Tag Archives: microdermabrasion

Winter Issue of No-Nonsense Beauty Blog Newsletter

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winter newsletterJust published– the winter issue of the No-Nonsense Beauty Blog  Newsletter.  I was one of the founding editors of the Berkeley Wellness Newsletter and  I love the newsletter format  for sharing current research  and consumer information.  In this, the  second issue of the No-Nonsense Newsletter, I explore ways that  ways that Retin A can help brittle nails and the surprising facts about diet and heart disease in women.  Hint– its very different  from men.

Skin Care Consumer Reports

In my consumer comparison section, I road test  and rate five different  home microdermabrasion devices that range from  $19.95 to $225.  And I’ll share my new favorite that  just a fraction of the cost of  Clarisonic. Its no secret that I love Clarisonic ( who doesn’t), but the price is another story.  With  the fiscal cliff  now in full view,  I want to  look good at the lowest possible price.  I rated  the devices for  five features– intensity, availability,  cleansers, ease of use and  last but not least price.   Some did an excellent  job but had refill issues.  Others worked well on the cheeks but were less successful  around the nose and chin.   After you read  my compare and contrast, I’d love to hear about your  experiences with microdermabrasion tools.  I believe  that effective exfoliation is the foundation of great skin care and  these  home devices are key  to a clear fresh complexion.

To get your copy,  just click  at  the box on the right hand column and  the newsletter will arrive in your email by tomorrow.   In future issues, I will also be working with experts to answer you  skin care questions. To get  advice from the best and the brightest,  send your questions to  Deb@nononsensebeautyblog.com

Microdermabrasion or Botox– Which is Better?

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Question–  In a few months I’m turning 50.  After half a century, my skin is looking tired and I want to give myself a birthday present.  Which would be better, microdermabrasion or Botox?  You seem to really like both of them.

Answer– Happy birthday!  I do like both  microdermsabrasion and Botox, but  they are very different  anti-aging tools and  deal with different  problems.  Microdermabrasion  takes of the top dead layer  of skin cells to leave the skin smoother, brighter and softer.  In addition, removing these old cells actually stimulates the lower levels to grow.  Researchers have noticed that  mens’ skin seems to age more slowly than women’s– and they believe that part of the reason is the daily  shave which encourages the growth of  fresh new skin every day.

Botox injections at  problem areas  can erase fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and  forehead.   It can change contours of the face, while microdermabrasion changes the texture and color of the surface of the skin.  The two tools actually work very well together– microdermabrasion  to improve the texture and color of the skin and Botox  to deal with contours that are a half a century old. 

Your question actually gets to the heart of my anti-aging journey–  which tools and techniques  work and how to combine them to get the best possible results.  I decided to start on the dark spots and splotches  from sun damage- first with Retin A and then with microdermabrasion.  When the skin’s surface looked smooth and fresh,  I added Botox to erase the lines at the sides of  my mouth and around my eyes.  You can see these results  on  the No-Nonsense Beauty BLog Facebook Page.  Just click on the Facebook  icon.

Microdermabrasion, as  much as I love the immediate results, lasts only a few days.  For long lasting  results, I suggest starting with a low dose   nightly Retin A  cream.  You should see very nice results within six weeks.  The skin will  look fresher and clearer.  Then  try the Botox to deal with the after effects  fifty years of laughing and talking.  And here’s to  another wonderful fifty years.

Microdermabrasion– Five Top Questions

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1.  How does microdermabrasion work?

Microdermabrasion  removes the  top dead dry  layer of the skin a process that benefits different types of skin issues. For oily skin,  it  “de-roofs”  blocked pores  to remove  blackheads and reduce break-outs.  For dry aging skin, microdermabrasion makes the skin look fresh and glowing.  Many experts believe that  removing the top dead layer  of skin signals the skin to grow healthy firm skin. 

2.  Is there a difference between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion?

A big difference.  Dermabrasion is actually considered surgery.  It is  painful and local anesthesia is needed as  a laser removes most of the epiderrmis.  Afterwards the skin is raw, red and a bit bloody for at least a week.  Full healing can take months, but a successful dermabrasion  can lighten dark patches, remove fine lines and erase acne scars.

Microdermabrasion is not nearly so intense.  It is considered a procedure ( rather than surgery) and can be done in an office by a doctor or their assistants.  The full court press microdermabrasion  uses a combination of  suction and metallic crystals.  There are at least a dozen different brands of microdermabrasion devices including Parisian Peel and the Hydra- Facial– my personal favorite.

Here’s how it works:

During an office based microdermabrasion the machine wand blasts the skin with aluminium  crystals or a diamond tipped head.  The attached suction device  pulls the skin to provide  better access as welll as captures the loosened skin cells. Many  microdermabrasion machines also infuse skin care products ( peptide or vitamin C serums) into the treated skin.Microdermabrasion improves the quality  of the skin’s surface.  There is no healing time and you leave the office looking  fresh and radiant.

3. Can I use Retin A with microdermabrasion?

To avoid unnecessary redness, irritation and peeling, you should stop using Retin A  48 hours before and after microdermabrasion. If your skin is dry and/or sensitive you might also want  to avoid other potential irritants including vitamin C, glycolic acid  or scrubbing grains.

4. Who should not use microdermabrasion?

As  good as it is, microdermabrasion can be a problem  if you have certain types of underlying skin care problems.   If you have active rosacea or acne, psoriasis, eczema, open sores or herpes, microdermabrasion can makes these problems worse.  If you tend to develop darkened or discolored patches ( hyperpigmentation) from irritation,  microdermabrasion  may  provoke new pigmentation rather than remove it.

5. Do  home microdermabrasion kits really work?

Most of the home microdermabrasion kits are traditional exfoliators using  scrubbing grains or brushes to remove dry dead  surface skin. Some like the DDF Micropolishing System use a rotary pad with polishing crystals- closely related to the effective office based procedure, but do  not have the suction action of a physicians  microdermabrasion system.  However they are a great budget beauty option.  Most are around $50 $100 for  the kit  while   microdermabrasion with a dermatologist  runs $150-300 per session.

How Good is The Clarisonic Skin Cleanser?

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I have been intrigued by the Clarisonic Skin Cleanser, but was put off by its $250 price tag. Its not that I didn’t think I was worth the money– I didn’t know if the machine was that special. At a health and beauty trade show ( HBA) this year, the Clarisonic was offered at a special show price and I was in. When I finally got around to trying it, it was after I had used a wide range of skin care tools. After lasers, IPL, Pelleve and glycolic peels, I was doubtful that a little home machine could make much of a difference. I was wrong.

 Clarisonic cleansed and polished my skin– but was gentle enough so that I could use Retin A an hour later. It can be used twice a day and each time my skin looks better.  It made my skin look poreless with a rosy radiance.  So good in fact that I  now often skip  my foundation that would conceal  my new  natural healthy glow.

The Clarisonic works on a unique principle.  The brushes on the head move very rapidly in opposite directions. According to the manufacturer, this rapid movement  actually helps the pores empty themselves of oil, dead  cells and dirt– making  it a tool that works  for all skin types.   I am guessing that by emptying the pores, they are no longer stretched out with  junk and now are closed and invisable.  The glow  probably comes from the removal of the top layer of dead skin cells, that reveal  fresher, newer skin.

 The kit that I got came with  three different types of “un” or very lightly scented cleansers– a non-foaming formulation for sensitive skin,  a gel cleanser for normal/oily skin and a creamy one for dry skin.  I liked them all.  The Clarisonic can be used with other cleansers and I tried the machine with an old favorite.  It worked fine, but I liked the way  the Clarisonic cleansers worked better with the  brush head.    I was so pleased with  the way it worked on my  face, I wondered  if  it would work on my body.  Turns out  that there is bigger brush for the body. Nice.

To use,  simply wet your face and the  brush head with warm water and apply a bit of cleanser to the soft bristles.  Then you press the on button  and apply to the face in small circular motions.  There are a series of beeps and lights that tell you when to move to another part of the face.  At first it seemed a little OCD to me, but after a few days, it felt perfectly natural.

There are so many  beauty  products out there  that over-promise and under -deliver.  It was  so nice to get my hands on a device that  actually made a beautiful difference.  Clarisonic Skin Cleanser– Worth. Every. Penny.

Anti-Aging Skin Care- The Fabulous Fourteen

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When I started exploring anti-aging options a few months go, I had  just three go-to products.  It wasn’t that I didn’t care — I just didn’t know what my skin  truely needed. Too many times  I would be vulnerable  to  great sales pitch and find that the expensive “miracle cream”  either did nothing or  made my face break-out.  Now that I am testing out wrinkling fighting tools and techniques, I had to try out  an endless buffet of skin care products.  Trial and lots of error  has resulted in a group of cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreens that deliever on their  promises.  I call them my “Fabulous Fourteen” and today I have uploaded that list in the blog tab ” Beauty Tool Kit”.  I explain  how to use  them, how they  work and  how much they cost.  I have only one face and can’t try out everything, so I would love to hear about your go-to products.

Is Water the Secret to Beautiful Skin?

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Its hard to pick up a newpaper or magazine without reading of another celebrity  who credits her  good looks to-wait for it- drinking  plenty of water.  For example Kim Kardashian   has admitted to  extensive laser hair removal (” hey, I’m Armeanian”) and  posted  photos of her post- Botox bruises.  Yet in an interview she credits her luminous skin and incredible body  to drinking water.

Now I have nothing against water but its not the fountain  of youth.  I drink it every day and in fact I  especially like Poland Spring water  which is from a real  spring and not  just filtered  reservoir water.  And I can understand that iconic beauties don’t want to reveal their use of Botox, fillers, lasers or even IPL.  But why  can’t they  share some  real beauty advice that is safe and affordable such as   Retin A, glycolic peels or microdermabrasion.  Something more honest than water.

Anti-Aging Beauty Care– The Truth is Out There

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I recently spent two incredible days at a joint conference of the  Health and Beauty Association (HBA) Expo and the 2010 Spa and Resort Medical Aesthetics Conference at the Javits Center in New York.  I’ve been to  many academic programs/ trade shows, and have often been disapointed, but this one really delivered information I could use. 

The educational sesions gave me cutting edge developments in anti-aging skin care, all backed up  with first class research including:

* Why women of color  should not use IPL

* How to use cosmetotextiles to firm and smooth your skin

* Which anti-oxidents really deliver for your skin

* What to look for in a peptide  anti-aging  moisturizer

 The exhibit section was equally interesting, showing home LED tooth whitening, Clarisonic opal eye roller, and  the Canfield facial imaging system that showed me  the exact areas of skin aging and sun damage.   I’m excited about trying all these options and posting the results.    On Friday I’m up loading my facial imaging photos.  My plan is to use this tool to see how well different  products and procedures work to reduce signs of aging.   For example, I’m going to use a stable vitamin C cream, Tri-luma or Retin A for  four weeks, then take another photo to see  if the signs  of aging have been reduced.   I’d also love to see  what my skin looks likes after a glycolic peel, LED lights or  exfoliation from microdermabrasion.  I can look in the mirror and see changes and  photos  often can capture these differences.  But facial imaging actually allows  me to see  if the areas of sun damage and aging are truly healing. 

I realize that this sounds a little like a mad scientist– but there are so many  options out there with so many promises  that its very difficult to make the right choices.  I’m hoping that with this tool I’ll be  able to get some real answers.  Do you  have  a product that you think should be part of this trial?  Let me know.

Reversing Summer Aging

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I’m happy that the summer heat wave is over, but my skin seems parched, dazed and well, somehow older.  According to my amazing derm Dr Ellen Marmur, the change in weather  has sent my skin into shock.  After months of sun, heat, sweating, chlorine, from the pool, and summer allergies, my skin is dull dry and tired.   Even more troubling, a few dark patches on my nose  that had been removed by laser,  have made a comeback.     I was all set to slather on my new stronger Retin A to jump start a better complexion, but  Dr Marmur  had a different two prong approach:

Step 1:  Take off the old dead layer of dead, dry and discolored  skin cells with a mild  office glycolic peel or microdermabrasion

Step 2:  Add  moisture, moisture and more moisture.  To this end  during the day I am to use a rich sunscreen such as NIA 24, MD SolarSciences SPF40, or   Chanel Serum with 50 SPF.  At night  I am to use an even richer moisturizer such as Terralina Face Cream.   ( If your skin tends to break out from rich moisturizers, use an oil-free one like Neutrogena Healthy Skin. 

I’m going to try home microdermabrasion and I’ve choosen the  DDF Revolve 400X.  Its available for $95 and it got great reviews at Sephora.  The Clarisonic is reportedly more powerful  but its $250.  Its not that I am not worth it– I don’t know  if the Clarisonic is.  Has anyone tried these home devices?  Is one better than the other?

Do We Need Facials Now That We Have Lasers?

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True story.  Several years ago, I was recruited to do an in-store event for a popular exfoliating  scrub.  The plan  was to  set up a mini spa in a Wal-Mart in suburban Arizona.  I was not really looking forward to it.  I had just finished a before and after project for a publisher and the results were pretty awful with the befores looking better than the afters.   Now I was facing  a crowd of real women  who expected results.

It only got  worse when I  had to wear a little white lab coat with my name stitched on the  breast pocket. As the facialists went to work,  I tried to  hide behind the  bags of dog  food that flanked  the temporary spa.  They were offering a very basic facial  that consisted of an exfoliating scrub,  warm compresses, a peel -off mask and ending with a toner.  As I watched the treatments, I couldn’t believe my eyes.  Women  sat down in the examination chair  with  blotchy, lined skin and left looking smooth and radiant.  The facial took about 15 minutes and the products totaled $30– yet the results were clear and remarkable.

In an  era of lasers, fillers  and Botox,  a small facial can still have big results.  But not all facials are equal.  If you look at the menu of serices at a spa  you will  see  options that include oxygen facials,  peels, dermabrasion, collagen  masks and LED lights.  Do these  things really work?  I will be trying  out  these facial techniques and posting before and after photos.  And because there are  just so many times I can subject my face to another deep cleaning, some friends have offered their  faces for science.   They also have different  beauty issues and I am looking forward to seeing  what  types of facials give the best results for a range of  anti-aging issues.

Do you have you  a favorite type of facial?  Is there anything you would avoid?  Do you make your own facial products?  I would love to hear about your experiences.

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