How Jessner and TCA Chemical Peels Clear Acne: Benefits and Differences

If you’re ready to take your skin’s health into your own hands, there’s a good chance you’ve heard murmurs about chemical peels. The Jessner and TCA peels in particular. These are not your everyday exfoliating scrubs; no, they are the big guys in the skincare league. But what even is a peel, and which one should you choose if you’re looking for a “fair dinkum” glow up?

Let’s take a deep dive into professional-grade exfoliation and how these treatments can take you one step closer to that clear, glowing complexion we all know and love.

Understanding Jessner Chemical Peels Solution

When some people hear the words “chemical peel,” they envision some pretty intense stuff, à la a scene from a horror flick. In truth, a Jessner Peel is among the most trusted weapons in any dermal therapist’s bag. It has been in use for decades because, quite frankly, it works.

A Jessner peel is what’s known as a “synergistic” peel. That means that it’s a combination of multiple active ingredients to address various skin issues simultaneously. Instead of putting all the onus on one acid to do the “heavy lifting,” so to speak, it takes a team approach to penetrate deeper and extract or clean up the “junk” that causes acne.

What is a Jessner Chemical Peel?

This is a medium-strong chemical peel, named after Dr Max Jessner. It is traditionally made with the following mixture:

• Salicylic Acid: A BHA that penetrates your pores to break up oil.

• Lactic Acid: An AHA active that provides hydration as it exfoliates.

• Resorcinol: An antiseptic that can be used to treat acne, also effective at dissolving rough skin.

Since it’s a “layered” peel, you (or your practitioner) can modulate the intensity. A single layer will offer light refreshing, while three or four layers will offer a much more thorough exfoliation. And for those of us dwelling beneath the harsh Aussie sun, Jessner peels are great because they don’t just target your acne but help erase all those sunspots and pigmentation that come with a life spent at the beach.

What is a TCA Chemical Peel?

TCA stands for Trichloroacetic Acid. If the Jessner peel were a team, think balance; TCA would take to the field as a star individual. TCA peels are acids (a non-toxic relative of vinegar) that cause the proteins in the outer layer of your skin to coagulate. How can you not feel safer with these ingredients??

TCA is incredibly versatile. You can use it at lows (10%) for a little pick-me-up or at higher percentages for deep scarring and some heavy-duty sun damage. It’s especially known for being able to “resurface” the skin. It’s wonderful for anti-ageing but has a very specific part to play in the fight against acne – more on that later.

How Jessner and TCA Peels Clear Acne

But do these treatments really prevent the breakouts? Acne typically occurs as a result of the “perfect storm”-excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Jessner and TCA peels both function to weaken the bonds holding together dead skin cells. Consider your skin cells the bricks, and the “glue” that holds them together is old oil and debris. These peels dissolve that glue.

• Unclogging Pores: By lifting off the top-most skin, peels prevent “microcomedones” (the beginning of a pimple) from developing.

• Bacteria Murder: Acne-causing bacteria cower in fear from the acidic terrorizing that Pumpkin peel brings.

• Oil Control: It helps to control oil so you won’t feel like an oil slick by noon.

TCA Chemical Peel: Acne Treatment

So TCA is the track that many will go down when acne has graduated from “occasional spots” to “textural issues.” For “pitted” acne scars or deep-seated cystic congestion, TCA is a game changer. It does so by entering the deeper dermis, where it induces collagen.

When you undergo acne treatment, TCA peel, think of it like hitting the “reset” button. Essentially, it literally peels damaged or scarred sections of skin to make room for new, healthy cells. It’s a tad more intense than your run-of-the-mill Jessner, but for people with very stubborn scarring, it changes the game entirely.

Jessner Vs TCA Peel Shape Differences: In between Jessner and TCA peels

If you have active acne and oily skin, the Jessner is probably your best buddy. If TCA is the only reasonable way to tackle these scars and textural irregularities you’ve been left with after your acne has cleared up, it might be the better route.

Benefits of Jessner Peels Solution

Could the Jessner Peel Solution be your new holy grail product? Here’s why we love it:

• Brightens the ‘Aussie Glow’: It takes away that dull, sallow look from pollution, sun exposure, and just generally being on our beautiful planet.

• Focused Acne Attack: The Salicylic acid in the formula is lipophilic (oil-loving) and goes under your skin, clearing it of all the oil built up so as not to annoy you anymore!

• Reduces Pigmentation: Got “dark spots” where pimply infections used to be? Jessner peels can assist in removing that pigment.

• Smoother Makeup Application: After all the peeling madness, your foundation will glide on so silky. Say goodbye to “cakey” spots on dry skin!

Why Choose Our NCC Jessner Peels Solution in Australia?

We know Aussies appreciate quality and transparency. When you’re applying something as active as a chemical peel to your face, you want to be sure it’s the real deal.

Our Jessner Peel Solution at NCC has been created to professional formulation standards in our local area for you, the same professional product. We know the Australian weather, the heat, the humidity, and how UV levels impact skin recovery.”

Our solution is for those who demand professional quality whitening results without having to spend $300 at the dental office. We offer clear directions and a premium formula that prioritizes safety and efficacy. When you buy from us, you are buying from a business that knows what the Aussie skin needs to survive and thrive in the Great Outdoors.

How Peels Work: The Science Behind the Shedding?

Now let’s get a little nerdy for a moment. Why does the skin really “peel”?

With application of the Jessner or TCA solution, a controlled ‘‘injury’’ to the skin is produced. Now, do not be intimidated by that word! It’s a good injury. Your body reacts by starting a natural healing process.

• Exfoliation: The acid disrupts the protein bonds or "desmosomes" in the stratum corneum (top layer) of skin.

• Regeneration: Now that the old skin is dead and peeling off, your basal layer (the factory of skin cells at the bottom) kicks into high gear by producing baby new cells.

• Collagen Boost: The chemical reaction cues your fibroblasts to create collagen and elastin. This is why skin feels tauter and looks firmer after the treatment.

It’s pretty much a means of pushing your skin’s naturally occurring 28-day renewal cycle into roughly a week.

What You Can Expect When You Have a Jessner Peel

• Application: You’ll feel a hot, tingling sensation. (If oils are to be rinsed off after use, it can take several minutes for this "hot" feeling to go away. Or some people referred to it as hot, but not always. In most cases, the sensation will disappear in minutes when self-neutralized or washed off (which depends on the customized protocol).

• Day 1-2: You may have some tightness to your skin, as if you had a light sunburn. It may appear somewhat pink or “bronzed.”

• Days 3 to 5: This is when the magic occurs. You will begin to peel, typically in the areas most prone to movement around your mouth and nose. Pro tip: DO NOT PICK THE SKIN! Let it come off by itself, or you’ll end up scarred.

• Day 7: The "New Skin" reveal! Your skin should feel incredibly soft, and those active breakouts should be much flatter or gone.

Potential Side Effects

While we love the results, we have to be "straight with you." Chemical peels are powerful. Potential side effects can include:

• Redness and Swelling: Normal for the first 24-48 hours.

• Purging: Sometimes, the peel brings "hidden" pimples to the surface faster. This is actually a good sign—it’s cleaning house!

• Dryness: Your skin will be thirsty. Use a gentle, bland moisturiser.

• Sun Sensitivity: This is the big one. Your new skin is "baby fresh" and will burn easily. You must wear SPF 50+ every single day. No excuses, even if it's cloudy in Melbourne!

Disclaimer: 

The information shared in this article is general in nature and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual needs and circumstances. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an existing medical condition, or are taking prescription medication, seek guidance before making changes to your health routine or using supplements. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. For our full Health Disclaimer & Liability Notice, visit this page.