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Peeling the skin is not new. Chemical peels
are time-honored technique for removing the top layers of the skin
to improve the appearance of photo-aged or acne-scarred skin and to
diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Similar procedures
have been practiced for hundreds, even thousands of years in the
eternal search to stop the aging process. Cleopatra was well known
for using fermented milk on her skin. A luxurious treatment for her
time now translates to a form of chemical peel using lactic acid,
one of the AHA acids. Ancient South American cultures used facial
treatments of plant extracts.
In those days, the results were often
unpredictable. Today, with all of our technology of skin
resurfacing, successful peeling with chemicals depends on the peel
type and the skill of the technician. Precise depth control, which
is critical, may be difficult, and nonuniform depth of penetration
can produce poor outcome or complications.
According to Dr. Zein Obagi, a leading Beverly
Hills dermatologist, the problem has been the lack of a scientific
basis to the understanding and use of peels. Good results can
depend greatly on variables such as patient skin type, skin
conditioning, skin preparation, the type and concentration of the
chemical used, and post care.
Light peels, such as glycolic acid, will give a
cleaner, smoother skin with a fresher look for four to five days,
and then the effect would disappear. A series of glycolic acid
peels will give longer results. Deeper peels, using different acids
or agents, are not suitable for darker skin. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA),
for example, is used to remove wrinkles, sun damage and acne scars
from the skin surface. These peels are usually done by painting
acid or solution on the skin until the technician feels that enough
had been applied. Some peels were done mechanically using abrasive
devices or promotional exfoliating agents. There is no way of
knowing how deep these peels are going, and therefore, one cannot
predict the results.
Dr. Obagi realized the solution to problem was
to get the treatment down deep enough in the skin to assist the
cells, which are responsible for making elastin and collagen, which
keep the skin supple and youthful. He knew skin varies in
thickness, color and consistency. It can be dark, light, oily,
combination or dry, fragile skin, or tough skin. We have needed a
method which could improve texture and tightness of all types of
skin. His research produced the Obagi Blue Peel.
The Blue Peel is comprised of 15 per cent
Trichloroacetic acid, an exfoliating agent, mixed with a special
base compound to assist the skin in absorbing it to the correct
dept. The blue color is added to help the technician determine the
exact amount to be applied and to ensure it was applied evenly.
A first coat of between four and five
millimeters is applied, followed by a second coat of between four
and five millimeters. Most skin types will require three coats in
order to reach the dept needed to make a change. Up to four coats
can be applied to the skin.
The skin will appear blue during the
treatment, but this coloration will be washed off. There is a mild
stinging or burning sensation for a few minutes while the peel is
being applied. There should not be any pain during the actual
peeling phase of healing. Healing takes place within seven to ten
days, and then normal activities can be resumed.
The blue peel is a safe, fast, and effective
treatment compared to other chemical peels, and it as effective as
some laser treatments. Dr. Obagi estimates about 85 per cent of
people with skin problems will benefit from a Blue Peel treatment.
The cost of a Blue Peel treatment compares
favorably with other forms of intensive skin exfoliation. Laser
resurfacing typically cost between $2,500.00 and $5,000.00 and a
medium dept peel can cost between $2,500 and $4,000, a standard Blue
peel for simple exfoliation will cost between $300.00 and $800.00.
Most people looking to repair winkles, acne
scars and large pores will benefit from just one treatment. If the
improvement is not as much as hoped for it can be done two or three
times until skin reaches its optimum state and then once every few
years to maintain it. I quote Dr. Obagi, “We can prevent these age
changes if we go back to correct the skin cell function and make it
produce elastin. 85% of people with skin problems will benefit from
a Bleu Peel.” |
Plano,TX 75075