Is home microdermabrasion effective?

carrie · Guest

There's an array of home microdermabrasion kit available in the market. I have read on the product reviews in this webpage. But is it really effective? What sort of features should I look for in a home microdermabrasion kit? And what to avoid?

Guest · Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 9:31 pm Post subject:

I have had alot of experience with microdermabrasion. I used to have it every 2-4 weeks at a plastic surgeon's office. I did this for a couple of years and loved the results.

I decided that it really was not that complicated of a procedure and wondered if I could just do it to myself. I ordered aluminum oxide crystals from the internet and started the experiment.

I take the crystals (dry) and basically simulate the motion that the aetheticians made. Then, if needed, I do extractions. I then use a Vitamin C product and then use a mask on top of the C. I remove the mask after 20 or so minutes and then treat with an epithelial growth factor cream and then sunscreen.

I have to tell you that I get almost the same result as the aethetician. I think that the only difference is that I do not get the suction provided by the microderm machine. In my opinion, the only thing that that does is cause swelling which makes the skin appear plumper. This is very temporary though.

Just thought I would share my experience.

hppytofindu · Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 6

would love to hear more about your microdermabrasion and how you actually accomplish...thanks!!!

Guest · Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 7:24 am Post subject:

I ordered the aluminum oxide crystals from dermabrasion-crystals.com. I have also ordered them from ebay and they good as well. I am not sure which ones are cheaper.

Anyways, I take approximately 1/3 of a tsp of the crystals in one hand. I hold my face over the sink looking into the sink so that the crystals do not get in my eyes. I take a small portion of those and run across skin in lines appx 3 inches long. I would say to start with lighter pressure and see how your skin reacts and then gradually increase pressure as tolerated in subsequent sessions.

I do this in an organized fashion starting at my forehead and working my way down my face. From time to time I rub the crystals in a circular motion to further smooth the skin. I do go around the eye area, but with much less pressure. Also, I have a couple of areas that tend to get hyperpigmented, so I am a little more aggressive in these areas.

I also suggest taking it down the neck and also the chest but you should probably stand in a tub or shower for this.

I try to make the procedure last 10-15 minutes because that is how long it took the aesthetician to do the actual microderm part.

As far as treatments after are concerned, I would say that you need to do what is best for your skin type. I feel that the skin is very soft and receptive after the microderm and that it is the best time to apply Vitamin C, kojic acid or whatever to achieve the best absorbtion. The other thing is that it is important to apply something that builds the skin back up like EGF cream and then really important for a sunscreen. I would avoid any direct sunlight for a couple of days after doing this.

Hope this helps.

hppytofindu · Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 6

don't have the time to let this sink in yet...but will and thank you so much for your post!

carrie · Guest

Wow, thanks a lot for the amazing tips that you have given... I'll try to absorb all the information and try it out as well. :)

Guest

I also did the professional version first and loved it but it was WAY too expensive to keep doing every week at a hundred dollars a pop!

I respect your do it yourself attitude! I just starting looking through ALL the myriad of home kits out there and taught myself a thing or two about the whole microdermabrasion "trend" and treatment-

One thing to keep in mind is, that if you decide not to make one yourself just realize that the FDA HAS NOT REGULATED THE TERM MICRODERMABRASION so this means, you have to read the ingredients to find out if it is legitimate rather than trusting that this "whatever in a tube" is actually microdermabrasion...

What you want is Fused, Medical grade, corundum crystal, (sometimes called aluminum oxide crystal) but you should know that there are different grades and you need to be aware of which "grade"you are buying.

After I tried probably 6!! different home "microdermabrasion" treatments,
I found one that had the proper crystals and also was choked full of nutrients, botanicals vitamins and had no petrol chemical additives (which was the hardest part to find!) and it has helped me TREMENDOUSLY-with mild acne scarring, fine lines, large pores and stuff like that. So now I'm getting 12-15 treatments for less than the price I was paying for ONE!

They've post my before and after pics on the web site where I get it...you can see them and others pics too at:

http://www.getskinappeal.com/htmlfolder/beforeafter.html

Anyway, whether you make your own or buy it already made just educate yourself and question everything! You can't go wrong with that...

All the best...
Ashlie

john_doe · Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 10

Hi I was wondering if anyone knows which is more effective
medipeel or powerbrasion?
And also how effective are they for mild acne scars.
They are DIY kits from skindoctors.com.au
They peel is claimed to contain 10% >? glycolic acid.
Also is glycolic the same as AHA?
Which is the best type of acid?
If anyone know what is the best treatment for mild acne scars (based on
personal experience) will be much appreciated.
Thx

marta · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 10

I don't think the home systems are for everyone. Well, it's clearly not for me. I tried on recommendatin of a friend who had great results from the Neutrogena home system. Each time I attempted a course of treatment, I could not get through the first week without breaking out in a type of a pimple which took a long time to go away and have left marks. I got my money back from the product after the third attempt to start up the regimen, also ended in a third mark/cut/what have you.

My skin has never been sensitive to soaps or reacted in any way to massages/facials, so I was surprised.

ddieringer · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 13

Do you do this with your skin wet or dry? I would like to try it. I have tried the Neutrogena and L'Oreal at home microdermabrasion kits, and I have wondered how they fare in comparison to the dermatologist/salon treatments. Thanks for your post, and I will let you know how I end up with the over the counter treatments.

Lucy · Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 25

Unfortunately a home microderm kit does not do much for me. I see great results after microderm with my doctor.

Sunshower · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 3 Location: West Palm Beach

I tried the neutrogena home dermabrasion and it does work if you follow the directions exactly. It takes a few times before you notice anything. The only draw back is the cream is thick and gritty and it's hard to get off your face.

tanya_yakobo · Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 2

I used to get treatments from my med spa. They used Abradermol microdermabrasion cream. After 3 or 4 treatments, i just bought the product online and did the treatments myself. It works good, and you save ALOT of money doing it this way.
I would recomend having atleast one treatment done by a dermatologist so that you know more or less what to do, but the instructions are quite descriptive.
Now i usually do a bi-weekly treatmetn with a friend. That makes it easier too. You need that aluminum oxide crystals to do microdermabrasion, but im not so sure about buying just the crystals onlien and mixing them yourself. I feel safer buying them pre mixed.

Evelyn · Joined: 24 Dec 2009 Posts: 1

Home microdermabrasion kits are a good alternative, worked well for me, but it works best as a complement to professional microdermabrasion.

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