Question 1

What is the Blue Peel?

Accepted Answer

The Blue Peel is an in-office chemical peel that exfoliates surface layers of skin to treat acne, fine lines and wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone and texture. Primarily used on the face, the Blue Peel can also be applied to the neck, chest, back, hands, and even arms and legs. Its acid solution causes layers of aging and damaged skin to peel away, revealing healthy new skin. Developed by Beverly Hills dermatologic surgeon Dr. Zein Obagi, it’s often called the Obagi Blue Peel.

The peel’s active ingredient is trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which is mixed with a blue pigment (hence the name) that helps your doctor see where the solution has been applied, for even distribution. The TCA “unglues” the dead layers of skin that are sticking to the surface and allows them to slough off. It can penetrate deeper than other exfoliating acids, like AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid), for more significant results.

For the peel, “15% TCA is recommended for normal, sensitive, dry, or thin skin for lighter exfoliation, and 20% is recommended for thicker skin or someone who needs more correction,” says Dr. Joseph Hunstad, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Huntersville, North Carolina, in a RealSelf Q&A. Either way, it’s an intense acid preparation that should be applied only in a doctor’s office by a qualified medical professional.

Question 2

Before you peel

Accepted Answer

Before you peel

Your doctor will recommend a skincare routine to prep your skin for four to eight weeks ahead of your peel appointment. He or she might recommend the Obagi Nu-Derm system, but one of the most important ingredients to use pre-peel is a retinoid, like Retin-A. Many treatments require you to stop using retinol beforehand, but in this case, retinol helps with healing by speeding cell turnover. Another ingredient to consider adding: hydroquinone, a skin-bleaching agent that reduces the likelihood of pigmentation complications from the peel. The darker your skin, the longer your doctor will recommend you use this routine before your peel, to decrease the risk of hypo- and hyperpigmentation.

RealSelf Tip: Hydroquinone effectively brightens skin by decreasing the formation of melanin, but it’s a controversial ingredient that has been banned in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia because of safety concerns. We recommend doing your due diligence to decide if it’s something you want to use.

Question 3

What happens during the peel

Accepted Answer

The Blue Peel procedure takes about 30 minutes. Your doctor will apply the TCA solution in one to four layers, depending on the extent of your skin damage and what your skin can handle. When applied, the peel may burn and sting; some offices will blow chilled air at the treated area during the procedure. Depending on your pain tolerance, your doctor may provide a local anesthetic or sedation.

Question 4

Downtime and recovery

Accepted Answer

Downtime and recovery

Your skin will have a bluish tint for 12–24 hours after you leave your doctor’s office and may be a little swollen. The peeling starts after a couple days and continues for up to 10. To avoid scarring, allow the skin peel off on its own—do not pick at it or pull it off. While it’s not particularly painful and doesn’t interfere with your abilities, some people take time off work during the peeling phase because of how it looks. Your skin might be irritated, with redness, burning, and itching. Gently cleanse your skin and keep it moisturized. You may use hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. Once peeled, your fresh skin will be a little pink and extra sensitive to sun exposure. It’s important to stay out of direct sunlight and wear SPF (like you always should) to avoid skin damage.

One peel yields satisfactory results in most cases, but you can have another one after seven weeks and then yearly to maintain results.

RealSelf members have given the Blue Peel a 74% Worth It Rating, and those most pleased with their results were treating dark spots of hyperpigmentation from sun damage.

One peel yields satisfactory results in most cases, but you can have another one after seven weeks and then yearly to maintain results.

RealSelf members have given the Blue Peel a type: embedded-entry-inline id: Ks6V6ARYAktTMUTOEu3el Worth It Rating, and those most pleased with their results were treating dark spots of hyperpigmentation from sun damage.

Question 5

How much does the Blue Peel cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost varies, depending on the concentration of the acid, the number of layers applied, and the type of sedation or anesthesia used, if any. The price will also vary with your doctor’s location and experience.

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Question 6

Blue Peel before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The Blue Peel photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 7

Alternatives to the Blue Peel

Accepted Answer

Similar to the Blue Peel: the Controlled Depth Peel and Blue Peel Radiance. The Controlled Depth Peel is more intense, with a higher concentration of TCA (20–26%), while Blue Peel Radiance is gentler, with 20% salicylic acid as the active ingredient. All versions of the Blue Peel are done in a doctor’s office, and your doctor will recommend what’s best for you.