Liz’s Abrasive Question:
The Right Brain’s Micro-Reply:
The American Academy of Plastic Surgeons define microdermabrasion thusly:
Microdermabrasion is a skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin that takes a beating from the sun and the effects of aging. The plastic surgeon uses a device like a fine sandblaster to spray tiny crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin. As with other skin rejuvenation techniques, more than one treatment may be needed to reduce or remove fine wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation. (You can go here if you want to read more about “real” microdermabrasion)
So what does all this mean?
Well, basically, there are no hard and fast legal or scientific definitions to work with here. So, any product or process that exfolliates the skin with tiny particles can really call itself microdermabrasion. (micro = tiny, derm = skin and abrasion = scraping the heck out of the upper layers of the skin to increase cell turnover and expose fresher layers beneath.) Even a spa bath can exfolliate.
If you’re serious about the abrasion part of the equation, then we’d recommend hooking up with a dermatologist and get the real thing. Here’s an excellent article that indicates that when done properly, microdermabrasion can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and superficial scars.
But if all you want is a quick beauty-in-a-bottle fix, there’s nothing wrong with trying the over the counter stuff. Products like Neutrogena At Home Microdermabrasion use aluminum oxide crystals, the same type of abrasive particles used in professional treatments and will exfoliate your skin. Of course so will a tube of St. Ives Apricot Scrub. The former will cost you about $35.00 and the latter is only $3.00.
The Brains Bottom Line:
Do the home microdermabrasion kits work? Well, they’ll certainly exfolliate and there’s no harm in giving them a shot. But if you’re serious about stripping away significant layers of your skin, you’d be better of considering professional treatment. Besides, if do it yourself and you screw up, you don’t have anyone to sue!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve tried several microdermabraision kits, and to be honest, St. Ives Apricot Scrub works just as well as any of them. the main thing is to have a good skin routine (cleanse, tone, exfoliate, hydrate) – doesn’t have to be in that order! – Results will be different from one person to another becasuse it does matter a lot if you are regular with your scrubbing or not.
I have been using the Neutrogena At Home Microdermabrasion kit and I think it’s wonderful. After the initial use, I could see and feel a difference. It’s much more convenient than visiting a dermatologist, not to mention conisderably less expensive. If you are looking for light to moderate exfoliation, you might like this product. Angelica is right — the key is to find a routine that works for you and then follow it religiously.
What about the new “Diamond Tip” also any reviews of the product ZENMED? It appears the company pays for referrals to their site and somehow, the testimonial I read didn’t seem so testimonial (or unbiased). Please advise-thanks!
I have been using Avon’s advanced dermabrasion system for 6 weeks. I have followed directions to a tee about the fourth week I started to break out like mad, & my skin is feeling rough. For about the first 2 weeks my skin felt wonderful & looked good, smooth & even toned, not anymore. Is this a normal reaction? I would love to get an answer if possible.
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I’ve read on several websites that St. Ives Apricot Scrubs is actually really bad for your skin because it causes tiny cuts on your skin . Is this true ? I know this is an old post but I’d really like to know ..
No, it doesn’t cut your skin. The exfoliating walnut shells do not penetrate the surface far enough to cut you.
They work if you don’t use them everyday. It can cause serious damage if you use them too much.
I am 52 years old I have tryed everything chemical peels microdermabraion’s the most expensive creams out there! nothing seem to work. Until I bought Nu Brilliance at home microdermabraision the first day I used it I can feel the difference..
Great post. Microdermabrasion really works for me.
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