Blue peel is one of the several types of chemical peels available, used to improve skin appearance and remove surface wrinkles and imperfections.
Blue peel system uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to remove the surface skin layers. A blue base is mixed with TCA that gives a bluish tint to the skin. Its intensity helps the doctor to keep record of amount chemical that has been added to a certain portion of the skin. Several other types of chemical peels which remove the top surface of the skin are available, based on variety and properties of chemicals used.
Glycolic, salicylic and alpha hydroxyl acid peels are light and superficial in nature. While, phenol peels consist of concentrated chemicals that enter the skin much deeper than others. Today, TCA peels are considered the most effective treatment for a skin outside of actual surgery.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Peels
These result in light peels as they are the mildest of all the present peel formulas. Glycolic, lactic or fruit acids provide faster results for people who cannot endure the long recovery time of a TCA or phenol peel. These AHAs treat fine wrinkling, dry areas, acne and uneven pigmentation. Your doctor can vary concentration of the AHA depending upon desired results and your present skin condition. Glycolic acid is often mixed with a facial wash in lesser concentrations in order to improve skin’s texture on a daily basis. Its cost is around $150.
Salicylic Peel
Salicylic peel is oil soluble while the other lighter peels are water soluble. This difference allows salicylic to enter deeper into the oil blocked pores of the skin and cure the pimples. It is also added to various acne products that are already in the market. Low concentration of salicylic is ineffective in fighting acne. Therefore, dermatologists recommend a minimum concentration of 10 percent.
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peels
The TCA is available in various concentrations, but it is usually used for medium-depth peeling. TCA is a synthetic acid which is capable of doing everything the lighter peels offer yet in a better way. It takes care of surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems, but more than one TCA peel may be required to achieve the best results. The results of TCA are not as long-lasting and strong as of the phenol peel. But, the recovery period is shorter than that of the phenol peel. It costs around $300 to $500.
Phenol Peels
Phenol peel is the strongest type of chemical peel available. It is usually used for deep facial wrinkles or severely aged skin. Phenol peels have the longest recovery times, sometimes even more than a week. But it offers results near to that of CO2 laser resurfacing. It is primarily used on the face as it may cause scarring on other parts of the body. High cardiac risks are involved in this type of treatment. The treatment is expensive and requires an experienced physician. The cost is around $1500.
