We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Beauty

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Blue Peel?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,375
Share

A blue peel is a type of chemical facial peel that can also be applied to the arms, hands or neck. The blue peel can lighten age spots and make the skin appear younger and fresher. It does not, however, reduce wrinkles. Most note younger, softer skin, and slightly more elastic skin after a blue peel treatment. Most are very satisfied with a reduction in skin discoloration from blemishes and age spots.

The blue peel uses the chemical Trichloracetic Acid (TCA), which is applied on the skin in one to four separate coats. This application is said to help the skin produce its own collagen. Patients note slight to significant feel of burning on the skin after each coat application. Some patients require anesthesia because they are very uncomfortable. Most have the procedure done without anesthetics.

An improperly applied blue peel can seriously burn and scar the skin. It is therefore important that patients receive a blue peel from either a doctor or a licensed aesthetician working under the supervision of a doctor. The last thing one would want from an expensive procedure, about 350-500 US dollars (USD), is irreversible skin damage.

People may note skin peeling for a week to ten days after a blue peel, similar to having received a sunburn. Further, some may have a bluish cast to their skin during the first few days after the blue peel. Skin may also remain reddish for seven to ten days. Usually people cannot wear makeup for one to two weeks after the procedure. However, many find that the skin irritation after a blue peel lasts for much less time than after other chemical peels and/or laser treatment. For treating wrinkles, one may combine a blue peel with laser treatment.

The blue peel procedure tends to take between 30-45 minutes. Most do not note significant pain after the chemical has been removed. Care must be taken to use sunscreen if one is planning any outdoor activities in the next few weeks. Usually one can return to work the day after a blue peel.

Depending upon the reasons for which one seeks a blue peel, some people may need more than one peel to achieve maximum effects. Peels may be scheduled once every four weeks, or one might have another blue peel six months later.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-blue-peel.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.