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Skin Concerned turned Skin Care Pro

Rukiya Jeffers, Licensed Esthetician and Owner Abebi Beauty Boutique & Spa

With a purpose-driven calling and license to practice esthetics, Abebi Beauty Boutique & Spa sole proprietor Rukiya "Abebi" Jeffers stops nothing short of satisfaction to advise on and administer the appropriate skin treatment. Rukiya suffered from acne, pustules and some cystic acne; although she was outwardly confident, she was still inwardly self-conscious. She volunteered herself as the very first benefactor of her applied expertise upon receiving her Esthetics License from the Christine Valmy International School. A powerful marketing tool for a business owner is to be her or his own happy client.

In her small, intimate, one stop storefront in Long Island City, Queens, New York, her clients receive one-on-one, compassionate beauty care. While hair and beauty services, and even cosmetics products for sale are available, the must-have is a facial or skin care treatment.

Rukiya willingly shares how to transform skin.

Abebi Beauty Special: A Chemical Peel

"I learned my skin and how to control it and a key factor was the chemical peel for getting it under control," explains Rukiya.

Before Chemical Peel: Rukiya's Skin June 2006		After: Rukiya's Skin April 2007

CHiC: So please explain a chemical peel in simple terms.

Rukiya: The chemical peel is an intensive treatment that lifts the top layers of dead skin, revealing new, healthy skin.

CHiC: How does someone determine if they need a chemical peel?

Rukiya: Skin concerns that make skin a candidate for a chemical peel are persistently oily skin, uncontrollable acne, dark spots and fine lines. A chemical peel is recommended after I have performed a series of facials and become familiar with the client's skin type and condition.

CHiC: What is the process for a chemical peel?

Rukiya: Overall, the process takes seven days. Many clients choose to take time off. A down time example is having the first application take place Thursday, potentially reporting to work Friday, but then Saturday through Wednesday away from the public.

Initial Application
The skin is first prepared through makeup removal, cleansing then toning. A cream treatment is then applied to the skin. The client will feel a tingling sensation for the initial 10 — 20 minutes as the active ingredients get going. After two hours, the cream is taken off with moistened cotton pads, similar to removing a regular facial mask. The client then receives a moisturizer to take home and apply every half hour. This is necessary because the pores shut down, closing and tightening causing dryness, discomfort and a leathery feel to skin if not lubricated; this also assists with an easier and smoother removal of the dead skin.

Also visit www.youtube.com/cocoachicbeauty to view video. All content (C) 2007 Abebi Beauty Boutique & Spa. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

Day 1
Initial Application 2 to 2.5 hours
Skin's appearance will look like severe sunburn
Client applies moisturizer every 1/2 hour

Day 2
Repeat Application 2 to 2.5 hours
Skin's appearance will be darker
Client applies moisturizer every 1/2 hour

Day 3 - 6
No Application
Skin darkens
Client continues to keep skin lubricated
Some peeling may begin

Day 7
Final Peel Removal 2 to 2.5 hours

Final Peel Removal
First, moisturizer is removed from skin with moistened cotton pads. A milk mask and steam gently prepare dead skin for peel removal, as the skin underneath may be particularly sensitive. Then, dead skin is carefully removed with tweezers. New, beautiful skin is revealed. A sensitive skin facial is performed to remove any excess sebum from pimples and as a finisher.

Some people briefly experience an imbalance in skin pigmentation, but over time an overall improvement in skin's appearance, function, and oil control will occur.

CHiC: What is the difference between a chemical peel and a facial?

Rukiya: A chemical peel removes dead skin and a facial rebalances skin through exfoliation, hydration or acne extractions. A chemical peel is for longer term treatment as it's a physical change to skin versus a facial is an on the spot pickup, short term treatment.

CHiC: Is a chemical peel safe?

Rukiya: Absolutely! That's the irony of the chemical peel; the acids in the treatment are actually plant based so it's a safe and natural process. A chemical peel must be given under the care of a licensed professional with quality products. It should not be self-administered. General rule of thumb is one in six months, but it is specific to the client's skin concerns.

CHiC: What results can women of color expect from a chemical peel?

Rukiya: Women of color tend to have thicker skin that is oilier and we suffer from hyper pigmentation. A chemical peel can help to control these skin issues. Products used on the skin after are more effective because the peel allows for better product penetration.

CHiC: So someone can truly improve dark spots/uneven skin? What about acne? Unsmooth skin?

Rukiya: A chemical peel is great for acne, lines and dark spots by getting skin to function properly. The chemical peel sends skin into shock mode so that it rapidly produces red blood cells and accelerates skin regeneration to expose new skin. It's kind of like a reset button for skin.

CHiC: What is the cost of a chemical peel?

Rukiya: I charge $650 for the 7-day chemical peel including the take home moisturizer.

CHiC: What at home products and skin care regimen do you recommend?

Rukiya: Most importantly, consult with a professional and use products geared toward your skin type and concern. I recommend my private label skincare line Abebi Beauty Boutique & Spa, at this time it is only available in store.

CHiC: Tell us a simple skincare secret and an application tip.

Rukiya: After applying moisturizer, I like to lightly mist my face with water for extra hydration. For an at home regimen: always cleanse, tone and moisturize the skin, day and night. Oily skin types can skip the toner in the morning to avoid over drying the skin. Apply a high quality exfoliant 2 - 3 times per week and a mask 1 - 2 per week geared toward skin condition i.e. a hydrating mask for dehydrated skin or a purifying mask for blemished skin.

Herself having suffered from acne and scars, she's been in your problem skin, and restored it. "Abebi" is of Nigerian origin meaning "asked for". Rukiya "Abebi" Jeffers's divine gift and goal is to perform the necessary skin treatments for women, men and adolescents of color that reveal their natural beauty.

~Bernie

Make an appointment for a consultation with Rukiya at 917-769-5518. Check out the Abebi Beauty Boutique & Spa website in the Skincare category of CHiC Links. Also see Rukiya’s feature as part of TeenCHiC 2007 at www.cocoachic.com/teenchic.

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