Jessner’s Chemical Peel

What Is a Jessner’s Peel?

A Jessner’s peel is a type of chemical peel. Once the peel is applied, it dissolves hardened skin cells within the outermost layer of the skin and triggers an inflammatory response from the skin just beneath the surface.

This process helps lead to the removal of sun damage, along with the improvement of fine lines, scarring, skin elasticity, and minor hyperpigmentation.

What Are the Benefits of a Jessner’s Peel?

The Jessner’s peel is a safe and effective solution for reducing the appearance of acne, hyperpigmentation, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, and enhancing skin texture and tone, leading to an overall improved complexion of the skin.

How is a Jessner’s Peel Applied?

To begin the Jessner peel application, the skin is thoroughly cleaned to prevent the solution from penetrating too fast or in an uneven tone. This step ensures the removal of dirt and oil, as well as the outermost layer of the skin. A mixture of acids used for exfoliation, penetration, and the treatment of acne are then applied to the treated areas of the skin following the cleaning process. 

The Jessner’s peel is applied using gauze, and swiped around the skin in a feathering technique to ensure an even application. Once the peel dries or crystallizes, another layer of the mixture may be applied. Depending on your specific skin type, skincare goals, and underlying conditions that have been determined for your treatment plan, more than one layer of the mixture may be applied. For most patients, two to five coats will be applied.

How Many Jessner’s Peel Treatments Will I Need?

One treatment is usually only needed.  However, based on your desired skin care goals and treatment plan, the process can be repeated in four-week intervals until you reach your desired results.

Is a Jessner Chemical Peel Right for Me?

The Jessner peel can be an effective treatment for your skin care goals if you are seeking to reduce the appearance of acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation. It is also a great solution if you’re looking to refresh your complexion and achieve a more youthful glowing appearance.

Patients experiencing the following conditions may not be a good candidate for the Jessner peel, and would need to consult with their physician or skin care technician prior to considering a Jessner peel:

• Pregnancy
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Chronic skin disorders
• Active cold sores, severe asthma, or sunburn
• Lupus
• Rosacea
• Dermatitis conditions

What Should I Expect after My Jessner’s Peel Treatment?

After your Jessner’s peel is complete, your skin will likely be tight and may have a reddish color.  You should avoid applying any water or oil-based products on the treated area for six to eight hours following the treatment. You will also need to resist the urge to touch or scratch at your treated skin during this time. Around day two or three, your skin will begin the shedding process, and you will need to add the recommended hydration products discussed during your treatment plan.

Peeling is usually complete between five to seven days following the treatment, resulting in new and healthier skin being revealed.

How Do I Prepare for a Jessner Chemical Peel?

Patients should not use any skincare products that include certain active ingredients such as peroxides, retinoid, or BHAs/AHAs for one week prior to their Jessner peel appointment. Patients should also avoid antibiotic use for at least two weeks prior to your application appointment.

To book a consultation, determine if a Jessner’s Chemical Peel is the right treatment for your exfoliating goals, or to learn more about Jessner’s Chemical Peels and get on a customized treatment schedule, make an appointment with a Vitalogy Medical Spa Aesthetician today in the Greater Austin area.