Jessner’s peeling

Jessner s Solution has been used for over 100 years as a therapeutic agent to treat hyperkera-totic epidermal lesions [1]. This superficial peeling agent constitutes a mixture of salicylic acid, resorcinol, and lactic acid in 95% ethanol. Jessner s solution causes loss of corneocyte cohesion and induces intercellular and intracellular edema. Jessner s typically induces wounding to the level of the papillary dermis. Historically, resorcinol (a key component of Jessner s peels) was used in concentrations of 10-50% in the early twentieth century. High concentrations of resorcinol were associated with side effects such as allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact... 

Fig. 3.ia-c. Chemical structures of Jessner s Peel components (a Salicylic acid, b Resorcinol, and c Lactic acid)... 

Fig. 3.2. a Patient with acne with excoriation, b Patient after treatment with three Jessner s peels... 

Jessner s peels have been used to treat acne, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, lentigines, freckles, and photodamage (Figs. 3.2a,b, 3.3a, b and 3.4a, b). 

As with other superficial peeling agents, Jessner s peels are well tolerated with few contraindications. However, there is scant pub-... 

Jessner s solution contains 14% resorcinol, 14% salicylic acid and 14% lactic acid. Jessner s solution has been used alone for superficial peeling, or in combination with TCA 35% to achieve a medium-depth peel. Increasing the number of coats applied to the treated area increases the depth and reaction induced by the Jessner s peel. These peels are well tolerated with minimal side effects in the author s practice. As with glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels, Jessner s peels are most commonly used as adjimctive therapy for moderate to severe facial dyschromias, acne, oily skin, texturally rough skin, fine wrinkles, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. 

Superficial chemical peels, including salicylic and glycolic acids, and Jessner s peels target the stratum corneum to the papillary dermis. These agents can be safely used to facilitate the resolution of PIH (Figs. 16.2,16.3,16.4 and 16.5). To assess for variability in response and limit further PIH, when possible, chemical peels should be initiated at the lower concentrations and titrated to higher concentrations if necessary to increase efficacy while minimizing side effects (see Darker Skin Section). 

Fig. 16.5. a Pseudofolliculitis barbae and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, b After two Jessner s peels... 

A Jessner s peel would improve and even out AHA penetration through the skin. 

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