Javelina's Full Review: Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At Home Microdermabr...
It is a constant battle with my skin, and I have to do a lot of work to maintain it. I find that I get good results when I exfoliate, so when the Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At Home MicroDermabrasion System came out, I wanted to give it a try. I found the kit at a local drugstore for about $38.00.
The kit comes with the following:
• Micro-Oxide Crystallized Cream, Net Wt 2.6oz (75g)
• System Applicator
• Soft Foam Sponge Heads (2)
• AA Batteries (2)
• Custom Stand for convenient storage when not in use.
You can buy refills for the sponge heads and cream. There was a coupon in my starter kit for $2.00 off my next purchase of cream, which I saved.
The initial setup is pretty quick. I put in the batteries (which didn’t work, I might add, so I had to get my own) and read the instructions.
You are supposed to get results as follows:
Day 1: Immediately enhances surface cell turnover for visibly fresher, smoother, baby soft skin.
Week 1: Boosts skin clarity for visibly brighter skin that glows with youthful radiance.
Week 4: Diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage.
Directions
The instructions are actually quite long, but not too difficult. To start, for the first 5 days, use on clean, dry skin every night to stimulate surface cellular renewal. Afterwards, you discontinue use for 1 week to allow skin to adjust to this new routine.. Then, you can use the system 3 times a week as part of your skincare regimen to maintain fresh, bright, younger looking skin. I had a hard time remembering “where I was” in the schedule, so it was fortunate I started on a Sunday, which helped me when I was trying to figure out what I needed to do.
My skin is difficult to deal with, in terms of keeping it clear, but other than that, it can take a beating. I read in other reviews that people were feeling discomfort, but I was pretty sure I wouldn’t (and I was right). I can use some pretty scratchy stuff without a problem, and I remember reading reviews of Aveeno Skin Brightening Scrub and being shocked – I thought it was extremely gentle, while other people were saying it was way too harsh. I was looking forward to as much exfoliation as possible, since my pores tend to be clogged and I also get dry patches of skin, so I was hoping to smooth out my skin.
Anyway, you apply the Micro-Oxide Crystallized Cream to your face, and then smooth it over your face with the applicator. There are two speeds, which allows you to control the intensity of the exfoliation. I found that applying too much didn’t yield any good results. I thought I’d apply bigger globs of the cream to my face to get a more heavy-duty exfoliation, but it didn’t work – the globs just created an excess that squeezed out over the sides of the sponge head and fell on the shower floor. I should also add that the cream you get in the kit comes in a deceiving container – the bottom of the container is “raised”, and I was shocked when I hit the bottom of the container – you don’t get a whole lot!
I generally use the higher speed (of course). I use this in the shower so as not to make a mess on the bathroom counter, and when my hands are wet, it is hard to slide the button to “on”. I usually use a fingernail to push the button, because even though it has some little raised dots on it, I can’t get a grip on it. I think part of it is because the cream leaves a slick residue on the applicator, making the button slippery. This is probably my biggest gripe about this product, is that I can’t slide the button!
The cream is definitely gritty, but it is very fine. I get more exfoliation by moving the applicator in sweeping motions, rather than moving it slowly or in one place. It only vibrates, and doesn’t rotate, so nothing really happens by holding it in one spot. It isn’t loud, and I’d probably compare it to an electric toothbrush in terms of noise.
You are supposed to use this on your face for about two minutes. Sometimes after I am done, before rinsing my face, I will massage “problem areas” of my face with my fingertips – such as around the edges of my nose, or the edges of my hairline where I can’t get too close with the applicator. Using my fingers, I can really feel how rough the micro-oxide crystals are.
After using this the first few times, I figured I would look in the mirror and my face would be bright red – but it didn’t. My skin didn’t burn and it wasn’t painful. In fact, I could apply my moisturizer without irritation. For me, this product doesn’t cause any sensitivity. When I dry off my face, it feels very smooth. The product claims to “gently and evenly retexturize skin”, which I would agree with. I do feel as though I have just exfoliated, but not like I went overboard. My skin tends to be uneven and needs something to smooth and brighten it.
Although I go through the cream at a fair pace, the sponge heads seem to hold up pretty well. I was surprised they didn’t disintegrate because of the grittiness of the cream. After a few weeks, I notice that the sponge head came up from the plastic, because its just glued on. I got away using it for another one or two uses, but it just fell off, so I used a new pad. I also recommend squeezing excess water out of the pad when you’re done. I had mine in the shower and I think it was starting to get moldy, plus I wasn’t thrilled when I’d get old, cold water dripping out of it when I went to use it. You can probably get about a month’s use out of one pad, between becoming unglued and getting grungy.
It safely stimulates surface cellular renewal… clinically proven to boost skin clarity, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restore more radiant, younger-looking skin. I to use this product on a regular basis as recommended, about three times a week, or every other day. My skin looks much smoother and healthier. It has a smoothing effect and has made my complexion look better in general. It has helped my pores from being clogged, and my skin stays clearer. In addition, my skin does look better in general. I don’t know quite if it has reduced the appearance of wrinkles, but my skin does look smoother and younger.
Overall
This is a great product that not only helps with exfoliation, but does improve the appearance of my skin. It is definitely not too harsh for my face, and has made it easier for me to maintain my skin. I will continue using this product, and would recommend it to those who do not have particularly sensitive skin.
Fantastic prices with ease & c...(Stock status: N/A)
The Advanced Solutions At Home MicroDermabrasion System is specially designed to give you professional level microdermabrasion results at home.More at Amazon Marketplace
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