Have you been thinking of treating yourself to a pick-me-up just in time for the holidays? If so, the Blue Peel may be just the thing for you this winter. The Blue Peel has become one of the most popular methods for helping people achieve healthier skin and restoring youth and radiance to their appearance. This peel offers tighter, smoother, younger-looking skin regardless of age, skin color, or skin type and is not exclusive to the facial area.

What is a Blue Peel?

The Blue Peel is a chemical medium-depth peel that works to achieve optimum skin resurfacing by using a slow-acting dose of TCA, or trichloroacetic acid. TCA is a common chemical used in peels due to its efficiency in removing outer layers of skin. The peel’s exfoliation clears out your pores and pushes dead skin cells to the surface, where they are then shed and replaced by new healthy cells.

This peel is ideal for those who wish to remove pigmentation, reduce wrinkles, fine lines, acne scarring, signs of aging, skin damage, and other blemishes.

One of the best things about this peel is unlike other chemical peels, the Blue Peel is customizable. The solution will be entirely tailored to your individual skin type and desired results.

Chemical Peels 101

A chemical peel is a skin treatment that uses a chemical solution to improve the texture, tone, and quality of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers. Chemical peels, in general, are successful in treating scars, fine lines, wrinkles, rough skin, damaged skin, sunspots, and other blemishes. However, these types of peels typically do not treat deep scars or work to significantly tighten skin.

Chemical peels all come with risks, but they are a safe, non-invasive procedure when performed by a licensed and qualified surgeon.

Who is a good candidate?

Those with blemish-prone skin, wrinkles, pigmentation, sun damage, or troubled skin quality tend to benefit most from the Blue Peel.

It is important to always check with your care provider before scheduling treatment to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

During your consultation

During your consultation, you will discuss your medical history and undergo an examination of your skin to determine your candidacy. Take this time to describe your goals with this treatment to ensure this is the right procedure for you. If you are approved for treatment, your specialist will devise a treatment plan for your needs with you and explain the process.

You may be given a personalized selection of creams and a skincare program to prepare your skin for the Blue Peel.

Will it damage my skin? What are the risks?

No, the Blue Peel will not damage your skin. The peeling following treatment is in a controlled manner and will not cause any damage to your skin.

You may experience redness, stinging, burning, and flaking of the skin similar to the feeling of a sunburn.

Treatment and procedure

On average treatment may take 45 minutes and is performed as an out-patient procedure without sedation. Your skin will be prepped and cleansed as your specialist prepares the treatment. Any topical pain relief, if required, will be administered at that time.

Treatment will begin with the first coat of the Blue Peel solution being carefully applied to the targeted area. Depending on your skin type and desired results, you may require anywhere from 2-4 coats of the solution. This peel can be applied to the face, neck, arms, hands, chest, legs, and back.

Most patients experience a warm to hot sensation or a mild burning as the chemicals within the peel begin to activate, however, a fan will be provided to relieve any discomfort.

The chemicals are then neutralized with a cool saline compress. Your skin may have a bluish tint after treatment but should wash away within 24 hours.

Recovery and after-care

You may experience slight swelling around the area. After a few days, the peeling process will begin and should last an average of 10 days. Once the peeling is completed, you will notice a visibly dramatic change to your overall complexion that will continue to improve for the next four to six weeks. Your skin will become firmer, clearer, smoother, healthier and have a youthful radiant glow.

It is important to avoid the sun and use a strong SPF while outside as your skin will be very vulnerable to sun damage with the outer layers removed. Avoid picking at peeling skin as it may lead to scarring. Follow closely your after-care instructs as described by your surgeon.

How often should I receive treatment?

One Blue Peel treatment will often achieve most patient’s desired results but is entirely dependent on the individual. A second peel can be repeated several weeks after the first if necessary.

Can I buy the Blue Peel online?

No, the Blue Peel is a medical procedure that must be performed by a licensed qualified medical professional.

Whether you are seeking to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, treat stubborn acne scars, or just improve your overall complexion, the Blue Peel might be just right for you! If you want brighter, tighter, and smoother skin this winter give us a call so we can begin customizing a treatment plan just for you.

For more information on Blue Peels, contact Eastlake Cosmetic Surgery today.