Microdermabrasion

Now that you have managed to get rid of your acne, what do you do with those ugly scars? If you have mild scarring, you can try several acne products and medicines that can treat them. However, for severe acne scars, they must be treated by a dermatologist, using a combination of surgical procedures and skin resurfacing therapy.

Available Acne Scars Treatment Options

The following methods are quite effective at treating acne scars: laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and chemical peels. You should consult with your dermatologist to choose the most suitable treatment for you.

Treating Acne Scars with Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is one of the most advanced methods for treating acne scars. This treatment works by shedding the top layers of the skin that is damaged. The skin heals and newer, smoother appearing skin replaces the damaged layer. Treatments usually take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The skin usually will completely heal after 3 - 10 days. This is an effective and promising treatment since the laser can precisely control the depth of penetration into the skin.

Your skin will experience redness and swelling after the treatment and proper post operative care of the skin must be followed to ensure success.

Treating Acne Scars with Dermabrasion

Another popular treatment option for acne scars is dermabrasion. This method works by physically scraping off the top layer of the skin using an abrasive disc. As the skin heals, a new and smoother layer replaces the abraded skin. It takes between 10 days and three weeks for skin to heal between treatments. If you want a less invasive treatment option, you may opt for a microdermabrasion, which effectively scrapes off a very thin layer of the skin. As a result, recovery time is shorter.

Acne Scars Treatment with Chemical Peel

With chemical peel treatment, different tpes of acid are applied to the skin to remove the top layer so that smoother and newer layer can surface. The procedure usually takes about 20 minutes or so. This method is ideal for mild cases of scars. It takes about a week or more for the skin to heal after the treatments. Reddening and discomfort may occur during the healing process.

Other Acne Scars Treatment Options

Other treatment options for acne scar may include surgery or collagen. For severe cases of acne scars, your doctor may recommend plastic surgery. This is an expensive option however.

As you can see, effective treatments are available for your scars and you should not leave your scars untreated. Do some research, talk to your dermatologist and skin care specialist to find out which treatment is suitable for your skin conditions. You too can have beautiful, smooth, youthful looking skin like Hollywood movie stars if you know how to care and treat it.

By: Susan Bienize

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Chemical peels are used for the removal of skin blemishes or wrinkles. The skin becomes smooth and the skin texture and appearance will improve with the solution used by the chemical peels. It does so by stripping away the damaged outer layers of the skin.

In this process of stripping away, chemical peels can lessen, and in some cases, even eliminate blemishes, hyper-pigmentation and wrinkles. Acne scars and the occurrence of acne can also be reduced with the help of chemical peels.

It is very important that, first of all, that you get proper assessment on your current skin condition. By this you can properly understand your skin’s needs and proper skin treatment.

Some people are under the myth that chemical skin peels are the cure for their skin problems. The proper chemical peel will target your particular problems provide the sufficient solution.

Types Of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are of three types. You may choose one according to your needs and circumstance. The available chemical peels are divided into three categories:

* Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA)

* Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)

* Phenol

Each of these categories of chemical peels, vary in their use, potency and inconvenience. You can take the help of your dermatologist in deciding the right kind of chemical peel for you.

A dermatologist will help you determine which peel program is right for you. He may suggest a customized solution for you. Make sure you understand what the dermatologist is about to do before actually agreeing to the procedure. Make sure to clarify all your queries.

Alphahydroxy acids

The mildest of the chemical peels are the Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs). Usually, these chemical peels are made of fruit, glycolic, and lactic acids. These chemical peels may not show as impressive effects as the other peels.

However, these chemical peels are best for those who do not have time to recover from the other chemical peel procedures. Depending on your dermatologist’s advice these chemical peels are applied weekly or periodically. But they do result in smoother, finer looking skin after a few treatments.

Some dermatologists will incorporate AHA into the daily skin care regimen of the patient. This may be in soaps, facial cleanser, etc. Commercial AHA facial care solutions are also available that can be applied everyday.

Trichloroacetic Acid

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is an intermediate chemical peel. These chemical peels are useful for those who wish to have the effects almost as impressive as phenol chemical peels but cannot dedicate too much time to healing as in the case of those who prefer AHA peels.

You can require more than one chemical peel to achieve the desired effect. This skin treatment is ideal for medium depth peeling. It is also the ideal peel for blemishes and fine lines, which are not that severe.

Phenol

The most effective of the chemical peels is the Phenol. These types of chemical peels take some time to heal. They are recommended in cases that feature coarse wrinkles and severe blemishes such as blotching, coarse skin, etc.

Phenol is also a strong whitening agent and this may be an aspect in considering whether to choose this sort of treatment. Phenol chemical peels are primarily a facial treatment. It may result in scarring if the application is used for other parts of the body.

Side Effects Of Chemical Peels

The possible side effects of chemical peels is that the possibility of demarcation lines, lines that show which part of the face received skin treatment and which did not, redness, irritation, and other side effects.

Post Treatment Instructions

Because of the usual state of newly peeled skin, the redness and irritation is normal. Your dermatologist will advise you on the care and upkeep of tender skin. It is generally recommended for those who have undergone this skin treatment that they stay out of the sun for several months as to protect the newly formed skin.

But that is to be expected from such procedures. All in all, chemical peels are safe, although they may cause some inconvenience. The risks for scarring are low. However, a certified professional must perform the procedure to ensure safety.

By: Alien

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When preparing for any type of medical procedure, it is natural to be nervous. This is especially true if a patient doesn’t know what to expect. When preparing for a medical procedure such as a chemical peel, it is important to know what will likely happen before, during and after the procedure.

General Peel Information

Chemical peels are done to help reduce wrinkles, scarring and other skin imperfections. Chemical peels essentially remove layers of the skin and allow new layers to grow in. These new layers are generally smoother and more even than the older skin layers that are removed during the chemical peel process.

Chemical peels usually work best for individuals with fairer skin tones, although superficial and medium peels can work well on individuals with darker skin tones. Deep chemical peels are generally not given to individuals with darker skin tones because this procedure can actually bleach the skin. This bleaching can be permanent.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are three basic types of chemical peels, divided by the deepness of the peel. These include peels that are superficial, medium and deep. The expectations a person should have vary depending on the type of peel that person is receiving.

Superficial Peels

Superficial peels are usually conducted with a liquid or paste that is applied directly to the face using gauze, a brush or other specialized applicator. After a few minutes, the chemical is then removed with water or alcohol. Superficial peels may require no time off of work and are generally not overly painful. This type of peel can be done every few weeks in many cases. This skin may turn pink for a couple of days after this procedure and the patient will generally see one round of peeling before his or her skin returns to normal.

Medium Depth Peels

Medium depth peels are conducted in a similar manner as superficial peels. However, the chemicals are left on the skin for a longer period of time. There is little pain after the procedure is complete however, there may be pain and stinging while the chemicals are still on. A patient may be given pain medication during this process to help with the pain. Many people that get this type of chemical peel take a day or two off of work to recover. This type of peel can generally be done every six to eight months. Medium peels can result in water blisters and a couple of rounds of peeling.

Deep Chemical Peels

By: Tiffany Bradford

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Looking for a good stretch mark solution can be both a very challenging and frustrating experience. Since people’s skins are unique, not all methods have the same level of effectiveness. Discover the facts about different solutions and see what solution will work best for you.

Fact #1: Stretch mark solution advice will depend on who is giving it.

Different people have different views on how to best remove stretch mark. For example, your dermatologist may suggest that a dermabrasion session is the best solution for you while your surgeon may suggest surgery. In truth, every stretch mark solution option have their advantages and disadvantages.

Dermabrasion may be less effective than surgery but on the other hand, it is a less invasive solution. Dermabrasion may simply be described as a more drastic form of skin exfoliation where very fine wires rapidly spin across your skin, getting rid of dead skin cells to make room for new skin. However, this does not directly address the problem of stretch mark since stretch marks develop from the inner layers of the skin.

Surgery is actually a more effective stretch mark solution but it is also riskier, more invasive, more expensive and may not work for all parts of the body. At present, abdominal stretch marks are the only ones that can be solved by a tummy tuck. This stretch mark solution however can give you weeks of pain and discomfort and may even lead to infections and a larger, more visible external skin scar.

Fact #2: The least invasive stretch mark solution is to leave the marks as they are.

There are also some people who will advise you to simple avoid doing anything or applying anything on the stretch mark scars since these may eventually fade over time. However, this wait-and-see stretch mark solution would mean that you have to wait and possibly waste some of the best years of your life until the stretch marks simply fade. In addition to waiting, there is also the possibility that you gain more weight over time and thus, instead of diminishing the scars, time and more weight will only add more to it.

You can also simply wear one piece suits to the beach. That would however, most likely remove part of the fun of being at the beach. In the beach, you’d want to naturally show off a bit or just be yourself without feeling conscious about other people staring at you.

Fact #3: Practical and natural solutions do not always eliminate stretch marks permanently but they are the safest and most active way to get rid of stretch marks.

Instead of blowing your money over risky medical procedures that are not even guaranteed stretch mark solutions, you can try the natural way. One natural stretch mark solution is to watch your weight. This may sometimes be difficult though since you may not always be able to perfectly limit body expansion especially if you are pregnant. You can always try your best though to maintain a regular diet and keep your self hydrated.

One other natural stretch mark solution is to exercise. Aerobic exercises improve blood circulation and help in the proper distribution of oxygen and nutrients to the different cells in the body. This may help maintain your skin’s elasticity and general health. Other forms of exercise however, such as muscle building exercises, may result in more stretch marks due to muscle expansion.

To achieve the best possible result, take a natural supplement along with your natural stretch mark solution in order to provide your skin with nutrients that may be lacking from your diet.

By: Maia Pells

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To first understand the TCA peel and how it defers from other skin peels we must first discuss what a chemical peel is.

What really is a chemical peel? A chemical peel is a controlled caustic solution applied to the skin which will result in the breaking of cellular bonds in the top layers of the skin. This will result in peeling and new skin underneath being uncovered. This will give the skin a fresh, rejuvenated look.

Some skin peels are more superficial than others. A glycolic or lactic or fruit peel tend to be very light or weak and are considered to be more superficial. Light peels tend to have minor results that are not long lasting. Medium to deep peels like the TCA peel, Obagi Blue Peel and Phenol peel can go much deeper and produce astounding results. The Phenol peel is rarely used anymore due to its toxicity.

The Obagi Blue Peel is just a brand name TCA peel and is a cream mixture with a blue green dye in it that dyes the face to indicate where it has and has not been applied. The Obagi Blue Peel still requires the addition of TCA from a TCA peel to make it active.

TCA peels have been found effective and approved by the FDA for treatment of various skin disorders like skin pigmentation problems, wrinkles, fine lines and crows feet around the eyes and even all ranges of acne. Yes, TCA peels have been found to be one of the most effective skin care treatments currently available and are now available for in home use.

TCA peels used to be only an in office treatment offered by doctors, dermatologists and plastic surgeons at $500 – $20-00 per application. It was a beauty or skin care treatment for the rich. Now, TCA peels can be purchased at a great savings for in home use. TCA peels have quickly become one of the most sought after treatments known to the plastic surgery and makeover community. Its no wonder as they can actually cure bad and mild cases of acne, reverse the aging process by turning back the clock and making skin look 10 or more years younger, and remove skin problems like bad pigmentation spots, pre cancerous legions and even treat cancerous areas.

The TCA peel is one of the most effective and widely applicable skin care treatments available either in office of for home use and should be made a staple of any skin care regimen.

By: David Maillie

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A chemical skin peel is a popular procedure used to treat various skin problems and conditions from acne, age spots, wrinkles and even some cancerous and precancerous growths. A caustic acid or substance is applied to the skin to burn and usually slough off or remove the outer layers of the skin (epidermis) and allow new skin to grow. Some chemical peels may go deeper into the dermis (next layer of skin). The purpose of this chemical peeling is to remove damaged, blemished, sun-damaged, freckled skin and replace it with younger, healthier skin. After healing the skin will be tighter, thicker (due to increased collagen production - an added benefit of the stronger peels). Upon healing the skin may appear fuller, smoother with smaller pores and with less wrinkles and fine lines. Basically ones skin will look rejuvenated and more youthful following a chemical peel.

There are many types and varieties of these chemical peels. They are usually grouped and defined by their relative strength and depth of the peel that is achieved. There are basically four groups, the light peels (AHA), light oil-based peels (BHA), medium peels (TCA), and deep peels (Phenol). AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) - These are the mildest of the peels. They are usually sugar derived hence their names, glycolic, malic, lactic and other fruit acids. These peels are usually performed by a dermatologist or esthetician and have minimal healing or downtime. Downtime is referred to as the time when the skin is healing and may be uncomfortable to be viewed in public due to peeling and possibly discolored dead skin that is usually associated with a deeper peel. These lighter peels are usually done on an outpatient basis and are commonly referred to as a ‘lunch time’ peel. An occlusive dressing similar to plastic wrap or layering (more than one application at one time) may be used to drive the acid in further and result in a deeper peel. They are effective for light skin pigmentation problems, reduction of oil produced by overactive sebaceous glands, sun spots, light sun damage and other minor skin problems. Usually multiple treatments are required to have the desired effect as it is not a deep peel. AHA’s are easily dissolved in water and are prepared either as a liquid or a cream. Glycolic acid is the most popular and extensively used of these peels.

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) - The main difference between these acids and alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) is that BHA’s are only oil soluble. There is basically only one BHA, salicylic acid. This unique feature of being oil soluble makes this acid very effective in cleaning and removing bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum oil from deep inside the pores. Because of this solubility difference, salicylic acid is better suited for use on oily, irritated skin with postules, blackheads and whiteheads. It is available in numerous forms, cream, gel, lotions, shampoo and topical solutions. The latter two forms are primarily for treating the scalp as salicylic acid has also been found effective in the treatment of dandruff, psoriasis, and dermatitis of the skin and scalp. Same as with AHA peels, occlusive dressings and/or layering may be used to drive the acid in farther.

TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) - TCA or trichloroacetic acid peels are deeper medium depth peels. TCA is a more effective and longer lasting peel than the sugar and citric peels as it goes deeper into the dermis and can therefore treat more skin ailments, conditions and problems. A TCA peel does not require layering or occlusive dressings (methods used to drive AHA and BHA peels deeper). TCA, being a deeper peel, is effective on more skin conditions and problems. Basically a TCA peel has the benefits of both AHA and BHA peels along with deeper penetration and longer lasting effects. Healing or downtime tends to be longer as much as several weeks or more depending on the depth achieved. Peeling is more severe and the results more dramatic. TCA peels are routinely used by dermatologist and plastic surgeons in office as recommended treatments for all stages of acne including acne vulgaris. Numerous clinical studies have found to be every bit as effective as Accutane without any of the side effects (Accutane has been in the news lately for some rather severe potential side effects). TCA peels have also been proven to remove and treat freckles, years of sun damage, bad pigmentation, scars, loose skin and wrinkles and fine lines. TCA has recently even been used by doctors to treat, remove and lighten tattoos. Phenol Peels. Phenol peels are the deepest chemical skin peels. They commonly result in a permanent bleaching pigmentation effect as they reach deeply through the dermis.. Phenol is toxic when absorbed through the skin and can effect heart rate, function and cause arrythmias, so a phenol peel is always done in a doctors care and with anesthesia as it is the deepest and most painful of the peels. It is a last resort peel due to its harshness and bleaching properties. Phenol is rarely performed nowadays due to its toxicity and the advent of safer medium depth peels like the TCA peel. Phenol peels have a long healing process and can require extensive care.

There are various derivatives of each of these 4 groups, but basically these are the various chemical skin peelsl. Clinical studies published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery and elsewhere show the TCA peels are the most effective of the peels on the most skin conditions and problems. Regardless of the peel used, maximum sun protection must be used to protect the new skin from harmful UV rays that can cause cancer in unprotected skin. A high SPF (sun protection factor) sun block and protective attire (hats) are recommended.

By: David Maillie

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Stretch marks have been plaguing a lot of people for a long time now. This condition is hard to avoid since it occurs as our body changes naturally. But contrary to popular belief, there are ways to prevent stretch marks from developing. You can also find methods for removing stretch marks that have already aged.

It can take time to remove the lines. It’s hard to remove stretch marks that have already formed because these are actually scars. And unlike the scars on the surface of our skin, stretch marks are even harder to get rid of because they are formed in the middle layers of the skin. This layer is called the dermis and these scars only develop when there is a rapid growth in the body. For example during your teen years, your body starts to expand so stretch marks will definitely start to form.

Pregnancy - Likewise for pregnant women, the body parts that begin to expand are the breasts, thighs, and abdomen. Hormones also contribute to these bodily changes. Stretch marks develop because when the body expands, the underlying tissues get stretched. And once they have reached their limits, they begin to tear. The collagen production is also interrupted that is why it cannot heal these torn tissues which results to the formation of these unsightly marks.

Surgery - Some people find it very hard to live with their stretch marks and want it removed as soon as possible. So they start considering the different surgical procedures for removing stretch marks. The more famous methods are laser surgery, tummy tuck, and dermabrasion.

Other Surgical Options - Although a tummy tuck will help you get rid of stretch marks, this procedure will leave you with a visible scar because this operation was in the first place actually meant for removing stubborn fats. There are major risks involved in undergoing this major operation and it will leave you in pain for several weeks because you will need time to heal.

Dermabrasion Procedure - A less risky method is laser surgery but it will not be an effective treatment for scars that have already aged. Dermabrasion is a simple procedure of stripping away the dead skin cells. Even if this is not a serious procedure, the results will not leave you satisfied because there is no guarantee that all of your stretch marks will be removed.

Going Natural - If you do not have the desire to risk your life or pay too much just to get rid of your marks then maybe you should opt for the natural way. There is a stretch mark prevention product in the market that is made up of all natural substances. The components of this formula are aloe vera, grapefruit seed extract, squalene oil, DL-penthenol, and vitamins A, D, and E. These ingredients work together to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to make the skin more elastic and strong, thus keeping the tissues from breaking.  Furthermore, some of the ingredients work as antioxidants and they help heal the skin.

The Root of the Problem - This product prevention product works more effectively than other treatments because it penetrates the skin and reaches the root of the problem. It also doesn’t employ synthetic chemicals like other removing stretch marks products. And with continued use of the cream, you will no longer worry about getting stretch marks ever again because the formula will prevent this from happening.

By: Maia Pells

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The Obagi Blue Peel has been featured on numerous talk shows, reality shows, and even on Oprah. So, what exactly is the infamous Obagi Blue Peel and what makes it so famous or desirable? Why do womens magazines rave about it and why do women wait in line to pay $500+ per peel? This article will fully explain the Obagi Blue Peel, pure TCA alternatives, pre and post skin care treatments, what one can expect, and how to save big on a TCA peel and post treatment.

The Obagi Blue Peel is really a blue green cream invented by Dr. Obagi with dyes that color the skin so doctors, dermatologists and plastic surgeons know where the skin peel has and hasn’t been applied. It actual doesn’t have any acid in it until it is added by the doctor. Obagi Blue Peels are used with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), the active ingredient, which must be obtained seperately (for more information on the leading manufacturer of TCA for skin peels please see the link below) and then added in various strengths to the Obagi cream. Many doctors have found that using the TCA by itself in strengths of 20-50% has had better and longer lasting results and quicker application times (this results in happier patients).

The purpose of any chemical skin peels is to remove the top most layers of the skin revealing fresh, younger looking skin. Chemical skin peels range in strength from light glycolic acid to deeper TCA and phenol skin peels (we won’t mention phenol peels as thay are highly toxic, can cause skin bleaching and most doctors will not even offer them). TCA peels, like the Obagi Blue Peel mixture are the most effective of the chemical peels and have been used by tens of thousands of dootors to treat acne, rosacea, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, aging and sun damaged skin, etc… TCA has also been found to increase the production of collagen which can result in younger, more elastic and plump skin.

The Obagi Blue Peel cream slows the activity of the TCA and also weakens it so pretreatment with alpha hydroxy solutions is necessary for best results. Pure TCA, on the other hand, is a very fast acting acid and requires no pretreatment other than removing excess oil with a good soap or cleanser. The Obagi Blue Peel is applied in layers, depending on the depth desired and skin problems being addressed. Pure TCA is applied in sections. The skin will turn red and/or whiten indicating it is done and needs to be neutralized. The pure TCA is then neutralized with a soothing mixture of water, ice and baking soda. The Obagi Blue Peel does not usually need to be neutralized as it is a much weaker solution and will self neutralize on the skin.

Post peel, for any chemical peel, solutions and creams to promote healing and prevent bacterial infections are necessary. There are many over priced solutions on the market, but none work better than Neosporin antibacterial crème or its generic equivalents. Neosporin costs at most $3 (compare this to the cost of some of the post treatment cremes available as they can cost up to $100 and aren’t any more effective). Obagi Blue Peel will usually cost $500+ and requires several applications and expensive pretreatments (the required pretreatment, Obagi Nu Derm, can cost $250+) as it is a weaker peel. Pure TCA, is now available for in home use at a tremendous savings (see the link below) and requires fewer treatments for significant results.

By: David Maillie

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While acne does affect about 90% of adolescents, only a small majority of those affected are left with scars. However, those who are left with scars often look for acne scar removal methods that work to remove or diminish the scars. Fortunately, there are many options available for acne scar removal.

Acne scar removal can be by dermabrasion. This is a process where the top layers of the skin are removed with the use of a machine that literally abrades the skin. While dermabrasion does give your skin a smoother appearance, it is not 100% effective for acne scar removal.

Chemical peels are another option for acne scar removal. This works much the same as dermabrasion, but instead of machinery, chemicals are used to remove the top layer of skin. Again, this is not 100% effective for acne scar removal, but it does give the skin a smoother appearance.

Another technique for acne scar removal is collagen injections. Collagen injections are often used to treat wrinkles, scars, and lines. Injections can be expensive, and will need to be repeated on a regular basis. This is another acne scar removal technique that doesn’t actually remove the scars. It really just hides them.

A drastic acne scar removal procedure is Autologous Fat Transfer. This is a process where fat is removed from other parts of your body, and injected back into your skin. It doesn’t remove scars. Instead, it fills up depressions, such as those that are characteristic of acne scars. Again, this is a drastic acne scar removal method, and the process will need to be repeated as the fat is absorbed into the body.

Another drastic acne scar removal technique is punch grafts. This is a process where small skin grafts are taken and used to replace scarred skin. This acne scar removal technique is usually used to remove deep acne scars.

The newest - and seemingly most effective - acne scar removal technique is Laser Skin Resurfacing. This is a process where the acne scarred skin is gently vaporized, with the use of a laser. Once the damaged skin is vaporized, the new - unscarred - skin underneath is visible. Local anesthesia is given for small areas, but for full face acne scar removal, the person is usually sedated with anesthesia administered through an I.V by an anesthesiologist.

Kerwin Chang writes for http://www.acnestuff.net where you can find out more about acne and other skin care topics.

By: Kerwin Chang

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Obagi blue peels are one of the most sought after skin care and rejuvenation treatments today. They are only offered in doctors offices on an outpatient basis. The Obagi blue peel was invented by Dr. Obagi and has been clinically proven to treat and cure common skin ailments like pigmentation problems, age spots, mild acne and fine lines and wrinkles. The Obagi blue peel chemically burns the outer layers of the skin and causes them to slough off or peel in a few days revealing younger, rejuvenated skin.

Chemical peels, in general, have been used in skin care and skin treatments for acne and anti aging for over 20 years by doctors and dermatologists everywhere. These chemical peels range from weaker acids like glycolic and salicylic to stronger skin peels like TCA peels, the Obagi Blue Peel, and Phenol peels. Phenol peels are rarely used anymore as they require anesthesia, are very toxic and can result in permanent skin bleaching. Weaker skin peels like glycolic and salicylic are popular for treating pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. They are not very effective on deeper, more underlying skin problems. This is where peels like the Obagi Blue Peel and TCA peels are much more effective.

Obagi blue peels and TCA peels are usually applied as a cream or paste (TCA peels are also applied in liquid for for faster and longer lasting results). The doctor will mix the Obagi blue peel with TCA (trichloroacetic acid) into a paste at various strengths depending on desired depth and then apply it to the face. A typical face mask pattern is used so sensitive areas like around the eyes are avoided. The peel is then applied for usually 10 minutes (or less for TCA peels) or more (up to 1 hour for the Obagi Blue Peel). The Obagi blue peel is weaker than a pure TCA peel and may require multiple applications or layering for the same results. The Obagi blue peel will also stain or dye the face a blue-green color so the doctor knows where it has been applied already. A TCA peel will turn red and whiteout (turn white or frost) on some skins indicating the neutralization point. The doctor will then neutralize the TCA or Obagi blue peel to stop the burning process.

The patient is then sent home and told to apply various creams and antibacterial treatments for the next 3-7 days until it all peels and is fully healed. During this healing and peeling process, the skin will darken and harden and then start to peel away (some people will flake instead of peeling due to drier skin and different skin pH - everyone’s skin is unique). It is usually best to schedule to have this time off as it is best not to go out in public with severe peeling. Makeup cannot be worn as it can cause infection and block healing. Many doctors have found over the counter antibiotic ointments like Neosporin and its generic equivalents to work best and make the skin heal faster after an Obagi blue peel or TCA peel.

The Obagi blue peel (along with the TCA peel) has been proven effective in clinical trials and approved for use in anti aging and acne skin care treatments. For more information on Obagi blue peels and TCA peels for in home use and skin care treatments please see the link below.

By: David Maillie

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