parts of the body like 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 completely safe to use.
Ideal Candidates
Anybody who is not happy with the quality of her skin and wants to reverse the appearance of signs of aging can consider Blue Peel. However, those who have 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 in preparing for the Blue Peel treatment. Physicians recommend to use it at home in order to maximize the desired results. If you have lighter skin, use it at least 2-4 weeks prior to undergoing the procedure. If you have a darker skin tone, do it nearly 4-6 weeks ago. You should also stop using all sorts of beauty products that could potentially irritate your skin 2 days before the treatment. Such products include exfoliants, cleansers, and toners containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, tretinoin, etc. Also, make sure that you steer clear of excessive sun exposure and regular hair removal practice (waxing, laser method, depilatory cream, electrolysis) 5 to 7 days prior to it (2).
Read Also – 10 Ways Peel-Off Masks Can Benefit You
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 the application of 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.
- Now, the Blue Peel is applied in a systematic pattern 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. You may need 1-4 sessions spaced out over weeks (2 to 4) or months depending on your skin condition and exclusive goals.
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 for 2-3 minutes and hence, is not much 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 and it will be a slow process. So, be patient and do not pick at the flaky skin. Rather, 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 absolutely normal. Make sure that you do not go out in the extreme sunlight and always wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Also, no makeup should be used for 7-10 days after the treatment.
Recovery And Downtime
Unlike other skin resurfacing treatments, Blue Peel takes only 7 to 10 days for a complete recovery.
Risks And Complications
Being a well-tolerated procedure, the Blue Peel treatment does not cause any serious complication. 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.
References:
- “Obagi Blue Peels”, KassMD.com
- “Obagi Blue Peel Radiance”, NewportAesthetics.com
