Obagi Blue Peel Without Nuderm Prep. Will This Turn out Bad?

Hi rebb in Vero Beach, FL,

The Obagi Blue Peel is typically a TCA peel, which may result in a superficial or medium depth chemical peel. As with any skin resurfacing or chemical peel, preparation and post-treatment care is essential to maximize results and reduce risks. The Nu Derm system helps prepare the skin largely due to the tretinoin and skin lightening agents. Without skin preparation, your cosmetic results may not be as optimal or the recovery may not be as ideal.

Each cosmetic specialist has his/her own specific pre-treatment and post-trreatment care instructions. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a dermatologist or plastic surgeon help determine appropriate options for you. Speak with your chemical peel provider and express any concerns with them. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki

To achieve the optimal results of an OBAGI Blue
Peel, preparation and post care are a must. At minimum, use of the OBAGI
Nu-Derm system w/ Tretinoin 4-6 weeks prior to the peel will ensure the skin is
in an ideal state to respond to the peel. In some cases, we have the patient
prep for up to 12 weeks prior to the Blue Peel depending on the initial
condition of the skin. The OBAGI Blue Peel will continue to work within the
skin for approximately 60 days. Therefore, the post care will be just as
important as preparatory care when seeking an optimal result. I cannot
say with certainty that you will look odd if only treating below the eyes with the peel.  What I will say is this: the face is always viewed in its entirety.
Therefore, when treating the face, I recommend treating so that the end result
is uniform.

To get the best results from any chemical peel, especially a mid strength one such as an Obagi Blue Peel, the prep is an essential part of the peel. Prepping the skin will make the peel penetrate more evenly and more predictably, and should result in faster healing time. Using the Obagi NuDerm system with tretinoin cream for at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to the peel is optimal. At the very least you should be using tretinoin cream for one month before the peel.