I was so excited to get my hands on this little at-home Microderm MD machine. I love a skin care gadget that delivers – and I’d had some really good feedback about this particular gizmo.
So, microdermabrasion – have you ever had it done at a salon? I have, and when performed correctly, I’ve liked the results. It gives you a really deep skin peel, which should leave your skin feeling remarkably smooth. But, these treatments are pricey, especially if you have the recommended minimum of 4-8 sessions a year. What I LOVED about the idea of doing it at home, was that in just 3 sessions the Microderm MD by Trophy Skin would have virtually paid for itself, and more importantly, I would get to control the depth of peel that I wanted on that particular day.
Trophy Skin generously sent me a machine to try out, and much to my delight, could be used straight out of the box. The instruction leaflet is in big letters and extremely easy for the technically-challenged among us, to work out. The machine comprises of a small white unit (about the length and width of a small lap top.) Inside is the suction hose, on the end of which is the diamond tip. What’s unique about this tip is that because it’s 100% “crystal” free, there is no mess or clean-up. The treatments I’ve had in the salon, involved a lot of dusting off and cleaning, which always bothered me. Inside of the machine is a computerized monitor, which shows you the level of intensity you are working at, and the amount of time that’s gone by. You also get a separate suction add-on for extracting blackheads, a packet of 100 wool filters, and a cleaning brush.
As instructed, I cleansed my skin. I used my Sunshine Botanicals Detox cleanser and Brightening cleansing bar. I then powered up my machine. It’s pretty cool, because inside the lid is a strong and good-sized mirror, so you can really see what you are up to. The instructions told me to start at a low intensity level and then work my way up. I mentally divided my face into 2 halves and started on the on my left hand forehead, working my way down. It’s a bit like mowing a lawn, in that you need to make sure you are not going over the same bit again and again. It also helps to use your free hand to pull your skin taut. My whole face took about 10 minutes, and by then I was too overwhelmed to start on the arduous process of my chest.
My skin felt extraordinarily smooth afterwards – a little pink, but it faded after 30 minutes. I followed up my treatment by toning with Dr. Alkaitis’s wonderful Herbal Toner. Then I applied a nourishing serum/cream by Odacite, which felt wonderfully soothing. When I woke the next morning, my skin felt way smoother than it usually does.
The next day, I decided to tackle my decollete! This did take a while, because obviously there’s a lot more skin to contend with. I did it after showering. Afterwards, my skin was pretty red, so I applied copious amount of Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C Serum, and then a gentle moisturizer.
I’m really excited about this machine because unlike many other skin care gadgets, I know that I actually will use it twice a week – why? Because it’s so easy to use. Oh, and also, on the night I did my chest, I tried out the suction thing on my blackheads! Although it didn’t remove them all, it pulled some of them out, and loosened others. I think I would have had more success had I given my face a good steam prior to using.
My biggest recommendation is that you sunscreen like crazy. You should anyway, but be extra vigilant when doing regular microdermabrasion, and especially on your chest. A great choice is Kimberley Sayers daytime moisturizer with SPF 30.
I highly recommend that you invest in one of these fabulous little machines as a great addition to your weekly beauty ritual.