Blue Peel is a facial skin peel containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and a special blue dye. It is used to freshen and illuminate skin tone, by reducing some signs of aging and skin damage. Blue Peel is categorized as a mild peel. Treatment duration is a three-step process; duration of pre-treatment preparation, duration of procedure and duration of recovery.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Most practitioners recommend a period of preparation, prior to the day of the treatment. Pre-treatment of the skin allows the peel to absorb into a deeper layer of the skin. It will also facilitate healing and improve results. In general, pre-treatment begins 4 to 6 weeks before the Blue Peel application. You may be asked to use whitening or bleaching creams or lotions, combined with applications of Retin-A and alpha hydroxy acid.
Alpha hydroxy acid increases the action of Retin-A. This combination results in the shedding of more dead skin cells. The Blue Peel is absorbed more efficiently on the smoother skin. It also reduces the risk of uneven pigmentation or blotches on the skin.
Procedure
After arriving at the clinic, a technician will clean your skin. After your skin has been prepared, your physician or a specialist will begin to apply the peel. The number of applications (coats) depends upon the initial condition of your skin. Damaged skin requires deeper absorption of the peel, and this is achieved through multiple applications.
For most individuals, the Blue Peel procedure will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour. You can resume most activities immediately after the procedure.
Recovery and Healing
Most patients will notice a blue tint to the skin for up to 24 hours after the procedure. Slight swelling and redness may persist for several days, as your skin prepares to shed the outer layer. The peeling will begin within 5 days and is usually complete within 10 days.
Your skin may look pink or slightly red for several weeks following the procedure, but this gradually fades. Most individuals may resume wearing make-up after the skin has stopped peeling.
For optimal results, your provider may recommend a follow-up peel. In most cases, this is done 5 to 6 months after the initial peel.
