Exfoliation
Exfoliation removes or sheds the thin layers of the skin. Exfoliation occurs naturally as new skin cells are produced and old cells fall off. This can be enhanced by many methods, including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and topical creams. Increasing exfoliation tends to decrease the thickness of the dead skin layer and induce faster production of new cells. The result of this can be: improved skin brightness, texture, tone, and firmess, as well as decreased wrinkling and dyspigmentation. Some skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and freckling can be improved by regular exfoliation.

The amount or method of exfoliation depends on an individual's skin type and the specific problem being addressed. Consultation with a plastic surgeon is a good way to develop a program of rejuvenation that includes regular exfoliation.

There are a variety of peels and processes that can quickly bring your beauty to the surface.

Glycolic Peel
The most common of the chemical peels used in aesthetics is glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane. Glycolic acid is effective at "ungluing" the cells of the stratum corneum, the top layer of the epidermis. Superficial chemical peels like glycolics have a proven track record for improving skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.

PRE-TREATMENT
The client should refrain from facial hair removal for one week prior to a glycolic peel and preferably pretreat the skin with Tretinoin, to facilitate absorbtion of the glycolic acid when it is applied.

POST-TREATMENT
Clients should apply an SPF of at least 15 containing both UVA- and UVB-blocking ingredients, while avoiding direct exposure to sunlight one week post-peel. Side effects of glycolic peels include erythema (redness of the skin), flaking, and a hypersensitivity to aggressive skin care products: these products should be avoided several days post-peeling. Greater absorption levels post-peel make it a good time to infuse the skin with peptides, human growth factors, and anti-oxidants.

COMBINATION THERAPY
Glycolic peels can be done in combination with LEDs, hydrating facials, and collagen masks.

Vitalize Peel
Using a combination of lactic, salicylic and retinoic acids the vitalize peel is an ideal combination chemical peel used for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and sun damage. One of the advantages to this type of peel is that dramatic results are seen after each treatment. Clients can expect to see a lightening of superficial hyperpigmentation and a reduction of inflammatory acne lesions, blackheads, and clogged pores.

PRE-TREATMENT
Avoidance of facial hair removal is advised, at least one week before peel.

POST-TREATMENT
Because of possible shedding of the skin post-peel, clients are advised to avoid facial waxing and direct exposure to sunlight.

Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with a topical photo sensitizer called Levulan, or aminolevulinic acid (ALA), followed by the application of intense pulsed light (IPL). ALA is a natural substance found throughout the body that is a precursor for hemoglobin synthesis. When localized in the target tissue, ALA is converted to produce oxygen intermediates that destroy target tissue cells.

Simply stated, ALA-PDT removes sun-damaged pre-cancerous skin cells while improving fine lines and blotchy pigment. This treatment also has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris and acne rosacea while improving the appearance of some acne scars. PDT photo-rejuvenation is also known as Power PhotoFacial or Super PhotoFacial because the results are similar to those of three to five PhotoFacial/IPL treatments.

How much improvement can I expect?
Patients with severely sun-damaged skin manifested by actinic keratosis and texture and tone changes, that include mottled pigmentation and skin laxity may see excellent results with PDT. You may also see improvement of large pores and pitted acne scars. Active acne can be dramatically reduced.

How many treatments are necessary?
Achieving maximum improvement is greatly dependent on the protocol you and the doctor select. With a more aggressive protocol, just one or two treatments are usually required. If you select a less aggressive protocol, it may require two to five treatments. Treatments are spaced two to five weeks apart. Additional treatments may be done at periodic intervals in the future to maintain the rejuvenated appearance of the skin.

It is important to avoid sun exposure for the first two days following PDT and to avoid prolonged sun exposure thereafter. You should not use a tanning booth at any time before or during PDT treatments. Doing so will greatly increase your risk of a negative side effect.

Treatments That May Help
The following treatment links will take you to www.ajune.com
for more information:
Ultimate Ajune Glow, Total Bio-Energizer, Vitalize Peel, Glycolic Peel, Alpha Beta Facial, Melasma Peel, Jessners Peel

Products That May Help:
Neocutis, Nia24 SPF 30, Nia24 Physical Cleansing Scrub