Chemical peels are an important part of the cosmetic armamentarium.  Chemical peels utilize acids (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, trichloroacetic acid) to coagulate the epidermis and parts of the dermis. They effectuate an improvement in overall skin quality and resiliency.

Chemical peels are well tolerated in a clinic setting if they do not extend deep into the papillary dermis.  Deeper peels often require local anesthetic, conscious sedation, or even general anesthesia. The basic theme is that the deeper the peel, the more anesthetic is required.

If you are considering a chemical peel, do not compromise on anesthesia.  Proper anesthesia is an important part of keeping these procedures safe and ultimately reduces the incidence of complications. 

A blue peel is a deeper peel using TCA.  Depending on the depth of treatment, a deep or medium-depth peel will require some form of anesthesia.