💆 A classic Jessner formulation built for licensed esthetics professionals — CIRCADIA's Jessner Peel combines lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol, each at 14%, delivering a medium-depth chemical peel suited for hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun damage, acne congestion, and uneven tone on Fitzpatrick Types I–III.

The triple-acid system targets the skin at multiple levels simultaneously: lactic acid lifts surface cells and inhibits visible melanin activity, salicylic acid reaches into pores to clear sebaceous congestion, and resorcinol drives the pronounced desquamation that defines a true Jessner response — predictable flaking beginning around days 3–4 post-service. The self-neutralizing formula removes the separate neutralization step, keeping your service protocol clean and efficient.

Set client expectations at close of appointment and use the peeling phase as a natural retail moment for SPF and barrier support.

For practices serving Fitzpatrick I–III clients with persistent hyperpigmentation, congestion, or sun damage who are ready for a results-forward medium-depth peel.

• Visible reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentation: The combined action of Lactic Acid as a tyrosinase inhibitor and the multi-acid exfoliation system helps fade the visible appearance of dark spots, melasma, post-acne marks, lentigines, and sun-induced discoloration over the course of the peeling cycle.
• Deep exfoliation and accelerated surface cell turnover: The triple-acid Jessner system — AHA, BHA, and Resorcinol each at 14% — drives controlled desquamation of the outer skin layers, visibly accelerating the turnover of surface cells and revealing fresher-looking skin beneath.
• Pronounced visible peeling response (3–4 days post-service): Resorcinol amplifies the desquamation process beyond what AHA or BHA alone would produce. Clients will experience noticeable flaking and peeling beginning approximately 3–4 days after the service — a predictable and expected outcome of this formulation.
• Pore-clearing action for acne-prone and congested skin: Salicylic Acid's lipophilic character allows it to penetrate into the pore lining and break down sebaceous material within the follicle, addressing congestion and helping to clarify the appearance of acne-prone skin.
• Self-neutralizing formula: The anhydrous ethanolic vehicle is formulated to be self-neutralizing, eliminating the need for a separate neutralization step during the service and simplifying the professional application protocol.

Lactic Acid - known as Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA): Present at 14%, Lactic Acid is the AHA component of this Jessner formulation. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells at the surface, promoting their release and revealing fresher skin beneath. At this concentration it also acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor — meaning it interferes with a key step in melanin production — which contributes to the formula's brightening effect on hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun-induced discoloration.

Resorcinol: Present at 14%, Resorcinol is a phenolic keratolytic agent and the component most responsible for the pronounced visible peeling clients experience approximately 3–4 days after the service. It disrupts cohesion between corneocytes more aggressively than either acid component alone, deepening and prolonging the desquamation response. Its inclusion is the defining characteristic that distinguishes a Jessner peel from a simple AHA/BHA blend.

Salicylic Acid - known as Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA): Present at 14%, Salicylic Acid is the BHA component of this Jessner formulation. Unlike AHAs, salicylic acid is oil-soluble (lipophilic), which allows it to travel through the sebaceous material lining pores and hair follicles — exfoliating inside the pore rather than just at the surface. This makes it particularly effective for acne-prone and congested skin. It also contributes to the overall exfoliation and surface-renewal action of the peel.

1. Conduct a thorough skin consultation and Fitzpatrick skin type assessment; confirm the client falls within Fitzpatrick Types I–III and has no contraindications to a medium-depth chemical peel.
2. Obtain informed consent and advise the client of the expected 3–4 day post-peel desquamation response before beginning the service.
3. Cleanse the client's face thoroughly to remove all surface oils, makeup, and residue; allow the skin to dry completely.
4. Degrease the treatment area with a pre-peel preparation solution to ensure even acid penetration across the face.
5. Protect the periorbital area, nostrils, corners of the mouth, and any areas of visible irritation or barrier compromise with a petrolatum-based barrier product.
6. Using a fan brush or gauze applicator, apply an even, thin layer of the Jessner Peel solution to the treatment area, working methodically across the face.
7. Observe the client's skin response — monitor for erythema, frosting, and client comfort throughout processing.
8. Allow the peel to process according to Circadia's professional protocol guidelines; the self-neutralizing formulation does not require a separate neutralizer application.
9. Remove the peel solution per the Circadia professional protocol (typically with cool water or as directed); pat the skin dry gently.
10. Apply a soothing post-peel product appropriate for sensitized skin; apply broad-spectrum SPF to complete the service.
11. Advise the client in writing of post-peel home care instructions, expected peeling timeline (days 3–4), strict sun avoidance, and the 2–3 month minimum interval before the next peel service.

Service planning and client management

Because all three actives are fixed at 14% each, this is a single-strength, medium-depth formula — there is no lower-intensity starting option within this product. For clients new to chemical peels or those with reactive skin approaching the Fitzpatrick III boundary, consider beginning with a preparatory regimen of at-home AHA or retinoid use for 4–6 weeks prior to the first service; pre-conditioned skin produces a more even, controlled peel response and reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The 3–4 day peeling onset is a selling point for client communication: set the expectation at the close of the appointment so clients are not alarmed by delayed flaking. This moment is also an opportunity to retail a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF for the peeling phase — two products clients will actively need and are highly receptive to purchasing immediately after the service.