What are chemical peels and how do they work?

The procedure known as chemical peeling (or chemexfoliation to give it its proper name) involves the application of a chemical solution to the surface of the skin to produce the careful removal of its outer layers. The amount of skin removed will depend on the type of chemical used, the strength of this product and how long it is left on the skin.

Chemical peels are usually described according to how deep they work on the skin. Below are some examples of the type of peels and the kind of language you can expect to hear used when discussing chemical peels.

Look at the diagram below to see where the different layers are and where different types of peels act on the skin.

SUPERFICIAL PEELS ( Agera RX, LA PEEL)
Remove the outer layer of the skin or the "epidermal layers".

MEDIUM DEPTH PEELS (Obagi Blue PEEL)
Remove both the epidermal layers and upper dermal layers. These are the next layers down as you can see on the diagram.

DEEP PEELS (Phenol)
Peeling extends deeper into the lower dermal layer of the skin.

No matter how deep the peel, your skin will re-grow and should heal fully.

If you choose to have a deeper peel - maybe to get rid of wrinkles or acne scars - when the skin re-grows, it will not "remember" the blemishes that were there before. As the new skin develops, a new band of collagen in the dermis will grow along with a thicker epidermis. Hence, your skin will appear smoother and more perfect than before the treatment.

The deeper the peel, the greater potential for improvement to the skin. However, a minority of people can experience some side effects with deeper peels.

What will happen during the treatment?

During your initial consultation, we will perform a full facial analysis and discuss in detail the proposed treatment plan and your cosmetic goals. With all types of peel you may need to use specified homecare products for a minimum of 2 weeks before your treatment, to prepare your skin and so optimise results.

The actual treatment takes approximately 20 minutes. A slight burning or stinging sensation may be felt during application but this usually subsides immediately once the solution is removed or neutralised - usually within 2 minutes. Your skin may feel a little tight for a couple of hours after the procedure.

How many treatments will I need?

Results of a superficial peel are temporary: an initial series of 6 treatments done at 2-3 week intervals is recommended to obtain the best results. After this, a maintenance treatment every 6-8 weeks will keep pores unclogged, control breakouts and dramatically enhance the overall texture and quality of your skin.

How safe is it?
Superficial and medium peels are considered very safe treatments. However, there are some associated risks, including infection, skin colour changes and scarring. The treated skin may appear darker or be tight or swollen for a time. You will need to avoid exposure to the sun for some time after your peel, but you will be given detailed information on this and other aftercare, depending on the strength of your peel.


Aftercare

It is essential to completely avoid sun exposure for at least 48 hours post-treatment. A high SPF is recommended on an ongoing basis to maintain results. You will be back to work or play immediately after our superficial peels.

MORE ABOUT THE OBAGI BLUE PEEL

What is a 'Blue peel'?

Obagi blue peel is a superior chemical peel, part of the obagi system which includes 'nu derm' and blender obagi products.
"Obagi Blue Peel" is a chemical peeling treatment developed by Dr. Zein Obagi as an improvement to traditional Trichloroacetic Acid Peels. A measured application of blue glycerine, mixed with trichloracetic acid (TCA) in a patented process, improves patient safety by visually indicating the TCA solution strength and facial skin coverage.

Between one and four bluepeel applications, or layers can be applied at one time, though local anesthetic may be required for more than one covering.

Bluepeel's solution strength
Each coat penetrates the skin to a deeper level, and darkens the blue shade of blue peel.

I had two coats in one treatment session. The number of blue peeling layers necessary was decided by my Obagi trained dermatologist, based on his opinion of the condition of my skin.

Each blue peel application removes a thin surface layer of damaged skin, restoring tighter, smoother and clearer-looking skin, regardless of age, color or skin type, and is suitable for those who do not need a full cosmetic facelift, but want to remove minor skin blemishes and improve skin tone.

A TCA peel can achieve results similar to those of deeper chemical peels or laser treatments.

Will Blue Peel damage my skin?

Blue peel Chemical Peel peels the skin in a regulated manner and will not cause any long term skin problems.


One of the key advantages of the patented 'Obagi Blue peel system' is that the bluepeel solution's depth of color indicates both the coverage & the strength of the TCA solution.

How will my skin look after a chemical face peel?

When your skin has completely finished the chemical peeling, you will immediately notice dramatic results of your newly improved complexion. Your skin's condition will improve for the next 30 to 40 days, and become firmer, clearer, smoother, healthier and younger looking, as fresh skin replaces the old

Before and after Dermadoc skin care (prescribed by M.D.Only)

BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES OF PEELS

OBAGI BLUE PEEL

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