afaLUXE™ Clay Mask peel

What is the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

With little to no discomfort and minimal lifestyle adjustments this two-step procedure uses low-pH products to remove damaged or aged layers of skin, promoting collagen production and encouraging the growth of new, softer skin. This service is designed to minimize the treatment's visual impact on your appearance while still delivering substantial exfoliating results.

What is afaLUXE™ ?

afaLUXE™ is a patented acidification of naturally occurring amino acids, which when synergized with proven brighteners and natural antioxidants maximizes the exfoliating benefits of a very low-pH solution with little – if any – irritation or side effects.   

Its low molecular weight enables the afaLUXE™ molecule to penetrate deep into the skin and to carry stabilized, highly-potent antioxidants and brighteners to this same level. afaLUXE™ is safe for nearly all skin types and encourages skin renewal, which improves moisture balance and restores barrier function.

What conditions does the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service treat?

• Uneven texture: fine lines & wrinkles 
• Pigment irregularities: sun spots, age spots, hyper-pigmentation, melasma 
• Clearing of acne & minimization of acne breakouts and resulting hyper-pigmentation 
• General signs of aging 
• Dullness 
• Moisture balance issues
   

What makes afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel different from other peels?

The two-step procedure maximizes the synergistic properties of the afaLUXE™ molecule which achieves highly-effective exfoliation without the irritation and side effects traditionally associated with alpha-hydroxy, glycolic and lactic acid peels.

What are the ingredients of the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel?

afaLUXE™, bentonite, L. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), sea salt

What are the risks of the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

This treatment works only on the upper layers of the epidermis, which is the topmost layers of your skin. It is safe and indicated for nearly all skin types. Very rarely some minor irritation or minimal temporary redness may occur.  

A rare, but potential risk of a cold sore or fever blister outbreak is possible for those carrying the herpes simplex virus. There are steps that can help to mitigate this risk.

What is the costs of the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

This treatment requires two appointments. The first appointment is the treatment application and the second appointment is the follow-up exfoliation-- which gently removes the released skin cells. The combined cost for both appointments is $250. Discounts on series are available. Please see the Pricing page for discount rates.

Where is the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service performed?

This treatment is performed at my studio at Sola Salons in El Cerrito.  The follow-up exfoliation may be at the same location, or the client may choose to have that service performed in their own home, office or other location. I can pack it all up and bring it to you...

Am I a good candidate for the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

Nearly everyone is a candidate for this treatment, and with modifications this treatment is safe even for those with mild to moderate rosacea, provided that there is no current outbreak when the service is performed.

Who should NOT get an afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

• Anyone with wounded, cut or broken skin in or around the treatment area 
• Anyone with a sunburn 
• Anyone with an active herpes simplex (cold sore) lesion 
• Anyone who has used Accutane in the past three months 
• Anyone who has recently undergone radiation therapy or chemotherapy 
• Anyone who has vitiligo 
• Anyone who has used any skin renewal products (Retinols, Tretinoin, Differin) in the past week or acid-based products (glycolic, salicylic, alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, benzoyl peroxide) in the last 24 hours.
   

How many afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel services will I need?

Results are quite noticeable after 1-2 treatments, but those who complete a series of treatments see results that are more more noticeable and longer lasting.  One analogy that I use is to think about the epidermis as being a loaf of bread. The first 1-2 peels are working through the "crust" and beginning with the 3rd of a series the product is penetrating deeper and with increasing strengths.

How often will I need to get an afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

When done in a series the treatments are scheduled 2-6 weeks apart. Both appointments are 45 minutes,  generally scheduled 5-7 days later.

What results should I expect from the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

• Improved appearance of tone and texture of the area(s) treated 
• Reduction of fine lines & wrinkles 
• Reduction of acne scarring, sun spots, age spots, hyper-pigmentation and melasma 
• Restoration of the skin’s natural moisture balance 
• Minimized acne breakouts and the associated post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation 
• Reduction of redness, irritation and symptoms of rosacea (modified treatment plan) 
• Minimal discomfort  
   

How long will the results of the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service last?

With good sun protection treatment results can last for a long time – years in some cases. But the aging of the skin is a continual process, and while a single treatment can reduce some of the signs of aging, a series of treatments has a much more long-lasting effect.

How should I prepare for the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

Avoid shaving the treatment area for 12 hours before your treatment.  

Discontinue products containing retinol, glycolic acids, salicylic acids, Tretinoin, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide 72 hours before your treatment. 

Also avoid exfoliates, Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, Renova, as well as electrolysis, waxing and hair removal creams for one week before your treatment.  

How long will the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service take?

Both appointments (application & follow-up exfoliation) are approximately 45 minutes.

How is an afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service performed?

The skin is first cleansed and a thorough skin analysis is performed to ensure that you are a good candidate for the Clay Mask Peel.  A skin barrier is applied to the nose crevices, lips and any other areas as needed. The Clay Mask is applied and allowed to dry for 5-6 minutes before being removed.  The skin barrier is then reapplied, followed by the appropriate strength afaLUXE™ solution for 1-3 minutes. Once the solution has been removed the area is cooled to ease any residual discomfort.

You will then be scheduled for your follow-up exfoliation, generally in 5-7 days.

Why do I have to come back for a second appointment?

The second appointment for the follow-up exfoliation is as crucial as the peel itself.  After a period of 5-7 days the released skin cells are resting as a translucent layer above your new, softer skin. During this follow-up facial these released cells are gently removed exposing the fresh, new skin beneath. To finish, an oil -free skincare regimen is applied including an SPF 30 sunscreen.

What to expect during the afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

Most people find this treatment to be easily tolerated and to deliver substantial exfoliating results. The Clay Mask may cause an itching sensation as the clay dries and draws impurities and discolorations closer to the surface. The afaLUXE™, Vitamin & Sea Salt solution has a mild stinging sensation which is generally well tolerated and any discomfort is easily managed with the provided hand-held fan.

What will my skin feel like after my afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

Your skin may feel completely normal or it may feel slightly dry or tight – similar to a windburn.  Beginning 24-48 hours after your treatment you may experience some mild itching as the top layer(s) are being released.

How will I look to others after my afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

You may look completely normal or you may look a little red, like you have a very light sunburn, for a few hours after your treatment. Once this subsides you will have a thin, translucent layer on your face which may or may not be noticeable.

What is the recovery time after my afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

There is no recovery time when getting this treatment. You may return to your regular life with minimal lifestyle restrictions for 2-3 days. Please see the restrictions in the next section below.

Are there restrictions after getting my afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

You may download the full aftercare instructions at the bottom of this page. It is best to stay indoors to avoid any sustained sun exposure for the first 48 hours. 

For maximum exfoliation it is best to avoid touching or putting anything on the treatment area(s) for a period of 48 hours. This includes water, moisturizer, liquid-based make-up and sunscreen - stay indoors. 

Beginning 48 hours after your treatment you MUST wear SPF30 or higher sunscreen daily on the treated area(s) for 2 weeks from treatment date, even if it is not sunny outside. Your skin will be very sensitive to UV rays and could easily be damaged by sun exposure without sunscreen.

Avoid shaving the treatment area(s) for 48 hours after your treatment. Avoid waxing or using hair removal (depilatory) creams on the treatment area(s) for 7 days.

Avoid heavy sweating for 24-48 hours. Perspiration irritates the skin and may sting.  

How long do I have to wait to go into the sun after my afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

You should plan to be mostly inside for the first 48 hours, however errands and normal life activities may be continued, but care must be taken to avoid any substantial time outside, especially in direct sunlight.  

After 48 hours exposure to sunlight is safe provided that you are wearing SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on the treatment area(s), but it is still best to avoid prolonged sun exposure for 1 week after the treatment.

Will I actually peel from my afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

You may experience some minimal peeling, which will appear like dry skin. This peel is specially formulated to minimize the visual impact on your appearance while delivering substantial exfoliating results. The released skin remains intact as a thin, translucent layer until it is gently removed during the follow-up exfoliation appointment, generally in 5-7 days.

Can I exercise after my afaLUXE™ Clay Mask peel service?

Exercise that causes heavy sweating should be avoided for 1-2 days as the perspiration may irritate the treated skin.

What is my care regimen after my afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel service?

After 48 hours return to your normal cleansing schedule using a non-acid based cleanser, pat dry and apply SPF30 or higher sunscreen. For the best results avoid moisturizer and liquid-based make-up until after your follow-up exfoliation.

After your follow-up exfoliation you may return to your normal skin care regimen with the addition of a SPF30 or higher sunscreen until it has been two weeks since your treatment. Use of sunscreen daily on an on-going basis is recommended to extend the results of this service. My favorite is sunscreen for the face is made by Mario Badescu.

How will I look after a series of afaLUXE™ Clay Mask Peel Services?

A series will leave you with a rested, refreshed and brightened skin tone. Your skin texture will be improved and your skin’s moisture barrier will be restored. Discolored spots, soft lines and wrinkles will be less noticeable and in some cases gone completely. Please see the before & after photos of my work to see the types of results I am achieving with my protocols.