If you’re like me, you’ve always thought microdermabrasion was a great idea. The rationale is all over the TV and the glossies, from my “can’t pry it out of my dead, lifeless fingers” Clarisonic to the newest beauty gadget we’re just a tad obsessed with: Personal MicroDerm (or PMD, as it is affectionately called).
Sure, beauty gadgets have become more popular than Crest Whitestrips these days. And this makes sense, given the current economy. Who wants to spend over $250 to become poreless? When I received the Personal MicroDerm to try, I was extremely intrigued, because exfoliation is part of my routine. Heck, it’s practically my mantra.
The Personal MicroDerm was the brainchild of Janelle Muldner (she created the original patent). Muldner was one of the first estheticians to bring the concept of microdermabrasion to the U.S. from Europe — and this was over 25 years ago. Now, she’s joined forces with other professionals to create a system that you can use at home.
The wand-like gadget is a microdermal exfoliation system that uses the same aluminum oxide crystals that your dermatologist uses in his or her office. I was a little nervous about trying the gadget at first because I have extremely sensitive skin, and thought I would react badly to it.
But it was relatively painless to use. There is a gentle “suction” component to the MicroDerm, as it removes layers of dead skin cells. It is also designed to eliminate blemishes, acne scars and fine lines.
How Does it Work?
The Personal MicroDerm is simpler to use than making brownies out of a box. Trust me, a gadget novice, on this one.
Once you receive the gadget, you’ll need to watch a very well-detailed DVD first that tells you EXACTLY how to use the device. The DVD is very encouraging, and soothing, as a matter of fact. You’ll receive several types of exfoliating discs with the kit (some for your body, and some for the fine areas of your face — please don’t attempt to exfoliate your under eye area! Ever!).
All you have to do is select the appropriate disc for your exfoliating needs (again, please be sure to watch the DVD), pull your skin taut, and let the MicroDerm do all the work. If you have extremely sensitive skin as I do, then you should really give one pass over your face, instead of two.
What Does it Cost?
The total cost of this unit is $179 (compared to well north of $200 for a professional microderm treatment), and shipping is free.
It is recommended that you use the device for at least eight to ten times before seeing optimal results, but I think it’s truly worth it. The only gripe I have is that each disc really can be used once — and no more than twice– before the aluminum oxide crystals start to completely dissipate. So, like iTunes, there’s definitely a recurring cost, but not an enormous one.
We give it two big thumbs up!
If you want to erase wrinkles at the touch of a button, you may want to check out Zeno’s “Line Rewind.”
Just to show you some love, we are giving away one unit of the Personal MicroDerm, valued at $179, to a lucky reader. Simply leave a comment below telling us if you’ve ever done microdermabrasion (at home or at the doctor’s office) and what your experience was.
A winner will be picked in a week. Good luck!
– Charu Suri
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