AFA Peels What You Need to Know
AFAs are potent, stable antioxidants and powerful exfoliants that produce little to no irritation unlike AHAs, glycolic acids, and other alpha hydroxy acids. AFAs are extremely effective against aging skin and photo-pigmentation (sun damage), acne breakouts, enlarged pores, and smoothes skin texture.
The unique features of AFAs:
•Promote greater moisture retention in human skin, directly related to the Natural Moisture Factors (NMF)
•Potent stable antioxidants
•Extremely powerful exfoliants, with little to no irritation
Chemical Peels The Steps to Rapid Improvement
What are AFAs?
AFAs are a new, unique, and fully patented and cosmeceutical. In fact, AFAs, we believe, are the first cosmeceutical to be patented in this millennium. AFAs are based on the same natural acidic amino acids that serve to retain moisture in human skin. They are also potent antioxidants and extremely helpful against photo pigmentation. They are remarkably free of irritation at effective pH levels.
AFAs are the first cosmeceutical ever to utilize these valuable acidic amino acids as part of a skin care regimen. Independent Board Certified Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons have clinically tested AFAs for over three years and there have been no adverse incidences reported as a result of their use.
“AFA” is an acronym for Amino acid Filaggrin based Antioxidants. Filaggrin is a protein that occurs in the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis. Filaggrin is a protein that occurs in the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis. Filaggrin is metabolized in the epidermis into several acidic amino acids and these amino acids are the primary agents responsible for the skin’s ability to retain moisture. They are also the same amino acids used to produce AFAs.
AFAs Have 7 Unique Advantages as Topical Anti-Aging Cosmeceuticals:
1. AFAs promote greater moisture retention in human skin.
2. AFAs have 3 fold greater antioxidant potency than AHAs
3. AFAs are very effective antioxidants
4. Patients notice visible improvement quickly (often within a few days)
5. AFAs are more powerful against photo-pigmentation
6. AFAs have little irritation when compared to AHAs
7. AFAs are not photosensitizing
AFAs Promote Greater Moisture Retention
The naturally occurring acidic amino acids in the skin constitute what is generally described as the primary moisture retention factor of human skin. In heavily oxidized, sun damaged skin, acidic amino acids are markedly decreased, and moisture retention is also significantly reduced. An independent, university study described that these acidic amino acids, the same ones that are used in AFA Gels, are capable of penetrating into the stratum granulosum and significantly increasing moisture retention by as much as three fold. This logically accounts for the dramatic increase in moisture retention of the skin and would account for some of the decrease in visible lines seen with the use of the AFA Gels.
AHAs are generally viewed as exfoliants, although they have some antioxidant qualities due to single carboxyl group that is part of their molecular structure. The carboxyl group has the positively charged hydrogen ion that has the ability to combine with the singlet oxygen that is responsible for the damaging oxidation of the skin. AFAs are Tri-carboxylics; they have three carboxyl groups rather than the singlet group of the AHAs, and thus have three fold the antioxidant qualities. We feel that this may account for the dramatically enhanced anti-oxidative effects of AFAs compared to other cosmeceuticals.
AFAs Are Effective Exfoliants
AFAs are very effective exfoliants because they are able to combine a low pH with a smaller molecule size. The pH of AFA Gels is below 2.0 and the molecular weight of AFAs under 100. This is a small enough molecule to penetrate into the skin and a low enough pH to be an effective kerolytic.
Patient Selection for the AFA Program
•Patients looking to address photo damage and photo pigmentation. AFAs have shown fabulous results for patients with photo-pigmentation.
•Patients with sensitive skin. AFAs are less irritating than AHAs, and therefore can be better tolerated by sensitive patients. Still, AFAs are completely unneutralized and have a very low pH, so patients can still achieve the results that they expect.
•Patients with very dry skin. Patients that have experienced excessive dryness with the use of AHAs will often do very well with the AFA program.
•Patients with darker or more reactive skin types. Patients with African American skin or with Asian skin where there has always been a risk of hyper-pigmentation with the use of AHAs. As stated above, there have been no reports of problems in these skin types with the use of AFAs.
•Patients going through Microdermabrasion. As opposed to simply a moisturizing or healing daily skin care program that most microdermabrasion companies offer, the AFA program offers a non-irritating, active, and effective daily skin care program that will enhance and accelerate the results of the microdermabrasion.
•Patients looking for something new. Although this is not a patient type, per say, this is probably the most important group of patients that can benefit from the AFA program. Patients that have been on a glycolic program for years, even if they have had good results, will at some point begin to ask what is new or inquire about what are the latest products they can use.
A suggested protocol is that patients have 6 weekly Facial applications and increasing to higher Facial strengths. Many patients continue to have weekly or bi-weekly Facial Peels long after the initial six! Returning monthly, after the initial six, is a minimum recommendation.
AFAs are not ‘just for women’. Although men are a bit less likely to request a cosmetic agent, they appreciate the benefits of AFAs and are avid users of these AFAs.
AFA Clay Peel
Certain rare earths (clay) have been proven to increase the effectiveness of cosmeceuticals by placing certain ingredients in closer contact with the skin. The AFA Clay Peel combines the outstanding features of AFAs with a unique, 2 step application process that provides unparalleled results.
An AFA clay mask is applied to the skin as a first step pre-exfoliating the skin and drawing out oils and impurities in the skin. The AFA Peel, an optimum strength of the AFA antioxidant facial peel, is then applied.
Accutane patients are contraindicated, as with any peel. Rosacea patients and patients with dry, sensitive skin may not be good candidates for the Clay Peel. Patients with a history of herpes should be pre-treated with standard protocols.
•The patient should not use their AFA gel, or any other exfoliating product (including Retin A and retinols) the evening before the procedure as well as the evening of the procedure.
•Men should avoid shaving immediately before the procedure.
What you can expect:
You should experience some redness for only a couple of hours after the procedure. You will notice an immediate improvement in the smoothness, touch, and texture of the skin. Improvement in fine lines, dryness and photo-pigmentation occur after several applications, thus the AFA Clay Peel is usually recommended as a series of 6 or more, 2 weeks apart. Some exfoliation or flaking of the skin can occur for 24-48 hours after the procedure. If there is any persistent erythema or irritation, contact the clinic. Do not mix the AFA Program with any acid skin care product. AFAs are completely unneutralized and have a very low pH. Adding AHA or BHA products to the program can cause significant reactions and should not be done.
Using the AFA Program with Retin A, retinoids, hydroquinones and other bleaching agents has not been studied.
Using AFAs with Microdermabrasion
AFAs have found a natural fit for the use with Microdermabrasion. Patients undergoing this procedure need also a skin care program that will not cause additional irritation to already tender skin.
Microdermabrasion can be performed, followed by the AFA Peel, with a light to moderate microdermabrasion and only 1-2 passes of the skin, with the Peel applied post.
Alternatively, the AFA Peel can be performed prior to Microdermabrasion, which will soften the keratin bonds between dead surface skin cells, making the microdermabrasion treatment more effective.
Recommended product users
The AFA Clay Peel is recommended for people with uneven pigmentation, fine lines, or sun-damaged skin. It can be used by anyone concerned about the appearance of their skin. A series of 4-6 treatments is recommended and it is available only through medical professionals.
Microdermabrasion
This treatment gently removes epidermal cells to treat a vast range of skin imperfections: sun damage, acne, acne scarring, uneven granular skin, fine lines, wrinkles, aging skin, enlarged pores, blackheads, scars and stretch marks. The Diamond tip head evenly abrades the skin exfoliating damaged skin. It is the most effective, controlled technique for the removal of dead skin cells, and results in a much smoother, revitalized skin with immediate results and no downtime. Recommended in a series for optimal results.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is nothing new, and there are ever changing products and equipment for exfoliation. However, the one thing that doesn’t change is the physiological way your skin functions. We all understand the concept of cell renewal. New skin cells are created in the skin. In young, healthy skin, the approximate time it takes for a cell to be sloughed from the surface is about 28 days.
As we age, especially following menopause for women, the natural process of skin becomes uneven, which results in a loss of retained water, a dry, rough, and uneven texture. Obviously, we can’t stop the natural aging process, but we can do something about factors that contribute to the “unnatural,” or pre-mature aging process. External factors such as pollution, UV exposure, smoking, poor diet, stress, medications, illness, improper product use, and excess exfoliation all contribute to early aging of the skin, and an inhibited rate of cell turnover.
PRE-MICRODERMABRASION INSTRUCTIONS:
- If you are prone to cold sores, you will need to contact your physician for antiviral medication to avoid a post treatment breakout. It is recommended you begin prophylaxis two (2) days prior to treatment and continue for five (5) days post treatment.•Discontinue use of over the counter Retinol, Glycolic and other Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Salicylic or Beta Hydroxy Acids, or other exfoliation products three (3) days prior to treatment.•Discontinue use of prescription Retinoid products (Retin-A, Renova, Tretinoin, Avita, Alustra or other brands of Tretinoin), other prescription Retinoid products (Adapalene, Avage, Differin, Tazorac, Tazarotene) thirty (30) days prior to treatment.•No waxing, electrolysis, other hair removal products or methods, laser treatments (any kind) within seven (7) days prior to treatment.•No Botox injections within seven (7) days prior to treatment.•No collagen or other dermal filler injections within fourteen (14) days prior to treatment.•Follow all pre-microdermabrasion home care product recommendations as instructed by your Technician. Optimal results are achieved by following a home care regimen that will enhance the microdermabrasion process.
POST-MICRODERMABRASION INSTRUCTIONS:
Any substance that is applied post treatment is absorbed very quickly and deeply. A slight rosy glow, much like sunburn, may appear for approximately 24-48 hours. Your skin will feel “wind-burned” and will also be more vulnerable. The risk of getting sunburned following a treatment increases dramatically.
•You may resume your daily activities or return to work immediately. Mineral make up can be applied following a treatment. If you experience discomfort following make-up application, remove.
•Sunscreen will be applied to your skin before you leave. You must protect your skin every day with a full spectrum sunscreen that protects both UVA and UVB with an SPF of 30 or higher. We recommend you use a sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide you with full spectrum protection. Avoid direct sun exposure. All tanning, self tanners and tanning beds must be avoided.
•For the first 24-48 hours, use a mild cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, eye cream, and sunscreen. If you are treating hyperpigmentation, the use of lightening products is strongly recommended.
•Do not use glycolic, alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, lactic acid, salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide or topical acne medications, SD alcohol, artificial colour/fragrance, lanolin, hydroquinones (Alustra, Lustra AF, Ultraquin, Glyquin), and propylene glycol for 24-72 hours following treatment. You may resume products after this period or as instructed by your technician.
•You may resume prescription retinoid products (Retin A, Renova, Tretinoin, Avita, Alustra or other brands of Tretinoin) and other prescription retinoid products (Adapalene, Avage, Differin, Tazorac, Tazarotene) three (3) days after last skin peel treatment, or as instructed by your technician. If you are receiving a series of treatments, do not resume any of these products until after you have completed your last microdermabrasion treatment.
•Refrain from waxing, electrolysis or other hair removal methods, laser treatments (of any kind) for thirty (30) days. Upon resumption, please notify your technician that you recently had a microdermabrasion.
•Refrain from Botox, collagen or other tissue filler injections for seven (7) days following a microdermabrasion treatment.
• Avoid exercise for at least a few hours after procedure. Drink additional water. Cold compresses can provide relief from the “wind-burned” feeling.
30 minute microdermabrasion session $75
3 sessions $185
Prices for Afa Peels
| AFA Clay Mask & Peel (30min) | $100 |
| AFA Clay Mask & Peel Series of 3 | $250 |
| AFA Clay Mask & Peel Series of 6 | $450 |
| AFA Peel (20 min) | $85 |
| AFA Peel Series of 6 | $400 |
| Décolleté | $175 |
| Décolleté Series of 3 Treatments | $475 |
| Hands Treatment | $75 |
| Hands Series of 3 Treatments | $175 |
| Face, Décolleté & Hands Treatment | $225 |