Thread: Has anyone tried facial peels or microderm?

I am considering doing one or both of these treatments. I go to an esthtitician (I know i jacked the spelling on that) whom I trust. But I was told by a friend that microderm is a waste of money and OTC products work just as well. Should I just do the peel? Are there different levels of peels? Has anyone tried a specific product they like from a derm or esthitician?

I've done microd. and liked it for the first few days afterward. Then it felt like my skin went back to normal. I feel better just doing daily exfoliation with a light, organic product.

Don't know about the peels though.

I have used microdermabrasion kits from Microdermabrasion - Skin Rx Clinic

This is unlike any OTC product I have used. It is very fine corundum crystals in a glycolic acid base, so there is a little bit of a mild peel effect also. It is like ultra fine polishing sandpaper, whereas other OTC exfoliating scrubs or so called microdermabrasion products just feel like a few bits of hard stuff here and there rolling around on your face (to me anyway). With this stuff, you have to start out massaging it on your face very lightly so you can figure out how much pressure you can take without sanding off little raw patches on your face. It works very well at sluffing off old flaky skin and getting rid of small blackheads and clogged pores. I'm not sure if it would be good to use with active breakouts (might spread bacteria around too much).

I have been trying to use this on the top of my chest to improve the appearance of accumulated sun damage.

I have also tried Boots "microdermabrasion" product and was sorely disappointed. It didn't do anything.

Can't speak for facial peels.

I absolutely loved microdermabrasion. I received 1 professional treatment and my face felt incredible. Perhaps the reason that it may seem like a waste of $$ is that dirt and dead skin cells re-accumulate, causing that "soft as baby's butt" feeling go away. So one must do it regularly in order to have that feeling all of the time.

OTC products, such as Susan Lucci's micro kit and others work to a certain extent. I believe it is the size of the crystals and the fact that you are basically sand-blasting your face which makes the professional microdermabrasion feel much more effective.

Exfoliating on this level is important but one need not go to the expense of the professional microdermabrasion. If the top layer of dead skin cells and dirt is consistently removed, your skin can then absorb moisturizer, look clearer, etc. Since then I have been an avid exfoliating biotch. I just use a bit of Arm & Hammer mixed into a paste with a deep cleanser (like Burt's Bees Soap Bark Chamomile deep cleanser) 2-3 times a week.

Hi~ I am an Esthetician.. and I would recommend Microdermabrasion or Chemical Peels based on your skin type, and needs. If you have a trusted Esthetician aka SKin Care Specialist aka Facialist (easiest to spell) she/he can explain the difference and give you a recommendation.
I would say I prefer the Micro (more of a "scrub" feel) over a chemical peel- which uses a type of acid (glycolic, phenol, lactic, etc) to "dissolve" the dead layers of the skin. The peel give more of a itchy feel as it works- though should NOT burn- if it does, it should be removed immediately.
As for the "home" Microdermabrasion kits- these are very useful as well- however, they are not the same strength/grade as those in a physician office and most spa/salons. These kits are made to be safe for use several times a week, while a Medical grade treatment should not be administered sooner than 7-10 days..

Hope this info helps- and feel free to ask more if you need!

~Laura~

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

I am considering doing one or both of these treatments. I go to an esthtitician (I know i jacked the spelling on that) whom I trust. But I was told by a friend that microderm is a waste of money and OTC products work just as well. Should I just do the peel? Are there different levels of peels? Has anyone tried a specific product they like from a derm or esthitician?

What are you hoping to accomplish? That might help answer your question.

I have pretty noticeable acne scars. Peels and microdermabrasion (professional, several sessions) really didn't do much to soften their appearance. For me, I'd have to get real dermabrasion to make any difference.

Originally Posted by Azhia

Can't speak for facial peels.

I absolutely loved microdermabrasion. I received 1 professional treatment and my face felt incredible. Perhaps the reason that it may seem like a waste of $$ is that dirt and dead skin cells re-accumulate, causing that "soft as baby's butt" feeling go away. So one must do it regularly in order to have that feeling all of the time.

OTC products, such as Susan Lucci's micro kit and others work to a certain extent. I believe it is the size of the crystals and the fact that you are basically sand-blasting your face which makes the professional microdermabrasion feel much more effective.

Exfoliating on this level is important but one need not go to the expense of the professional microdermabrasion. If the top layer of dead skin cells and dirt is consistently removed, your skin can then absorb moisturizer, look clearer, etc. Since then I have been an avid exfoliating biotch. I just use a bit of Arm & Hammer mixed into a paste with a deep cleanser (like Burt's Bees Soap Bark Chamomile deep cleanser) 2-3 times a week.

Azhia, do you continue with the micro.? After my one experience with it, I ended up with a staph infection on my face! (it was a horrible experience).

Also, I use a mild exfoliant everyday. Do you think that's too often? Seems like I'm prone to more blackheads if I don't.

If you do like the micro, which at-home product would you recommend? Thanks! I love asking you since you're the bhuz beauty expert!

yes, I would recommend them. It gets rid of that old skin and promotes new cells to generate. I have done both chemical peels and microdermabrasion. As we get older and the sun/environment damages our skin we need to also remember our faces.

I have had no problems. Make sure you go to someone that is certified, alot of the beauty places are offering them be careful.

I see a Dermatologist but certified esthetician is fine just have someone recommend them .

Melaniemaya

I did microderm and loved the immediate results. However, it caused me to breakout. I've come to the conclusion that there's only one product that will control that problem - Neutrogena Acne Control. It's like the cheapest product out there, isn't it? I can't even use moisturizer. I've tried quite a few things from the very expensive to other not-so-fancy stuff. For now, I'm sticking to just washing my face. Also, if you use either microderm or chemical peels, please remember to use lots of sunblock. Everyone responds a little different so I'd recommend seeing a professional for your first treatment.

Sorry, I should clarify why I am considering:

Mostly I just want to brighten my tired old skin.

Secondly, I have been under a dermtologist's care for years for a mild case of cystic (hate that word) acne. In other words, I get one or two honking zits that never surface, just look red, angry and they hurt. He's given me perscriptions for topical stuff. (tried oral anti biotics for a bit but don't like that idea at all)

Now I have started to get small millia type bumps that look like white heads way below skin surface but you don't dare pick at them because as my facialist and derm explained; they have "roots" and will come back if you don't get it all. (this is so grossing me out right now) So now these bumps get more prominent during certain parts of my cycle and they just give my whole face an uneven texture. It's really bumming me out. So, my facialist suggested to try one or both of these treatments including LED therapy afterward (It's like a low powered laser to speed healing)

There, those are all the hairy details. Thanks for the feedback. Feel free to add :)

Is either helpful for fine lines, deep forehead creases, and/or those wrinkles at the lipline?

That I don't know. I know that the more heavy duty lazer treatments work for the fine lines and wrinkles but healing can take a couple weeks and you peel like a lizard.

Originally Posted by maliam

Azhia, do you continue with the micro.? After my one experience with it, I ended up with a staph infection on my face! (it was a horrible experience).

Also, I use a mild exfoliant everyday. Do you think that's too often? Seems like I'm prone to more blackheads if I don't.

If you do like the micro, which at-home product would you recommend? Thanks! I love asking you since you're the bhuz beauty expert!

Hi Maliam!

And aestheticians, derms, etc. please speak up if I am missing anything (or misinforming)...

Oooh not a good thing to get staph infection from the micro. I take it you're healed from that experience?

What kind of mild exfoliant are we talking? Aveda has a liquid one that you wouldn't think is an exfoliant but it's super gentle, b/c it is a liquid. I believe that apricot, almond, salt scrubs just abrade the top layer of skin, scratching it, rather than exfoliating it.

Hooked, you might want to try this product, too:
For at home, I absolutely love Yon Ka's Gommage. It is an exfoliating soft peel. You put a thin layer on, it's a gel, and you massage it into the skin until it dries. As it dries, it pulls up a layer of dead skin cells with it. So when you start you are massaging a gel, which dries, then turns into hundreds of crumbles of dead skin. It's amazing. This would only be used 2-3 times a week.

Originally Posted by maliam

Azhia, do you continue with the micro.? After my one experience with it, I ended up with a staph infection on my face! (it was a horrible experience).

Also, I use a mild exfoliant everyday. Do you think that's too often? Seems like I'm prone to more blackheads if I don't.

If you do like the micro, which at-home product would you recommend? Thanks! I love asking you since you're the bhuz beauty expert!

Yuck-bet you won't be trying that again. I think exfoliating daily sounds harsh to your skin.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Is either helpful for fine lines, deep forehead creases, and/or those wrinkles at the lipline?

That's what a lot of them are advertised for-not sure how long it lasts. Seems to me like over time it would become an irritant and cause a craddle effect.

Azhia, I've been using the Aveda stuff since we emailed last month and while I like it, I dont' notice any results or change on my skin. Do you think it would be okay to step up to a bit stronger exfoliant?

did I read you use baking soda??

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

Azhia, I've been using the Aveda stuff since we emailed last month and while I like it, I dont' notice any results or change on my skin. Do you think it would be okay to step up to a bit stronger exfoliant?

did I read you use baking soda??

The change you seek is brightness? Maybe too gentle, as the main component is witch hazel.

Take it up a notch with the Gommage. Or DHC also has brightening products. Since it's made in Japan and skin brightening is a goal for many in that geographic market, you may see better results with those products.

Yes, baking soder. I like to make a paste with the Burt's Bee's Soap Bark Chamomile deep cleanser b/c it contains menthol. Psychologically, I just feel like I'm deep cleansing.

Maybe brighter wasn't the best word, I mean my skin is sort of dull. Not that I want to punish it and SCRUB it into submission, but I am not convinced the aveda is doing it for me. Hoping that microderm with continual gentle exfoliation after that will get rid of my seemingly clogged pores

And yes I drink tons of water, vitamins, exercise, etc....

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

Maybe brighter wasn't the best word, I mean my skin is sort of dull. Not that I want to punish it and SCRUB it into submission, but I am not convinced the aveda is doing it for me. Hoping that microderm with continual gentle exfoliation after that will get rid of my seemingly clogged pores

And yes I drink tons of water, vitamins, exercise, etc....

Ahh clogged pores.

Try a gentle (not boiling water) steam with herbs: lavender, peppermint, marshmallow root, rosemary, geranium. Follow with a mask of apple cider vinegar (or rose water if your skin is dry) + kaolin clay. Wait until dry, rinse off, follow with moisturizer.

Or you may need a deep cleansing facial with extractions.

See if you can get a deep cleansing facial with Yon Ka products at a day spa. The money spent on microdermabrasion can buy you a series of deep cleansing facials where you'll really see results.

Well, this is from left field, but I'm all about exfoliation, hammam-style.

I have a small bathroom with a shower stall in my house. About every two weeks, I fire up a wallpaper steamer (yes! LOL), let the shower drip hot water, and turn my bathroom into a hammam. Basically you just steep in the steam, apply some hammam soap, steep and rinse, steep again, and then use a sandpaperish glove to slough off the skin. It's a bit freaky the first time you do it, because of the skin coming off, but, holy moly, afterward your skin is like buttah. I also think sitting around in steam is good for your internal systems as well.

I get the hammam soap, glove, etc. from a local company: zamourispices.com but they ship all over.

May you shine like the moon! :)

Originally Posted by CFerhat

Well, this is from left field, but I'm all about exfoliation, hammam-style.

I have a small bathroom with a shower stall in my house. About every two weeks, I fire up a wallpaper steamer (yes! LOL), let the shower drip hot water, and turn my bathroom into a hammam. Basically you just steep in the steam, apply some hammam soap, steep and rinse, steep again, and then use a sandpaperish glove to slough off the skin. It's a bit freaky the first time you do it, because of the skin coming off, but, holy moly, afterward your skin is like buttah. I also think sitting around in steam is good for your internal systems as well.

I get the hammam soap, glove, etc. from a local company: zamourispices.com but they ship all over.

May you shine like the moon! :)

oooohhhh....there is a day spa here that boasts having an authentic hammam. Imma have to treat myself one day!

Originally Posted by Azhia

oooohhhh....there is a day spa here that boasts having an authentic hammam. Imma have to treat myself one day!

Oh dear Azhia! Is that the one you are thinking about?

Studio Beauté du Monde - Spa hamman de Montreal

Huuuuum! That place looks so inviting...! ..g.:

Qamar

Originally Posted by Qamar60

Oh dear Azhia! Is that the one you are thinking about?

Studio Beauté du Monde - Spa hamman de Montreal

Huuuuum! That place looks so inviting...! ..g.:

Qamar

OMG, no, but that's so cool there is more than one here!!
Rain Spa.
Woohoo! CHOICES!

Sorry, Hooked, we hijacked....p::

Oh, well if you must choose elegance over a MacGyver-ed back bathroom hammam. :)

Originally Posted by CFerhat

Oh, well if you must choose elegance over a MacGyver-ed back bathroom hammam. :)

You figured it out, though! I'd rather roll right into bed after such a relaxing treatment than have to get back on the subway and walk home!!

Originally Posted by CFerhat

Oh, well if you must choose elegance over a MacGyver-ed back bathroom hammam. :)

Christine, if I ever make it your way for a visit, I'll pay extra for the MacGyver treatment.

Originally Posted by Azhia

Hi Maliam!

And aestheticians, derms, etc. please speak up if I am missing anything (or misinforming)...

Oooh not a good thing to get staph infection from the micro. I take it you're healed from that experience?

What kind of mild exfoliant are we talking? Aveda has a liquid one that you wouldn't think is an exfoliant but it's super gentle, b/c it is a liquid. I believe that apricot, almond, salt scrubs just abrade the top layer of skin, scratching it, rather than exfoliating it.

Hooked, you might want to try this product, too:
For at home, I absolutely love Yon Ka's Gommage. It is an exfoliating soft peel. You put a thin layer on, it's a gel, and you massage it into the skin until it dries. As it dries, it pulls up a layer of dead skin cells with it. So when you start you are massaging a gel, which dries, then turns into hundreds of crumbles of dead skin. It's amazing. This would only be used 2-3 times a week.

It was a disgusting and traumatic experience. That took 3 weeks to clear up. And then 2 to completely diminish the bump. Ick.

I use Avalon Organics sensitive skin exfoliant. I chose that one because it is extremely fine; it almost doesn't feel like it's scrubbing. Other ones I have used ended up drying my skin out or making breakouts worse.

And I'm going to check for the hammam treatment near me. Hopefully someone in Seattle is doing it!

I had the deep pimples that you refer to and the *only* treatment that worked for me was accutane.

I've also had chemical peel done by the dermotologist. To be frank: it was a waste of time and money. I had a series of treatments hoping to lift the dark pigmentation that was happening due to being on the pill but it didn't. Yeah, it DID make my skin look lovely though (although for a week you peel and peel and peel and peel).

The other successful treatment I've had is laser (IPL) and that worked wonders to remove sun pigmentation which the peel didn't and really helped 'refresh' the look of my skin and pores. It is a treatment that I like to get occassionally to give myself a 'top up' although initially I had a series of treatments (to be honest though, it only took the first treatment to remove the pigmentation).

Is the IPL the laser type one done in a derm's office? I was planning on doing that when I am late 40's. (not too far off haha) IT's just so confusing with all that is out there and frankly I am sick of wasting money on quality products that just don't work for me.

Maybe I should lower my expectations. I'm not looking for a miracle here just to have the best skin I can have at 41.

Ahzia, I tried to open the Gomage site and I couldn't get a price list or an order page. Do you know where I can get more info?

I get the IPL in a specialist laser facility but it isn't done by a doctor...but I checked out the place COMPLETELY before I underwent treatment as things can and do go wrong in the hands of someone that is inexperienced.

The way I look at IPL....get it done to correct small veins and pigmentation and then just have 'top up' treatments (about 3-4 per year) as it also encourages collagen production.

If you haven't read Paula Begoun's 'The Beauty Bible' then I'd strongly urge you to get it from your local library as it explains everything you need to know about what external products can/can't do for your skin and how the ageing process occurs so you can make a better choice for your skin rather than believing cosmetics industry hype.