Prior to a Jessner peel, which step is essential?

Prior to a Jessner peel, it is essential to strip the skin of all oils. This step is crucial because a Jessner peel, which contains a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol, needs to penetrate the skin effectively to achieve the desired exfoliation and rejuvenation. Oils and impurities on the skin's surface can act as barriers, preventing the peel from working properly and minimizing its effectiveness.

By thoroughly cleansing and removing oils, the esthetician ensures a clear pathway for the peel's active ingredients. This preparation step not only enhances the efficacy of the treatment but also helps to minimize potential side effects and complications that could arise from the peel not performing optimally due to residual oils on the skin.

Other options such as moisturizing, applying a protective cream, or exfoliating with a scrub may not provide the necessary environment for the peel to be most effective. These actions could potentially interfere with the peel's penetration and desired outcomes.