By Basil Russo, Founder, Bar Beauty Medical, 46 Fort York Blvd, CityPlace Toronto. Reviewed by Julia Barabas, Medical Aesthetician and Glow Specialist.
A Jessner peel is a light chemical peel made from three ingredients: resorcinol, salicylic acid and lactic acid. We use the classic formula. It’s mostly used for acne, congestion, uneven skin tone and superficial pigmentation. At Bar Beauty Medical in CityPlace a Jessner peel is $300, and the appointment is booked for 75 minutes.
Book a Jessner peel → See all peel prices →
The short version
- We use the classic Jessner’s solution: 14% resorcinol, 14% salicylic acid and 14% lactic acid in alcohol.
- On its own it’s a light peel. Extra coats take it a little deeper.
- Expect redness, then flaking or peeling for about 3 to 7 days.
- For a light peel, the American Academy of Dermatology says a series of 3 to 5 peels, 2 to 5 weeks apart, may be needed.
- With us, a Jessner peel is $300.
What’s in a Jessner peel?
StatPearls, a medical reference hosted by the US National Library of Medicine, describes the classic Jessner’s solution as 14% resorcinol, 14% salicylic acid and 14% lactic acid dissolved in ethanol. Salicylic acid is closely related to aspirin.
Some brands now sell modified versions that swap the resorcinol for citric acid. An Australian review for doctors in Medicine Today explains that this lowers the risk of skin rashes and the thyroid problems linked to resorcinol. We use the classic formula.
How deep does a Jessner peel go?
StatPearls groups Jessner’s solution with the light peels. How deep it reaches depends on how many coats go on. Indian dermatology guidelines on chemical peels list 1 to 3 coats for an even light peel and up to 4 to 7 coats for a deeper effect. We decide how many layers to use after assessing your skin.
You may also read about the Monheit peel, where Jessner’s solution goes on first and 35% TCA follows to reach medium depth. We don’t use TCA. Our Jessner peel is a peel on its own.
What a Jessner peel can help with
Medicine Today says Jessner’s solution is often used for acne, acne scarring and sun-damaged skin. The trials behind those uses are small.
| Your concern | What the research says |
|---|---|
| Acne and blackheads | In a split-face trial of 26 people, Jessner’s worked about as well as 70% glycolic acid, but 36% said peeling on the Jessner’s side got in the way of daily life. Another trial found 30% salicylic acid cleared more blackheads and whiteheads than Jessner’s. A 2018 review in BMJ Open rated the quality of this evidence as very low to moderate. |
| Melasma | Two small trials found Jessner’s worked about as well as glycolic acid, and as well as 30% salicylic acid in skin types III to V. See melasma treatment. |
| Dull, sun-damaged skin | Medicine Today lists photo-rejuvenation among its common uses. |
| Acne scars | Medicine Today lists acne scarring among its uses. For deep, pitted scars, ask us about acne scar revision and microneedling as well. |
What happens during a Jessner peel
Every Jessner peel starts with a professional skin assessment. Then your skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepped, and the peel goes on in carefully controlled layers. How many layers you get depends on your skin’s condition, how sensitive it is, what you want to treat and the result you’re after. Cleveland Clinic describes a warm to fairly hot feeling that lasts a few minutes, followed by stinging.
Your appointment is booked for 75 minutes. Jessner peels are done by our medical aestheticians, Julia Barabas, Vivian Temesvari and Elizabeth Naranjo. Meet the team.
Peeling, downtime and aftercare
Your skin will look red at first. For a light peel, the American Academy of Dermatology gives a healing time of 1 to 7 days, and says scaling may follow once the redness fades and last 3 to 7 days. Medicine Today says flaking is an expected part of a Jessner peel, and that after a superficial peel the skin has usually resurfaced within 7 to 10 days.
- The American Academy of Dermatology says most people can wear makeup right after a light peel, and sometimes the next day.
- Protect your skin from the sun. DermNet says this matters most for the first 6 months after a peel.
- Call us if your skin blisters, oozes, or looks infected.
How many peels you’ll need
For a light peel like this one, the American Academy of Dermatology says 3 to 5 peels may be needed, repeated every 2 to 5 weeks. We’ll suggest a plan once we’ve seen your skin.
Before your peel
- Tell us if you’ve ever taken isotretinoin, the prescription acne pill. The American Academy of Dermatology asks peel patients to mention it, and sources differ on how long to wait.
- Stay out of the sun and away from tanning for two weeks before, as Cleveland Clinic advises.
- Ask us about your retinoid cream. Cleveland Clinic says to stop retinoids one to two weeks before a peel, while some peel plans use them to prepare the skin. Follow the plan we give you.
- Skip waxing on the area right before your peel. StatPearls lists it among the things to avoid.
- Some people follow a pre-peel skin care plan for 2 to 4 weeks first, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Who should wait or check first
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding. We don’t do Jessner peels during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Jessner’s solution contains salicylic acid, and a 2015 review of salicylic acid peels says they aren’t recommended during pregnancy.
- You have an active cold sore. Wait until it has healed, and tell us if you get them often.
- You have open cuts or broken skin in the area.
- You’ve reacted badly to a peel before.
- You form keloids or scar easily.
- You’ve taken isotretinoin, now or in the past.
Is a Jessner peel safe for darker skin?
Medicine Today says superficial peels are suitable for all skin types. That doesn’t mean zero risk. In a US study of 473 light peels on skin types III to VI, 3.8% had a complication, and type VI skin had higher odds. In one trial on mostly type V skin, side effects were mild and similar for Jessner’s and salicylic acid, with a little more crusting after Jessner’s.
Indian dermatology guidelines recommend preparing the skin for at least 2 to 4 weeks before a peel. If your skin tends to darken after a pimple or a scrape, tell us at your consultation.
Jessner peel vs our other peels and facials
| Treatment | What it is | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jessner peel | Light chemical peel with resorcinol, salicylic acid and lactic acid | $300 |
| NOON P-Peel 20 | Gel chemical peel from NOON Aesthetics. Our menu says redness usually settles within a few hours | $240 |
| NOON G-Peel 30 | Gel chemical peel from NOON Aesthetics. Our menu says redness settles within a few hours to a few days | $240 |
| Green Peel | Dr. Schrammek herbal peel, in three versions: Fresh Up, Skin Detox and Stop Acne | $260 |
| Préime DermaFacial | A facial, not a peel. The five-handpiece Signature version starts with a cleanse and a PDRN-infused toner, then serums and gels chosen for your skin | $250 to $450 |
Not sure which one fits your skin? We’ll suggest one at your consultation.
Jessner peel price in Toronto
A Jessner peel at Bar Beauty Medical is $300 per peel. Prices are in Canadian dollars, from our booking system, checked November 2, 2026. Our booking system notes that a consultation is required first, to make sure the peel is right for your skin, and our consultations are free. Everything else is on our price list.
We’re at 46 Fort York Blvd in CityPlace, Toronto, ON M5V 3Z3. Call 416-923-1200, get directions, or book online.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Jessner peel?
A light chemical peel made from resorcinol, salicylic acid and lactic acid. In the classic formula, which is the one we use, it’s 14% of each in alcohol. It’s often used for acne, congestion, uneven skin tone and superficial pigmentation.
Is a Jessner peel a light or a medium peel?
On its own it’s a light peel. More coats take it deeper, and doctors pair it with 35% TCA for a medium-depth peel. We don’t use TCA.
How much is a Jessner peel in Toronto?
$300 per peel at Bar Beauty Medical in CityPlace. Prices are in Canadian dollars.
How long does peeling last after a Jessner peel?
For a light peel, the American Academy of Dermatology gives a healing time of 1 to 7 days, and says scaling may appear once the redness fades and last 3 to 7 days. Medicine Today says the skin has usually resurfaced within 7 to 10 days after a superficial peel.
How many Jessner peels will I need?
For a light peel, the American Academy of Dermatology says 3 to 5 peels may be needed, spaced 2 to 5 weeks apart.
Is a Jessner peel good for acne?
It can help. In one trial it worked about as well as 70% glycolic acid, though it caused more flaking, and 30% salicylic acid cleared more blackheads in another. The evidence is limited.
Can I get a Jessner peel while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. We don’t do Jessner peels during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Jessner’s solution contains salicylic acid, and a 2015 review says salicylic acid peels aren’t recommended during pregnancy.
Is a Jessner peel safe for dark skin?
Light peels are used on all skin tones, but dark marks afterwards are more likely in deeper skin tones. Preparing the skin first lowers the risk, so tell us if your skin darkens easily.
When can I wear makeup after a Jessner peel?
The American Academy of Dermatology says usually right after a light peel, and sometimes the next day.
Who does Jessner peels at Bar Beauty Medical?
Our medical aestheticians, Julia Barabas, Vivian Temesvari and Elizabeth Naranjo.
Book a Jessner peel → Call 416-923-1200
Sources
- Samargandy S, Raggio BS. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), Chemical Peels for Skin Resurfacing
- American Academy of Dermatology, Chemical peels: FAQs and Chemical peels: Preparation
- DermNet, Chemical peels
- Cleveland Clinic, Chemical Peels
- Khunger N, IADVL Dermatosurgery Task Force. Standard guidelines of care for chemical peels. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2008;74 Suppl:S5-12. ijdvl.com
- Chen MKY, Farrell J, Patel A, Sebaratnam DF. Chemical peels: controlled injury, clinical gain. Medicine Today (Australia). 2026;27(5):41-45. medicinetoday.com.au (PDF)
- Chen X, Wang S, Yang M, Li L. Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2018;8(4):e019607. bmjopen.bmj.com
- Lawrence N, Cox SE, Brody HJ. Treatment of melasma with Jessner’s solution versus glycolic acid: a comparison of clinical efficacy and evaluation of the predictive ability of Wood’s light examination. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1997;36(4):589-593. PubMed 9092746
- Ejaz A, Raza N, Iftikhar N, Muzzafar F. Comparison of 30% salicylic acid with Jessner’s solution for superficial chemical peeling in epidermal melasma. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2008;18(4):205-208. jcpsp.pk
- Vemula S, Maymone MBC, Secemsky EA, et al. Assessing the safety of superficial chemical peels in darker skin: a retrospective study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;79(3):508-513.e2. PubMed 29518457
- Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455-461. dovepress.com
- Prices and appointment times: Bar Beauty Medical booking system, checked November 2, 2026
This page is general information, not a diagnosis.
Questions about this treatment?
Ask us anything before you book. Consultations are free, and we will tell you honestly if a treatment is not right for you.