Feb 27, 2012

Overall Jessner Peel Review and Instructions

Having researched face peels for many months now, and first starting with the Lactic Acid 40% (see side bar under Lactic Acid for more information) I have decided to move forward and try the stronger and more intense Jessner's Peel. I purchased the peel from http://www.skinobsession.com/ There shipping and customer service are first class and my package arrived within 3 days of me placing my order online.
The instructions are very detailed with a emphasis on doing a test patch first. I decided to do the patch test on three small areas on my neck as I felt that if I were to have an adverse reaction this would be less noticeable in these areas.
A Jessner peel is classed as a light-medium peel depending on how many layers you apply. For full benefit you do need to see a 'frosting' of the skin. This peel is sometimes used prior to using the TCA peel enabling the TCA peel to penetrate more efficiently giving a deeper peel with much more 'down time'.
On applying the Jessner's to my test areas it immediately stung and the sensation lasts until you remove the product unlike Lactic Acid which slowly decreases.
Neutralizing the product takes 2 minutes of continuous dilution with water or for a faster method you can neutralize with a baking soda formula. (see below):
Put 1 cup of warm water into a clean, shallow bowl. Add 2 tsp. of baking soda and swirl or stir the solution until the baking soda has completely dissolved.
Dip a clean cotton pad into the baking soda solution and squeeze out most of the excess liquid. Don't squeeze it completely dry and remember you are not trying to 'wipe' away the peel, just neutralize the reaction between the acid and your skin by soaking it with the baking soda solution.
Wipe the saturated cotton pad across your skin every where you applied the peel. Discard the cotton pad when it begins to dried out but do not dip the used pad back into the solution.....wet 'fresh' cotton pads and use them to neutralize the peel on every part of your face.
Be aware that when neutralizing with baking soda the 'stinging' sensation will intensify before it subsides...this is normal. The reason I mention this is that when this happens your first thought will be that something has gone terribly wrong! but this is not the case.

Test Patches:
Immediately after neutralizing the areas I had applied the Jessner's appeared pink.
Day Two: Skin appeared a little tight.
Day Three: Skin turned brown.
Day Four: Brown patches started to crust over.
Day Five, Six and Seven: Patches started to peel revealing pink fresh skin underneath.
I have decided to go ahead and do the Jessner's Peel all over my face and will update with results.
 
1st Application:
I first cleaned my face with Glyconic Facial Cleanser and applied the Jessner Peel with a cotton pad. Immediately on application it was apparent that this stuff 'stings', but I want to emphasize that in no shape or form is this unbearable. I had read by some that it was so uncomfortable that they had to have a fan blowing on there face but I can assure you that this was not the case for me .The best way to describe the discomfort is to compare it to a 'hot prickly' sensation. The first thing that came to mind was that something was wrong (even though I had researched thoroughly and was fully aware as to how it would feel) but my natural instinct was to worry a little.
I had my timer set for 5 minutes ready to neutralize with cold water but 3 minutes in I decided to do a 2nd layer to my cheeks and chin area. This did not increase the burning sensation just elongated it. I did have some frosting on four areas were the sunspots are on my cheeks.
When my five minutes were up I chose to remove the solution with tepid water (you can use a baking soda solution if you wish). It is necessary to neutralize with water for a total of two minutes remembering to keep your eyes tightly closed so as the solution does get into them. Do not 'rub' the water into your skin as this could cause additional irritation which you do not want.
When I had completely rinsed my skin I took a clean washcloth and patted my face dry (again no dragging).  Immediately my face appeared red and inflamed around my mouth and on my sunspots (where the most damage was) and I started to wonder how long this would last.......surprisingly the red inflammation only lasted a few hours then completely subsided.
I applied a liberal amount of Neosporin Cream all over my face and this immediately soothed and reduced any burning feeling that remained and I continued to do this four times throughout the day. 
I was very tempted to apply a moisturizer but I knew that the whole purpose of a chemical peel was to allow the skin to dry out therefore permitting the skin to peel.
Day Two:
I awoke with tight skin and rushed to the mirror in the hope that I would be the 'one' that had immediate results and I would look wonderfully young and flawless......that was not the case. I looked 'okay' as long as I did not make any facial expressions. However the moment I remotely moved my face or smiled I looked at least fifteen years older and I was convinced I had done something terribly wrong!
Day Three:
The sun spot areas turned dark brown (again I thought oh my goodness I have made them worse). My skin continued to look dry and 'crinkly' and of course I continued to worry! I introduced Rosehip Seed Oil as this is nourishing to the skin without feeling oily and it also has Vitamin A and C which helps with sun damage and would speed up the peeling process.
Day Four:
I continued with the Rosehip Seed Oil twice per day. Skin started to peel....not in sheets but just like the aftermath of a bad sunburn BUT beneath the peeling was soft pink skin. I decided to use my Clarisonic so as to speed up the peeling and this worked very well for me and did not cause me any irritation.
Day Five:
The more damaged areas (sunspots) finally started to peel and I was amazed as to how reduced they were espexially considering this was the first time I had done a Jessner Peel. Nothing has ever worked on my skin like this and I have tried many, many things (including the controversial Hydroquinone).
Day Six:
Skin was back to normal with definite improvement.

I want to emphasize that throughout the whole process the temptation to 'pick' at the peeling skin was intense. I caught myself doing this on a few occasion's and had to stop myself as apparently it can cause scarring.

Maximum Results
Jessner Peels give full results when the complete course is done which is a total of six peels. You can do one peel every 2-3 weeks depending on how your recovery is. I intend to do my second peel 2 weeks after my first as my recovery was very fast.
I will definitely do the full course of peels as I am very impressed with the improvement I have had after only one Jessner Peel.

Tips
Remember the burning and stinging feeling is 'normal'.

Make sure you use a timer....you should not 'guess' how long you are leaving it on.

Remember to neutralize for a total of 2 minutes if using water.

The process is faster if you use a baking soda neutralizer but be aware that the baking soda solution increases the 'stinging' sensation....but do not think something is 'wrong', this is normal.

Apply Neosporin Cream immediately after you have neutralized and continue to do so for as often and as long as you feel necessary.

Try as hard as possible not to pick at your skin.

You can introduce your Retin A again on the 3rd day as this speeds up the peeling process.

Remember to use a physical sunscreen if you go outside as your skin will become super sensitive to the sun.

Do not be disappointed if you do not get the results you had hoped for after the first peel as this is to be expected.....continue doing the six peels for full effect.

2nd Application: (14 days after first peel)

PLEASE NOTE:
I failed to mention in the above review the importance of applying petroleum jelly so as to reduce the possibility of irritation. I apply to the brow area (so as to stop the solution dripping into the eyes) around the nostrils (this area is extremely sensitive) and finally to the outer and inner corners of the eyes (close to the tear ducts).

Also those with a history of cold sores should take preventative medication prior to any chemical peel and should start a course of medication such as Zovirax (this is a topical cream applied to the lips) starting two days prior to the chemical peel and continue for a total of 7-10 days as a precautionary measure. Should you have an 'active' cold sore prior to the peel I would suggest that you wait until it has healed before apply the chemical peel.

I waited a total of 14 days after my first peel before doing my 2nd Jessner Peel and followed the exact steps in regards to application (refer to above) however this time I decided to apply 3 layers.
I applied the second layer 2 minutes after the first.....the prickly stinging sensation was as it was the first time I used the peel (uncomfortable but not 'unbearable') then three minutes after the 2nd layer application I applied a 3rd layer. This was when I experienced some 'frosting'. The majority of the frosting was around the mouth, chin and upper lip area with some to the outer cheekbones.
I left the 3rd layer on for a further two minutes. I could of left this on for longer but due to the fact that I was frosting much more than I had the first time I used the Jessner Peel I was fearful to do so. Once again, my immediate reaction was "Oh my gosh I have really done some damage this time" and was envisioning all sorts of horrific scars I would have on my face after the recovering period.....but, as always my fears were unfounded.
After my seven minutes were up (remember to have a stop watch with you) I neutralized for two minutes with tepid water remembering not to rub the skin, pat dried my face with a clean wash clothe and applied a liberal amount of Neosporin to the whole area the Jessner Peel had been applied. I was expecting my face to be more inflamed this time due to the fact that I had applied additional layers but this was not the case and there was no additional discomfort.
Day Two:
Unlike the first time I had used the Jessner Peel I did not have any 'tight' feeling to the skin which actually surprised me as I was expecting the effects to be more severe this time round. I continued to apply liberal amounts of Neosporin throughout the day to stave of any possibility of infection.
Day Three:
Today I woke with tight skin and rushed to the mirror to see just how horrific I looked and as expected my skin around my mouth, chin and upper cheek bones (everywhere the frosting had taken place) where very 'wrinkly'. Again I chose to continue to use the Neosporin throughout the day.
Day Four:
Today the area around my mouth had turned dark brown and dry with deep 'wrinkles' much more so than I had experienced the first time round and I must admit that I had doubts as to if applying the 3rd layer had been a bad idea. I decided to discontinue using the Neosporin and introduced the Rosehip Seed Oil and I applied this 4-5 times during the day.
Day Five:
Today I reached the epitome of looking bad.....I can honestly say that I was extremely concerned as to how horrible the wrinkles around my mouth appeared. They were far deeper and much more apparent than they had ever been in the past and I truly felt that I had made a major mistake in starting this course of peels.
Day Six:
Today I started to get some peeling and even though I was relieved that this part of the process had begun I was still pretty concerned in regards as to how things were looking. On day six of my first Jessner Peel I was on the 'homeward' straight but this was not the case this time. The peeling this time was much deeper around the mouth and chin but pretty mild on the rest of the face. As before I introduced the use of my Clarisonic but 'only' to the areas that had the milder peeling such as the cheeks and forehead and I continued to moisturize with Rosehip Seed Oil.
Day Seven:
Today I finally started to see the 'light at the end of the tunnel'. The deep crevices that I was convinced would never disappear started to peel heavily and I could see fresh beautiful skin starting to appear!
Day Eight:
Skin continued to peel around the mouth and chin and I introduced the Clarisonic to these areas so as to speed up the peeling process.
OVERVIEW
Without doubt I will continue to complete the course of the Jessner Peels (six total) as I see improvement with every application. However I did have a longer recovery period after the 2nd peel but I feel this was most probably due to me using three layers rather than the two I did originally but this will not deter me from continuing to complete the course.
TIPS:
Use Zovirax two days prior to starting the chemical peel if you have prior history for cold sores.
Apply Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline) around the outer corner of the eyes, the brow area and the nostrils.

Remember that the burning and prickly/stinging feeling is 'normal'.
Make sure to use a timer....you should not 'guess' how long you are leaving the chemical on your skin.
Remember to neutralize for a total of 2 minutes if using water.
The process is faster if you use a baking soda neutralizer but be aware that the baking soda solution increases the 'stinging' sensation....but do not think something is 'wrong', this is normal.
Apply Neosporin Cream immediately after you have neutralized and continue to do so for as often and as long as you feel necessary.
Try as hard as possible not to pick at your skin.
You can introduce your Retin A again on the 3rd day as this speeds up the peeling process.
Remember to use a physical sunscreen if you go outside as your skin will become super sensitive to the sun.
Do not be disappointed if you do not get the results you had hoped for after the first or second peel as optimum results will be apparent after the full course is completed (six in total).
3rd Application: (14 days after 2nd peel)
4th Application: (14 days after 3rd peel)
5th Application (14 days after 4th peel)
I have 'clumped' the above peels altogether due to the fact the application and results were the same as the first and second peel.
6th Application (14 days after 5th peel)
This is when I really started to notice a 'big' difference in my overall skin appearance. I actually applied four layers this time but only to the areas that were not frosting and neutralized as before.
Day Two:
As with previous peels my skin was tight. I applied Neosporin throughout the day (I cannot emphasize enough just how much this helps)
Day Three:
As always with day three I looked old and withered!
Day Four:
Area around my mouth and chin are were first to show the signs of going dark brown and and started to 'crack' (I want to emphasize that in no way was this uncomfortable...just annoying)!
Day Five:
As in my previous peels today I reached the epitome of looking bad.....but due to my past experiences I was no longer concerned even though I looked hideous. Today I introduced my Rosehip Oil.
Day Six:
Every-time I made any facial expression or spoke I could feel my skin peeling but could see how beautiful and pink the new skin underneath looked.
Day Seven/Eight
Skin continued to peel and I helped it along with hot showers and holding a hot damp face cloth to my face....this helped immensley. I then started to apply Argan Oil before I went to bed.
Day Nine/Ten
Beautiful soft plump skin!!
Overall Conclusion:
Jessner Peel is something I will use on a long term basis as the results truly are fantastic. So if there is any of you out there who are in the least bit concerned as to giving this a try I say 'do not be'. Follow the instructions and do not become worried (like I was) during the first few days as this is a really good peel and I highly reccommend it.
If you have any questions at all please either leave a comment or cntact me personally via email.
Here's to beautiful new skin!

32 comments:

  1. Great information....so pleased it worked out for you:)

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  2. Thank you Jennifer I think you have now given me the courage to try a course of Jessner peels. I bought this 6 months ago and have always been scared to give it a try:/

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    1. I completely understand how scarey it can be. As I mentioned above I was always convinced I had made a mistake or 'ruined' my skin but my fear was always not warranted....BUT I think it is always better to have a little fear rather than just jumping in without caution.

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  3. Hi Jennifer
    I have red hair and extremely fair skin and so want to try a Jessner peel but am concerned as to how my skin may react. Any advice?

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  4. Hi Anonymous
    I would be very cautious with the Jessner peel considering how fair skinned you are and would suggest you start off with a 40% Lactic acid peel as this is very gentle. However it is still very important that you do a patch test first and leave it for at least 24 hours.

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  5. This is my first time using Jesners and have used tca once. When I applied Jessners I used the gauze that was included with the kit. It was not easy to apply evenly. Since i was afraid to use it, i only did one pp and left on for five minutes. I am on day 5 of Jessners and only had a bit of flaking on my nose and forehead. I apply emu oil twice a day since day 3.Should I have done something different?

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  6. I apply the peel with Premium Cotton Rounds from Costco as I find these make application very easy and even, but do not absorb to much of the peel therefore not wasting any of the product. I can understand you being 'afraid' with your first attempt with the Jessner Peel. Do you use Retin A on a regular basis? as I find this to be fundamental in helping the Jessner Peel to do its job. Also I would suggest that you reduce any form of moisturizing as this can/will interfere with the peeling process.

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  7. I am blond with fair skin. I used the peel and could not bear more than one application. The burnIng was very intense and I had to rinse it off immediately. I applied Shea butter afterwards and it feels fine. I'm pretty red in some places but this was expected. I just wish I could have left it on longer.

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  8. Hi Anonymous!
    Is this the first peel you have tried? If so I would advice you to try a 40% Lactic Acid peel first as it is a more gentle way of introducing acid peels to the skin. Keep me updated as to how things work out for you.

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  9. I have never done anyting like this, but I am very intereted in trying. I would of course do an inconspicuous spot test, but do I need to try th 40% lactic acid first for damge or other reasons, or simply the intense burning feeling? Becaus I would much rather just do this one. I don't think I am fair skinned, I am not super dark, but also not super light. Obviously you can do it on other parts of your body since you tried it on your neck, and I don't mean for this to sound like a really stupid question, as I feel like it would not help, however I am desperate to find something to make it go away or at least be less noticeable! So the question is...do you think it would help with stretch marks? I have them on my inner thighs, hips, butt, and breasts. I have tried oils and lotions, etc but the truth is...I am not consistent and need something like this that would give me at least the smllest results after the first week so that I would continue doing it. Because the lotions and oils say to do it twice a day for a minimum of like 6 months, and I don't see immediate results (of course) so I get bummed and stop doing it. I am sorry this is so long, I look forward to your response, and thank you so much for revewing this product ad posting your results

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    Replies
    1. There are two stages of stretch marks with the first being 'Strai Rubra' which is the 'fresh' ones which are in their early stages and quite red in color and these will respond to chemical peels in regards to minimizing the redness.
      When they reach the second stage 'Striae Alba' meaning 'white' they become more difficult to treat due to stretch mark damage being so deep.
      However Retin A may be of some use due to its capabilities of thickening the dermis but like most 'good things' it is not an overnight cure and can take many months before any improvement is seen.
      If I can be of any more help please feel free to email me:)





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  10. Hi Jennifer. Do you know what the process is when using the Jessner TCA combo? Which do I use first? And, do I neutralize it after applying the first chemical, or do I put the next chemical DIRECTLY on topof the other. Thank you!

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  11. Hi Anonymous!
    When doing the Jessner TCA combo you apply in the following order:
    Jessner (leave for 5 minutes)
    TCA
    Neutralize
    Please let me know if you have any additional questions

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  12. Thanks Jennifer!
    Last question: How long should I leave the TCA peel on for? (After applying it on top of the Jessner). Thank you SO much for your blog! This really helps a LOT of us out =)

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  13. Hi Jessica,
    Once you have applied the acid, leave it on for 1-3 minutes. If frosting occurs this means that the acid has hit the dermis, so don't panic.However if you do not get any frosting you can apply another layer after the 3 minute mark.

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  14. Hi there I would like to do a group order to Canada do you still do this. I cannot find your contact email. I have looked but seem to have missed it.
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, If you click on the sidebar heading 'Contact Me' you will find my email address.
      butterflykissesbeautyblog@hotmail.com

      Delete
  15. Hi Jennifer, I am just finishing week four of the Obagi Nu Derm system. Would doing the Jessner peels help me? Should I wait until I'm done doing the Obagi?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle,
      You definitely need to wait until yo have completed the Obagi course as you will get far better results.

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    2. Hi Jennifer,
      Thank you so much for documenting your experience. I actually had gone to a doctors office to do the peel. Day 3 and I thought I'd be peeling by now! I woke up early, felt my skin very tight and had no peeling, looked worse than ever like you said and started to panic. I thankfully found your journal...what a relief! I guess the peeling will not start for a couple of days yet. Can't wait to see the results.

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    3. You will love the results...please keep me updated throughout:)

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  16. Ok, finally starting to peel in areas. Skin is definitely tight and I look ancient! In the areas I've peeled it looks smooth but I do have a few acne spots acting up. I just bought argan oil and put some of that on lightly with a touch of tea tree on the acne. I'm just hoping the troubled spots won't scar. I guess time will tell. Still waiting.

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    1. I had to smile when I read your words 'I look ancient' as it bought back memories of how worried I was when I first looked in the mirror and saw a 'haggard wrinkled' face looking back at me and that was the point when I thought 'what on earth have I done'! But of course things turned out just great:)

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  17. I am on day three after my first Jessner Peel, and I am seeing peeling starting around my mouth and nose area. I am having such a hard time, like you did, fighting the urge to pick. I did catch myself picking without realizing it! I took a nice long shower and I just rubbed my face super gently with water and I did roll off quite a bit. Skin underneath doesn't look pink, but feels and looks softer and nicer. I am super scaly around my nose and my cheeks where the sun hits, where my melasma was after pregnancy and nursing, and of course where all my freckles are. They did two layers (8 mins apart if that makes any sense). I am using Cetaphil Lotion to moisturize since I tend to get lots of pimples from any moisturizer. I usually use a 10% AHA day and night to help keep the skin exfoliating. I put a little on this morning for a few hours, then washed it off because my mom said that was a bad idea. We'll see if I try again tomorrow to help encourage the process a bit. Looking forward to the next few days when the rest of my face will improve. I am dying to use my Clarisonic, but I'm too scared right now. Thanks so much for the details!

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    1. Hi TM
      The picking thing sure is hard to resist isn't it? I agree with your mom...AHA may be a little too aggressive so soon after a Jessner Peel. However around day three you can re-introduced Retin A as that will speed up the peeling process.
      Keep us all updated throughout the whole process:)

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  18. Ok, was offline for a bit due to the storm. Finally finished peeling for the most part and I think my skin looks more fresh. I think I will purchase the peel and try it myself. I will follow your directions. Thanks for your step by step procedure. It's very helpful!

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  19. Thank you for letting me know what jessner peel is. I was wondering what that was.

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    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Jennifer ,
    I have a question I ordered the jessner peel online , I have never done any peels before and although I have been doing some research , right after neutralizing the peel with baking soda do I rinse off only with water no cleanser ? And should I apply moisturizer right away after rinsing it , I'm just really nervous I suffer from acne and acne scars and I have tried practically everything and I really want to give this a try but I also fear messing up my skin . Advice please I would appreciate :)

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  22. Hi Jen,
    What do you do during the peel days when you look scary/old? What do you tell people who ask? Do you take time off or have a really flexible job?

    Also, how does one go about getting retin-a?

    Thanks!

    -M

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  23. Hi Jennifer, how do you go about sp ending your days during recovery? What do you tell people? Do you have a job that lets you take time off work, or?

    Also, how does one go about getting retin-a?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mary, so sorry about the delay in responding.
      With family and friends I was completely honest with them.
      Initially I must admit I stayed shut up in doors for a couple weeks until I began to go stir crazy! when I did venture out I wore sunglasses and kept my head down..... not too sure as to why I wore sunglasses but it made me feel better!
      You can purchase Retin A on my ecrater store see link below:
      http://butterflykissesbeautyskincare.ecrater.com

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