It is imperative for skin care professionals in today’s market to position themselves as the exfoliation expert – not specifically to push exfoliants and peels during every treatment but to know the difference certain acids can make in skin and whether it is safe for certain skin conditions. Aesthetics professionals often learn the basics of mechanical and chemical exfoliants, but they do not understand the vastly different formulating techniques from a laboratory standpoint and the difference between superficial, medium-depth, and medical-strength exfoliants. 

Courtney Sykes is the chief administrative officer of Southeastern Esthetics Institute and a licensed aesthetics instructor in South Carolina. Her passion lies in creating real change in the aesthetics industry, assisting her students to obtain gainful employment and make a difference in the lives of their clients. Sykes specializes in a science-based approach to skin health and education. Her primary focus is chemical peels, laser treatments, eyelash extensions, micropigmentation, and cosmetic lasers. Her background in medical spa management has led her to nationally accredit the largest licensed aesthetics school in South Carolina, Southeastern Esthetics Institute.