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.