Does your skin have to be prepped using Obagi products to have a Blue Peel done? How long do you have to stay out of the sun?

Thank you for your question.  The Blue Peel is an excellent treatment for resistant pigment and sun damage, melasma, and fine lines and wrinkles.  In general, I recommend that my patients prep for at least 6-8 weeks with excellent sun protection, and a combination of hydroquinone and Retin A/retinol (usually with either Obagi or ZO Medical products).  Patients with darker skin types may benefit from a longer preparation period.  I recommend avoiding any direct sun exposure while your skin is healing from the peel (up to two weeks).  Even after you skin has healed fully, daily sun protection is vital for maintaining your results.  I find that excellent skin prep and sun avoidance is essential for ensuring good results and for avoiding side effects.
The Blue Peel can be a complex procedure - I would recommend seeing only a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon with extensive experience and expertise in chemical peels.

Every specialist will have their own pre Blue peel prep- universally it's the sunscreen to be as pale and sun protected as possible. Most of us like using HQ pre peel, as this can reduce rebound pigmentation. Some like Vitamin A creams such as tretinoin before, as this can aid in wound healing and increase (slightly) the penetration of the peel. Be guided by your Specialist. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.