Jessner’s Peel

What is Jessner’s peel?

Jessner’s peel and a modified Jessner’s peel are medium depth chemical peels used as non-surgical skin resurfacing techniques. A Jessner’s peel is a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) used for exfoliation, lactic acid is used as a moisturizer, and resorcinol acts as an antiseptic. Resorcinol, however, is now usually replaced by alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or azelaic acid, which makes the treatment considered a modified Jessner’s peel.

Medium depth chemical peels, like a Jessner’s peel, penetrate the top skin layer (epidermis) into the middle skin layer (papillary dermis). Jessner’s peels are used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin, and lessen wrinkles/fine lines, sun damage, skin discoloration, blotchiness, and scars.

What cosmetic concerns does a Jessner’s peel treat?

Through a unique combination of peeling agents, a Jessner’s peel exfoliates, moisturizes, and protects the skin for a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.

1. Acne Scars & Scars: Jessner’s peels penetrate dermal layers to debride and remove scar tissue.
2. Uneven Skin Tone: Skin layer penetration in a Jessner’s peel removes collections of hyperpigmented cells for a more even skin tone.
3. Uneven Skin Texture: Jessner’s peels break down collections of dead/damaged skin cells and sebum.
4. Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Jessner’s peels promote cell turnover for a refreshed complexion.
5. Melasma: A Jessner’s peel penetrates lower skin layers to lessen melasma symptoms.

Who is the ideal candidate for a Jessner’s peel procedure?

The ideal candidate for a Jessner’s peel has acne, melasma, skin pigmentation concerns, freckles, or sun damage. A Jessner’s Peel is not recommended for those with darker skin tones due to the risk of hypopigmentation, those with active skin infections, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone who has used isotretinoin in the past six months.

What is the average recovery associated with a Jessner’s peel procedure?

There is about one to two weeks of recovery following a Jessner’s peel. Patients can expect pain, redness, irritation, and flaking for up to two weeks. Skin peeling typically resolves within two to seven days. Normal activities can be resumed, but sun exposure and exercise should be avoided until skin heals. Diligent skin care with hydrocortisone, moisturizer, and sunscreen will assist healing and lessen possible side effects.

What are the potential side effects of a Jessner’s peel procedure?

Possible side effects from a Jessner’s peel include prolonged erythema, pruritus, irritation, swelling, infection, and prolonged healing.

What can someone expect from the results of a Jessner’s peel procedure?

The results of Jessner’s peel will develop after one to two weeks as skin peels and heals. Two or more chemical peels will most likely be needed to achieve the desired results. The skin improvements are temporary, and will change with aging and sun exposure.

What is the average cost of a Jessner’s peel procedure?

Jessner’s peel costs anywhere from $25 to $675. The actual cost of Jessner’s peel is dependent upon location, provider, and length and involvement of the cosmetic procedure. Learn more in our complete guide to the cost of chemical peels.