Blue for a day
In our clinic we have enjoyed using Obagi’s products for over three years. This skin rejuvenation system increases collagen in the skin, promotes blood flow and removes hyperpigmentation. In some people it also has an improving effect on wrinkles, (especially crackles) , pores and scars. As an extension of this system, Obagi has launched a new peel, the Blue Peel.
A Blue Peel is a TCA peel with a blue dye. A so-called. TCA
(=Tri Chloro Acetic Acid) peeling has been performed by dermatologists and physicians for several decades. The lighter TCA peels are also sometimes performed by beauticians and skin therapists. This peel improves skin texture (decrease pigment/more collagen/better blood flow) and can treat the deeper layers of the skin that cannot be reached by the Obagi Nu Derm system. The TCA peel has proven itself to be one of the most effective peels on the market in recent decades.
However, a disadvantage of current TCA peels is that they can carry risks, especially when performed by a less experienced practitioner or in higher concentrations. This is because TCA is a colorless liquid, so the practitioner cannot see how much has been applied to the skin. Furthermore, it is difficult for the less experienced practitioner to see, how deeply the peel has already acted on the skin. Although one can reduce the risks by using less high concentrations of TCA, the effect is then also less spectacular.
Obagi Blue Peel
Dr. Zein Obagi of California has come up with something on this. He adds a blue dye to the colorless TCA, turning this liquid blue. Now when applied to the skin, one can see exactly how much has been applied. This has two main advantages:
– Blue dye allows you to apply the TCA peel more evenly. This gives a more even result. With the old-fashioned TCA peels, slight color differences still sometimes occurred between different parts of the treated area.
– The blue dye allows the practitioner to easily determine how deeply the peel has penetrated the skin. As the TCA peel penetrates deeper into the skin, it changes color. The different shades of blue say something about the depth of exfoliation. The advantage of this is that the peel can be performed at exactly the depth the practitioner intends. This gives a safer exfoliation.
Basically, everyone, over the age of 25 as well as people with bad skin, is suitable for a Blue Peel. Depending on age and skin quality, the depth of peeling can be adjusted. There are 3 types of depths. Light exfoliation :recovery time 2-3 days; Medium exfoliation :recovery time 4-6 days, deep exfoliation :recovery time 6-9 days. During an intake consultation, we determine which peel best suits your skin type and intended improvement.
Although pretreatment with the Obagi Nu Derm system always guarantees safer treatment and better treatment results, it is not always necessary. Light and medium-depth peeling can also be safely performed in winter in light skin types without pretreatment with the Nu-derm system. People with good skin or younger than 35 also do not need pre-treatment with the Nu-derm system unless, as described above, they want to be treated in the summer or have a dark skin type.
Personally, I am so satisfied with this new peel that we sold our laser, because this peel achieves better treatment results. Obagi Blue Peel is, in my opinion, the most effective and safe exfoliant currently on the market.
Bart Biermans, physician at The Body Clinic
Column in The Gelderland Class September 2012
