Obagi Blue Peel

I am getting more and more interested with the Obagi Blue Peel. Once I have my finances on greater heights (and the strength to accept that I will be literally blue for a day or two), I will absolutely try this out!

Thanks to Ria (*waves hi*) who asked me 'bout this chemical peel procedure:

What is the Obagi Blue Peel?

This treatment uses a low concentration of chemical trichloroacetic acid (TCA) mixed with a special Obagi blue base to slow down penetration. Blue Peel treatment allows your doctor to monitor the appropriate depth of peel to effectively remove the thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin from the face or other parts of the body. Dead skin cells are replaced with healthier ones, allowing the skin's own clarity and tightness to resurface.

This treatment best addresses sun-damaged skin, wrinkles, large pores, age spots and hyperpigmentation.

Obagi Blue Peel can be performed on the neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs.

How will the treatment go about?

Application of the blue peel takes about 20mins depending on the number of coats deemed necessary by your doctor. You will experience a mild burning sensation that lasts 2-3mins (a fan can minimize the uncomfortable sensation). Immediately after the procedure, a bluish tint remains on your skin which will usually wash off in 12 to 24 hours.

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How long is the recovery period?

You will be experiencing light swelling and your skin will begin to peel within 2-3 days. The peeling will continue over the next several days and should be healed in an average of 7-10 days.

For lighter, exfoliative Obagi Blue Peel, healing is completed in 3-6 days.

How will my skin look after recovery/healing?

You will immediately notice the dramatic results of your newly improved complexion after the peeling process. Your skin's appearance will continue to improve for the next 4-6 weeks, becoming firmer, clearer, smoother and more youthful-looking.

Can I apply makeup after the treatment?

To best aid in the recovery process, makeup should only be applied after the skin completely heals.

How frequently do I need this treatment?

Depending on your goals and skin condition, your derma will tell you the number of peels necessary. In most cases, 1-3 Blue Peels can achieve dramatic improvement in many skin problems. The peels can be performed in 6- to 8-week intervals until your desired goals are reached.

TCA vs Obagi Blue Peel

Essentially, these two have similar, coveted effects on the skin. They pretty much have the same length of downtime (~1 week).  Depending on your budget, you can choose the TCA peeling if you are running quite low on the dough but still want to maintain a radiant, youthful skin.

The Obagi Peel will be very ideal for those who find TCA peel treatment too strong for their sensitive skin. This procedure also decreases the risk for burns (which is rather high with TCA).

Another point of difference is the treatment interval. TCA is designed to be applied monthly/bi-monthly, while the blue peel is performed every 6-8 weeks.

How expensive is the Obagi Blue Peel?

My derma, Doc Six Foronda, charges P7,500 (~$170) per session. House of Obagi offers Blue Peel treatment at P10,080 (~$220) per session.

(my derma did not recommend the obagi blue peel for my skin though. my religious bi-monthly TCA sessions with her were already enough to address my uneven skin tone, rough-looking skin and pimple marks)

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Sixta Foronda, M.D. (7522087)
6F Aesthetics and Anti-Ageing Center
14/F Medical Plaza Bldg.,
Amorsolo cor Dela Rosa St., Makati

House of Obagi
SM North (3320421)
Trinoma (9166564)