superberri's Full Review: Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At Home Microdermabr...
Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At Home MicroDermabrasion System is Neutrogena's step into the advanced treatments that were previously only available at a Salon, Spa, or Doctor's office.
Specifically, Microdermabrasion is a vigorous exfoliating, or skin-sloughing process, that helps to speed the turnover of old skin cells. Exfoliation can be done mechanically (that is, by using a product that has granules to literally scrub the skin) or chemically (with Alpha or Beta Acids, such as Glycolic or Salicylic acid).
Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At Home MicroDermabrasion System is the mechanical, or "scrubbing" method to get those cells off, thereby revealing clearer and smoother skin. The process also helps clear pores of debris and may make some very minor skin scars less visible.
When Salon Microdermabrasion was introduced a number of years ago, it was touted as the "next face lift", "the way to get perfect skin" and so on. It is now understood that this is a good method for many people to temporarily achieve brighter, smoother skin (good, say, for a special night) but that it must be regularly repeated to continue to see the benefits. In other words, you don't do it a few times and forget it.
Therefore, a Home System makes perfect sense! While the actual mechanical process may be less dramatic than a salon treatment, and there is no suction involved in the application, the fact that one can do it economically and regularly makes it something to consider. Also, with regular use (1-2 times weekly, for example, over 6 weeks), one will achieve very similar results to an in-office treatment. Furthermore, the ease of regular use means that one can CONTINUE to reap the benefits with less waste of time and money.
**SKIN CARE REGIME**
While this is a personal choice, a good routine might include:
1. Cleansing/makeup removal (makeup removal night)
2. Exfoliation (1 + times a week)
3. Serum/Treatment (a.m./p.m.: Vitamin C - Retinols - Amino Acid complexes)
4. Moisturizer (non-oily for acne prone skin)
5. Sunscreen (day) (Can sometimes be in moisturizer).
Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At Home MicroDermabrasion System is the EXFOLIATION Step #2, and is best done in the evening. That's because when you have thoroughly cleaned your skin like this, it's nice to continue with your night regime (maybe an evening moisturizer, for example) and not immediately pile on makeup. Your moisturizer will absorb quickly. Also, exfoliation CAN make some skins sensitive to the sun, so by doing it at night, you give your skin a bit of a break.
**PERSONAL EXPERIENCE & USE**
I started using this about one year ago. I had been having periodic microdermabrasion treatments at the doctor's office, but was getting tired of the time and expense involved. I researched the ingredients used at the Salon/office, and knew that Neutrogena had incorporated many of them into their product.
Application is fairly simple: On clean dry skin, dot the product onto the forehead, chin, cheeks. Using the battery-operated applicator, massage the product into the areas in a circular motion for about 2 minutes, moving around the face and avoiding the sensitive eye area as well as cuts or inflammations. I used medium pressure and added a dot of the cream to my nose and 2 dots (a dot is about the size of a dime - tailor to your needs) to my neck as well.
After using, rinse face thoroughly, pat dry, and continue with your favorite moisturizer. I recommend a product with Hyaluronic Acid, as it gives the skin optimum non-greasy moisturizing. Also, be sure to wash and rinse the foam applicator pad and allow to air dry.
I use this product at least ONCE a week and, before a special occasion, will step up to 3 times a week.
**WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT**
For me, when used over a period of 6 weeks, the results were very similar to one microdermabrasion treatment at a spa. Since it's cheaper and doesn't require an appointment, I can keep up with this "beauty step" and maintain a clearer, brighter complexion.
I also feel that the exfoliation really allows treatment products to absorb more easily, since they are applied onto new, smooth skin. I think the mechanical battery "applicator" makes it easier to evenly massage product into the entire face. There are other scrubs that have you do this just with your fingertips. They are fine, but this is easier and (I think) assures better coverage.
The scrubbing action LITERALLY makes your skin smoother - like "sanding" would - so makeup slips on easily. In fact, my skin has a bit of a shine right after use. I've been buffed!
The results are a less blotchy appearance, both with or without makeup. I also thought that fine lines looked less apparent. Are they really GONE? I don't know, but because my skin reflects light better and is smoother, the entire effect is of a less-lined, younger, healthier looking face. I didn't have any significant acne scars, so I cannot vouch if this will remove them. While it's good, I don't know if it would penetrate that far into the dermis. Superficial scars would appear less noticeable, but the deeps ones are going to take a doctor's help.
Also, there is no scent to the product, which I always appreciate.
Keep in mind that regular use is necessary to keep on achieving results. This isn't plastic surgery, but is a good skin care step for most people, as long as their skin is not chronically irritated (or with rosacea), cut, or hyper-sensitive. Since I am fair-skinned, I do not know if there are any problems using this with darker skin. I know that some darker skins can have pigmentation issues when certain products and peels are used.
**What I don't like**
I have to be VERY picky to find fault, but all these scrubs can be difficult to rinse off thoroughly, especially if you use them as completely as I do: face, forehead, neck, etc. You have to rinse, rinse, rinse - every single area. I sometimes get granules in my hair even when I use a headband. Sometimes I haven't rinsed off enough, and when I apply moisturizer, I can feel the "grit". My solution is to do right before a shower, when I can make sure that I give my face and neck a VERY good rinsing. (This would also be a great time to use the companion BODY SCRUB SYSTEM).
**Keep In Mind**
Nothing works very well if it isn't used regularly and correctly. No over-the-counter product penetrates deeply into the dermis, so don't expect permanent miracles. However, if your skin looks a little dull, you want it to feel soft and smooth, and you understand that exfoliation is an effective way to achieve that goal, this is one to try!
As skin science finds more effective treatment products, I feel the exfoliation step will continue to be important, since the newest serums and creams will be applied to fresh skin cells. This would translate to more even penetration and, therefore, more consistent results.
**Natural vs Artificial**
Years ago, I used an apricot scrub and loved it. My face was soft and smooth. However, there are some arguments against using certain products - even natural food ones - since they may actually scratch or tear the skin surface. Sometimes the ground materials aren't as even as the manmade granules, leading to uneven application. I haven't tried some of the newer natural lines, so perhaps that issue no longer exists or the better, high-end lines have solved that problem. However, the ingredients that Neutrogena uses should not negatively affect normal 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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