Unlike common alpha-hydroxy peels or at-home procedures, the Obagi Blue Peel puts control of your treatment in professional hands. Based on your individual needs and skin condition, your skin professional determines the strength of the peel.

The Obagi Blue Peel uses Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) as the active ingredient mixed with the patented Blue Base from Obagi. Your skin professional will apply the Obagi Blue Peel based on your level of damage and your desired level of Transformation.

Q: Can the products be applied around the eyes, neck and chest?
A: With the exception of the Obagi Nu-Derm System Eye Cream and Cffectives 5%, you should avoid using products around the eye area, as that skin area is thin and delicate. The products can be used on the neck and chest, however, the skin on the neck and chest is different than that of the face. Thus, you should consult with your Physician or Skin Care Specialist on dosage and frequency. 

Q: Can the products be used during pregnancy?
A: The non-prescription products are safe to use during pregnancy and nursing. The prescription products which contain Hydroquinone and Tretinoin are rated Category ?C? for women who are pregnant or nursing, and should not be used. 

Q: Can the products be used if in the sun (i.e. at sporting events or at the beach)?
A: Keeping in mind that extended sun exposure damages the skin, it is suggested to avoid prolonged sun exposure without protection. Always wear a sunscreen like the Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, Obagi-C Rx SunGuard SPF 30, or Obagi Nu-Derm Physical UV Block SPF 32. While on the system, you can participate in normal outdoor activity, however, your skin may be sensitive to the sun and heat. It is very important to apply sun protection every few hours while exposed to the sun.  

Q: What happens if I stop using the products?
A: The skin is your largest living organ and is constantly in the process of renewal. Skin cells mature and migrate to the surface approximately every 28 to 40 days. The dead cells remain on the surface for another 12 days before sloughing off. When you stop using the products, you have interrupted the healthy cell renewel process. Eventually, the improved healthy cells will revert to where you started with abnormal skin cell function. You will begin to see diminishing results within weeks.  

Q: What does the Obagi Nu-Derm System do for aging skin?
A: As skin ages, just like the body, it loses the ability to properly renew itself. The Obagi Nu-Derm System is a prescription strength skin care system that is physician monitored to accelerate skin cell turnover so that it looks and acts younger and healthier.  

Q: How quickly will I see results when using the Obagi Nu-Derm System?
A: The prescribed protocol and frequency is determined by your individual skin condition. By carefully following your Physician or Skin Care Specialists customized protocol, you can expect visible improvements in 4-6 weeks. 

Q: What can I expect while using the Obagi Nu-Derm System?
A: You may experience several phases of Transformation. In the first phase, ?Out With The Old?, the System accelerates dead cell exfoliation, so expect flaking and peeling, revealing fresher, smoother skin. In the second phase, ?In With The New?, your skin will begin to build tolerance to peeling and flaking. During that time the System is working at the cellular level to continually transform skin cells. In the third phase, ?Healthy Glow?, histologically, collagen and elastin are increasing production and skin will feel supple and resilient. Uneven color and pigmentation begin to even out. In the fourth phase, ?The New You?, you keep your skin looking and acting younger and healthier.  

Q: Why is Vitamin C important?
A: Vitamin C belongs to an important group of antioxidants which fight the free radicals that age the skin. Studies have shown topical Vitamin C, in the most effective form (L-ascorbic acid), can help improve sun protection, repair sun damaged skin, reduce fine lines, stimulate collagen building and potentially reduce discoloration of the skin.

Q: How is the Obagi-C Rx System different from other Vitamin C products?
A: The Obagi-C Rx System is the first and only prescription-strength Vitamin C System of products in the U.S. Its patented formulation, using proven ingredients, provides a simple to use system for brighter, more radiant, Photolumines Skin. While many Vitamin C products simply moisturize the skin?s surface, the Obagi-C Rx System penetrates to all layers of the skin, effectively delivering more Vitamin C than other brands.

Q: Can Tretinoin be prescribed along with the Obagi-C Rx System?
A: The Obagi-C Rx System is specifically designed to work together as a System to deliver a radiant, Photolumines glow to your skin. Adding Tretinoin or other products is not recommended, but it is important to discuss your individual skin care needs with your Physician and Skin Care Specialist.

Q: Why are there two C-Exfoliating Day Lotions?
A: There are two C-Exfoliating Day Lotion options. One has a sunscreen with SPF 12 and the other does not have a sunscreen. Some patients already use sunscreen, dislike the sunscreen smell or are prone to irritation or breakouts caused by sunscreens. Other patients need the extra sunscreen or want the added convenience of a sunscreen built into their lotion.

Q: Why is the Obagi Nu-Derm System used in conjunction with the Obagi Blue Peel?
A: Those seeking skin resurfacing procedures (Blue Peel) usually have unhealthy skin. By improving important skin cell functions with the Obagi Nu-Derm System prior to the procedure, post-procedure care is enhanced and down time is reduced. Further, the post-procedure variables such as sensitivity, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, erythema and scarring are reduced. Early recovery of normal skin structure and function will ultimately boost satisfaction with the procedure.

Q: How long should the Obagi Nu-Derm System be used before getting a Blue Peel?
A: It varies based on the skin type, skin condition and depth of the Blue Peel. Usually, a minimum pre-conditioning program lasts 6 weeks. Skin with more pigment or hyperpigmentation requires 12-18 weeks.

Q: Why is the Blue Peel different than a TCA peel?
A: Because TCA is a clear aqueous solution, over painting and uneven penetration can easily occur leading to unsatisfactory results. The Blue Peel is a unique procedure enhacing control of the depth of TCA. The blue mixing base helps to ensure consistent results .

Q: What should be expected during recovery?
A: Depending on the depth level of the Blue Peel, healing time is between 3 and 10 days. After the procedure, you will experience light swelling and your skin will begin to peel within 2 to 3 days.