Off Topic - Micro dermabrasion

[Jane110]

I got a GC for drugstore.com and thought I'd use it for one of the micro dermabrasion products and would appreciate some recommendations.

Drugstore.com has reviews from users which are very helpful and so I've narrowed my choices down.

 

I'm 40+, have good skin, never had acne so don't need it for any scar problems. I do have some freckles and fine lines on the forehead.

 

My choices are:

 

Neutrogena Advanced Solutions at home microdermabrasion

 

Micro Pearl Abrasion - resurfacing treatment

 

Derma e - micro dermabrasion scrub

 

Ponds Purely Polished

 

 

 

Surpisingly, L'Oreal got many unfavorable reviews.

 

Can anyone tell me the difference between exfoliation and at-home microdermabrasion?

 

Thanks all!

 

Jane

[mrsred]

Hello Jane!

 

I can't define exfolliation vs. micro dermabrasion per se, but I've been using DermaNew brand dermabrasion for a few years now.

 

I do have some blemish scars, freckles, and during the summer my skin is very tempermental. Using this product has been very beneficial, especially regarding the scaring, freckles, and the tiny lines.

 

If you use the micro dermabrasion, be sure to use a very good moisturizer, and don't use it more than recommended.

 

I spoke to the specialist at the spa where I get my facials done before trying it, and she spoke favorably about the OTC version..but the results are not as dramatic as a professional treatment.

 

All I can say is that I'm very happy with the results, and use it especially before a big event when I want my skin to be very fresh.

 

I'm probably telling you stuff you already know! :eek:

 

Best wishes with whatever brand you choose!

 

~e

[LandLockedInAZ]

Jane110 and others,

I'd be interested in hearing reviews!

I'm also wondering if one who uses Retin A should avoid the at-home microdermabrasion kits. Anybody have any knowledge on this?

[Silver Anniv]

Hi Jane,

 

 

I purchased the L’Oreal microdermabrasion kit and it worked great for me. Cleared up the roseacea that developed on my nose after starting a 6 mile-a-day walking regiment (never had rosacea before). I’m 40+ and have very oily skin, so I used it 3 days a week. My fine lines are not as noticeable now.

I was debating between L’Oreal and Neutrogena and thought I’d buy one and see how it works, and then buy the other. I just finished the L’Oreal tube on Saturday (lasted 2 months) so I going to buy the Neutrogena today. I’ll give it a week and let you know which I liked better.

At this point, the only down-side to the L’Oreal is, you scrub the particles with your fingers and sometimes my fingers would tingle after scrubbing for 2 minutes, and it seems with the Neutrogena, they provide a devise to do the scrubbing. But I’ll let you know if it keeps my rosacea at bay.

Buy the way..... off topic,

Just came back from NYC, had a wonderful time at the play. Only bummer was RAIN ALL DAY FRIDAY. (Luckily our tickets were for Thursday) Wanted to let you know we ate at some wonderful restaurants. The one we picked before the play was Triomphe, the food and service was wonderful, just like the Zagat said. Thanks for all your helpful suggestions.

Kim

[Jane110]

Thanks all,

 

mrsred - I assume Dermanew is not Derma E, right?

 

LandLocked - I don't know for sure. But I think using Retin A and microdermabrasion might be overkill. I don't use Retin A, so never thought to ask.

 

Kim - Thanks for the recommendation on L'Oreal. I have dry skin and no rosacea - so we'd probably react differently. However, let me know what you think of the Nutrogenia product. I've got a couple of weeks before the coupon expires.

 

Off topic - Kim, glad you had a good time in NY. I had lunch at Triomphe once when a friend of mine was stayin in that hotel - it's such a charming little jewel box of a hotel. So where else did you eat????

Sorry we had rain all day for you on Friday. :(

 

Jane

[mrsred]

mrsred - I assume Dermanew is not Derma E, right?

 

Correcto!

 

Dermanew came out way before the OTC brands did, and you get the device thingy and application sponges.

 

Let me know how ya'll like the others! If they compare, I may opt for the less expensive method...as long at the results are as good.

 

~e

[stillababe]

I've used the L'Oreal product for some time now, and am happy with it. I haven't compared it to anything else, so I dont' have any further opinions about how anything else measures up. The L'oreal product seems to clear up my clogged pores pretty nicely, which is my main problem. It leaves my skin looking great. I only use it about twice a week, and sometimes only on problem areas. I'd be curious to hear how others compare their use of the Nutrogena product as well.

[Sassy Chassis]

I saw an infomercial the other day on Susan Lucci's Youthful Essence microdermabrasion kit --> http://www.youthfulessence.com/

[Classynfun1]

DON'T DO IT!!! The Susan Lucci stuff is kind of a scam. You get to buy the original kit at $39 or $49, I can't remember. After that it's $89 a kit and your address locks you out of ever getting the original price again. It's the exact same as the Neutrogena in my opinion, or at least the results are. Save your money!

[Jane110]

I saw an infomercial the other day on Susan Lucci's Youthful Essence microdermabrasion kit --> http://www.youthfulessence.com/

 

I using a gift cert. from drugstore.com and that's not one of their choices.

 

Jane

[auntienance]

Love Philosophy's micro delivery

[herecomesthesun]

I'm also wondering if one who uses Retin A should avoid the at-home microdermabrasion kits. Anybody have any knowledge on this?

 

I would advise against it, considering my own experience. Any intense exfoliation could irritate and possibly even tear your skin, which is much more sensitive and vulnerable when on Retin A. This is why you are not supposed to wax when you are on Retin A - it removes the top layer your skin as well as hair, which is essensially thorough exfoliation, and your skin is very susceptible to tearing.

[Jane110]

Love Philosophy's micro delivery

 

 

Unfortunately, not choice at drugstore.com I'm using a gc and the choices are: Neutrogenia, MicroPearl, L'Oreal, Derma-e and Ponds.

Will keep in mind for future.

 

Jane

[Sassy Chassis]

DON'T DO IT!!! The Susan Lucci stuff is kind of a scam. You get to buy the original kit at $39 or $49, I can't remember. After that it's $89 a kit and your address locks you out of ever getting the original price again. It's the exact same as the Neutrogena in my opinion, or at least the results are. Save your money!

 

 

:eek:

[auntienance]

Unfortunately, not choice at drugstore.com I'm using a gc and the choices are: Neutrogenia, MicroPearl, L'Oreal, Derma-e and Ponds.

Will keep in mind for future.

 

Jane

 

Really? They carry it, I've bought it there.:confused:

[Jane110]

Really? They carry it, I've bought it there.:confused:

 

Ahhhh.....okay - but there's some confusion.

 

They have Philosophy, but it's called an exfoliant not a microbrasion product.

 

Thanks for the recommendation. The reviews of it by other users are also positive.

 

So, that brings me back to one of my original questions.....is there a difference between exfoliation and microbrasion?

 

Thanks for the recommendation.

 

Jane

[auntienance]

So, that brings me back to one of my original questions.....is there a difference between exfoliation and microbrasion?

 

 

Well, good question. Non-expert that I am, I know exfoliation can be accomplished by a number of different types of products (masks, toners, scrubs, etc.). The micro products seem to call for something more intense using one or more parts. I know the Philosophy microdelivery calls for a first step of a scrub type product (very gritty) then an activator which creates a foam that also continues the abrasive action. The end result is really really smooth and soft skin more than I've gotten from just an exfoliant. I think an exfoliant is meant to slough dead skin cells that make your complexion dull and the microabrasion systems go a step further. I imagine different products do so more or less. I've only used Philosophy and Mary Kay micro products so that's all I can attest to.

[Jane110]

Nancy,

 

Many thanks for the explaination. Makes sense.

 

Jane

[scarletine]

I've been using the Neutrogena product for a while now, and really like it. I tried the L'Oreal product too, and while it seemed to work pretty well, I feel that I get more lasting results from the Neutrogena.

 

It comes with a battery operated applicator with two different speeds that you can use, depending on how sensitive your skin is. It also makes it easier to keep a consistent pressure on your skin, while with the L'Oreal product you use your fingers, and don't always get that same consistency.

 

The only thing I liked more about the L'Oreal product was that you could use it in the shower, and it was super easy to rinse off. With the Neutrogena, you have to use it at the sink because of the applicator, and getting all of the crystals rinsed off is a bit of a pain. But I feel the results are worth it.

 

After doing the microdermabrasion, I've been using Olay Regenerist's Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment, and I wake up positively dewy the next morning. :D

[Jane110]

I've been using the Neutrogena product for a while now, and really like it. I tried the L'Oreal product too, and while it seemed to work pretty well, I feel that I get more lasting results from the Neutrogena.

 

It comes with a battery operated applicator with two different speeds that you can use, depending on how sensitive your skin is. It also makes it easier to keep a consistent pressure on your skin, while with the L'Oreal product you use your fingers, and don't always get that same consistency.

 

The only thing I liked more about the L'Oreal product was that you could use it in the shower, and it was super easy to rinse off. With the Neutrogena, you have to use it at the sink because of the applicator, and getting all of the crystals rinsed off is a bit of a pain. But I feel the results are worth it.

 

After doing the microdermabrasion, I've been using Olay Regenerist's Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment, and I wake up positively dewy the next morning. :D

 

Katie,

 

I've been leaning towards trying the Neutrogena and now you've tipped the scales for me. Neutrogena it is...thanks! You think I should use it in the morning before I get in the shower and wash my hair? This way I could make sure to get all the product off my face. Or do they recommend that it's used at night before going to bed?

 

Thanks,

Jane

[scarletine]

With the L'Oreal, I'd use it in the morning when I showered, but I prefer to use the Neutrogena product before bed, as it gives your skin a little time to recover during the night, especially when coupled with a good night cream. It's a bit more abrasive, so your skin might not take as kindly to you using it the morning, then putting on makeup, etc. But YMMV.

[Silver Anniv]

Thanks Scarletine for explanation of the two. I just finished using L'Oreal and just purchased the Neutrogena and will start using it tonight. The instructions say to use it for 5 days on a "dry" face before you use the crystallized cream (haven't looked yet, is it a cream?).

 

I too liked the L'Oreal, but scrubbing for the recommended 2 min. would actually hurt my finger tips, but I liked using it in the morning with my shower.

 

Question - - I use vitamin E cream on my face at night; think that will be good enough moisturizer with the Neutrogena product?

Thanks

Kim

 

OT - Jane110

To follow up......

We also ate at a place called "Sofia" on W.46th between Bdway & 8th. We stumbled in after the show to have drinks; they had live music (piano & bass) and the menu looked good, so we went back the next night for dinner. It wasn't in Zagat though. We enjoyed it, good wine.

The next night we ate at a restaurant across the street from our hotel, Italian place called Le Tre Venezie. (W. 46th between 6th & Bdway, I believe they call it Restaurant Row) Also wasn't in Zagat. They had a fix price menu that was good, seemed like a lot of theatre people were in there.

 

There are soooo many restaurants, if was tough choosing!

[Jane110]

... but I prefer to use the Neutrogena product before bed, as it gives your skin a little time to recover during the night, especially when coupled with a good night cream. It's a bit more abrasive, so your skin might not take as kindly to you using it the morning, then putting on makeup, etc. But YMMV.

 

Makes sense. When I get it, I'll use the Neutrogena at night and let my skin recover from it.

Yes, I use a very good moisturizer at night, so that'll help.

 

Many thanks for your posts.

 

Jane

[Jane110]

 

OT - Jane110

To follow up......

We also ate at a place called "Sofia" on W.46th between Bdway & 8th. We stumbled in after the show to have drinks; they had live music (piano & bass) and the menu looked good, so we went back the next night for dinner. It wasn't in Zagat though. We enjoyed it, good wine.

The next night we ate at a restaurant across the street from our hotel, Italian place called Le Tre Venezie. (W. 46th between 6th & Bdway, I believe they call it Restaurant Row) Also wasn't in Zagat. They had a fix price menu that was good, seemed like a lot of theatre people were in there.

 

There are soooo many restaurants, if was tough choosing!

 

Oh there are plenty of places not listed in Zagat - glad you found a couple that you liked. I'm not familiar w/ either of them. Yes, it IS tough choosing. We have so many great places - it's why I get nuts when I hear that people come to NY and eat in a "mall" restaurant like Olive Garden or Planet Hollywood. We don't go to Broadway theatre much - I prefer plays, which are often in other parts of town - and we go to see a lot of ballet so we're in the Lincoln Center area about 12 times a year (always eat at Fiorello's Cafe afterwards).

 

On restaurant row, I like to dine at Firebird, which is a gorgeous russian restaurant.

 

Glad you had a good time here!

 

Jane

[scarletine]

Question - - I use vitamin E cream on my face at night; think that will be good enough moisturizer with the Neutrogena product?

Thanks

Kim

Honestly, I don't know. I've never used it before, but from what I've seen about it on the internet, most contain moisturizers and anti-oxidant products, so I don't see why not. :) You'll probably just have to give it a try, and see if it works for you.