If you’re looking for a facial that attends to your aging skin concerns on a deeper, more restorative and rejuvenative level while addressing wrinkles, sun spots, and even acne, then the Jessner Peel may be for you! The Jessner Peel is a chemical peeling process that involves the application of a solution to effectively remove outer layers of skin while stimulating new cell growth. Along with reducing congestion, the Jessner Peel improves acne and lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving any existing superficial scarring or irregular pigmentation. The Jessner Peel is most commonly used to improve the complexion of the face, neck, décolletage and hands, and provides dramatic results to patients with oily skin and problematic or cystic acne, large pores, age spots, acne scars and/or hyper-pigmentation.
The Jessner Peel is comprised of a combination of three different chemicals: lactic acid, salicylic acid and resorcinol. These components work together to exfoliate and penetrate superficial layers of skin without damaging new cells underneath the surface. The chemical peel’s formula is a specific set strength, however can be applied in layers depending on the patient’s skin condition and tolerance.
Before the peel begins, one of Elements’ experienced skin care specialists will perform a patch test to make certain the patient isn’t allergic to the peel and won’t react unfavourably once applied. When both the patient and skin care specialist decide to move forward, the process begins with cleansing the face. A deep cleanser is applied to throughly cleanse the face of any impurities or oils that may react with the peel or impede its effectiveness. It is a crucial step that will involve thoroughly working the cleanser into the skin to make sure the peel is applied to a bare surface for better penetration. The facial cleanser will also function as a minor exfoliant to remove any existing dead skin before applying the Jessner Peel. Once thoroughly cleansed, the skin care specialist will degrease the skin using an alcohol-based toner and firm strokes along the face and other treated areas. The final step in preparation for receiving the peel involves applying a small amount of a highly protective emollient (like vaseline) around sensitive areas of the face including the lips, around the nostrils and under the eyes. This is to avoid any acid from dripping and affecting these delicate areas. At this stage, the skin care specialist has now thoroughly prepared the patient’s skin for the Jessner Peel.
The Jessner Peel may be applied with gauze pads or a fan brush over the skin depending on what the skin care specialist deems more effective for the patient’s general skin condition. Starting from the most problematic or congested area (which many times is the chin) the peel will be applied in a thin layer using firm, even passes over the skin with minimal overlap to reduce the chance of certain areas receiving double the potency. The skin care specialist will then work their way up the face making sure to carefully apply the peel under the eyes, across the nose and forehead, as well as along the hairline, jawline, and across the top of the lip. The peel will then be left to dry for 3-5 minutes while the skin care specialist monitors the skin and checks in to see if the patient is experiencing any uncomfortable sensations.
At this time, it is normal that patients’ skin feels hot and/or tingly. There will be a fan available to make the peel more comfortable for the patient and relieve any slight irritation. After the first layer has dried, a second layer may be applied in the same fashion, waiting 3-5 minutes between each new applied layer. Typically patients can receive anywhere between 1 to 4 layers of the peel if their skin appears to tolerate it well and the patient doesn’t feel too uncomfortable. Patients receiving 4 layers of the peel will receive the most active treatment, however typically have worked their way up to the 4 layers with previous Jessner Peels. A q-tip may also be used to apply to more targeted areas of concern for deeper impact including fine lines around the eyes and lips.
Once the desired number of layers have been applied the peel is complete. The solution will self neutralize so patients won’t need to wash the peel off. Before leaving the office, the skin care specialist will also apply a remedy balm and some sunscreen as the treated area will be photosensitive. The patient should not use any water-based products, or apply any water to the treated areas until 10-12 hours after receiving the Jessner Peel. Water will reactivate the solution and will need to be avoided during this time.
Full results of the peel won’t be visible until 7-10 days after treatment. After a few days, the skin will begin to peel similarly to having a sunburn. Patients should not pick or pull at the skin, and simply allow the dead skin to shed off naturally to receive the most benefit and allow the skin to regenerate during this crucial healing process. After all the skin has fallen off, patients will be left with tighter, brighter and renewed skin. At this time they’ll also be able to resume their normal active skin care routine. The results yield softer skin, improved texture, reduced pore size and a noticeably clearer complexion. The Jessner Peel could also be applied as a protocol every 4-6 weeks depending on the patient’s skin concerns.
There are various Jessner Peel products available for purchase for consumers to administer at home, however home chemical peels are not advised and should always be administered by an experienced skin care specialist and esthetician like those at Toronto’s Elements Spa who work under the directorship of cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar. Applied acid solutions at home can result in incredibly problematic circumstances when not applied by an experienced professional, and can permanently damage delicate areas of the skin.
Click here to learn more or to book a consultation with one of Elements’ experienced skin care specialists and estheticians under the supervision of one of Toronto’s best cosmetic plastic surgeons, Dr. Adibfar.