What is a Jessner’s Peel?

 

The Jessner’s Peel Treatment was formerly known as the Coombe's formula. It was pioneered by Dr Max Jessner, a German-American dermatologist. Dr Jessner combined lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol in an ethanol base. This was then applied to the skin to treat many different skin conditions. If you are new to Jessner Peels, the 30% strength is best for body application. 30% can be used on the face once your skin is used to 10% and 20%, and you have gradually built your way up.

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We sell our Jessner Peels in 3 different strengths. After listening to our customers, we decided to create 3 different strengths, safe for home use, as many customers found the full strength Jessner Peels too strong for first time use. This way, we can appeal to all skin types and, home peelers can gradually build up the strength to suit their needs, and reduce the risk of irritation.

 

Lactic Acid is said to be less harsh and more moisturizing than Glycolic Acid skin peels. Lactic is one of the Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA fruit acids). Fruit acids are nontoxic, naturally occurring substances, and are found in a variety of fruits, such as grapes, apples and sugar cane. Other fruit acids are Citric, Malic, Glycolic and Pyruvic Acids. Lactic acid is a mild AHA acid that is often derived from milk so people with an intolerance to milk or dairy products should not use this acid

Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) it is a fat-soluble acid, and when used as a topical agent as is the case when used as a peel or cream, breaks down lipids (oils and fats) in the upper layers of the skin. Salicylic Acid is derived from willow bark and can be found in many beauty products such as shampoo and creams.

Resorcinol is an effective exfoliating agent that loosens the damaged skin layers and exposes new skin cells, once the sloughing of dead skin cells is complete.

 

What is it used for?

 

Lactic Acid is most commonly used for the removal of sunspots, hyper-pigmentation, liver spots and other skin discolorations and is suitable for all skin types.  A Lactic Acid peel is also recommended for the reduction of Rosacea as it is the mildest of peels. Lactic Acid is a thorough exfoliator, removing the outer layers of thickened or damaged skin, leaving a smoother and healthier appearance. With prolonged use, Lactic Acid has been found to be beneficial in improving dry skin, treating age spots, improving oily and acne prone skin, and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. Lactic acid works on the epidermis, the upper layer of the skin. The normal shedding of the layer becomes regular. When applied to the skin, the acid lifts and removes dead cells, it dissolves the glue-like substance that holds these dead skin cells and debris to the skin to reveal skin underneath that is smoother, fresher, and healthier looking. Eventually, this layer becomes more uniform after a peel resulting in a smoother feel, look, and texture of the skin. As it works into the deeper layers of the epidermis, the appearance of the skin is improved. Increased blood flow through the skin produces a smooth, clear, younger looking appearance.

Salicylic Acid when used as a topical agent as is the case when used as a peel or cream, breaks down lipids (oils and fats) in the upper layers of the skin. As Salicylic Acid is soluble in fat it has a deep cleansing effect on the pores, which makes it a great treatment for blackheads. It has been used to treat a variety of skin complaints, including: psoriasis, rosacea, keratosis pilaris and calluses. It is mostly used to treat skin that is prone to acne, blocked pores or breakouts as it sloughs away the dead surface skin, preventing the pores from clogging up, which would lead to congested skin. It is also effective at treating seborrheic dermatitis.

So, the combined ingredients, along with Resorcinol, can work on different levels of the epidermis, resulting in a great exfoliating and cleansing action.