The Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Yesterday I talked about going to Transform for a cosmetic surgery consultation. A process I was apprehensive about, but which turned out to be utterly fine because the staff were so darn lovely, welcoming and professional. The aesthetician, Gosia, had taken a good look at my skin and recommended we start with microdermabrasion, and then next time I came (if I wanted to - no pressure was ever put on me) I should have a chemical peel. I've always wanted to try microdermabrasion because I know several smooth-faced beauties who swear by it. I know that some beauty salons offer it, but why go to one of those when you can have the treatment done by clinical professionals? At first I missed the soothing, candlelit darkness of a spa - there's no whale music here, just a bright white and hospital-like room. You remain fully clothed and lie back on the bed, and sadly there's no nice massaging. But when I think back to times I've had expensive facials that were relaxing for sure, but didn't do much for my skin, it makes me certain that clinical facials are the way to go for longterm results.
What does microdermabrasion feel like?
Gosia cleanses my face, and would normally use a steamer but I'm too much of a wuss. Is it just me or does anyone else find it hard to breathe when hot steam is funnelled over their face? Gosia tells me it won't make a difference to the treatment (what I always suspected, despite beauty therapists telling me the contrary). Next she starts the treatment which pretty much involves vacuuming across my face with a hose that has a diamond-tipped head (it feels rough, a bit like a cat's tongue). Simultaneously exfoliating the skin and sucking up dead skin cells and grubbiness from my pores, the actual microdermabrasion is a pretty quick and pain free experience; irritating but doesn't hurt. Afterwards my face is hot and a little sore, making the cool mask that's gently applied a welcome respite. Gosia leaves me alone for ten minutes to 'relax' which isn't easy when you're in a silent clinical room with only your anxious thoughts for company.
Finally Gosia returns, whips the mask off, and applies SPF and moisturiser. She tells me my face will be sensitive to the sun for a few days, and that I need to be applying SPF anyway (even in winter!), and being diligent with a cleansing and moisturising routine (no probs, I'm a beauty blogger!). I get up to take a look at my new face. I'm expecting it to be red, raw, maybe even peeling a little. The reflection staring back at me looks relieved and a bit surprised to see only very light pink skin.
Good for acne scarring
My skin stays pink and shiny for the rest of the day, and luckily I was staying in. It felt nice to have a renewed and buffed up face, so I didn't want to plaster it in makeup. I only put on rosehip oil at bedtime; adding chemical-based night creams suddenly feels a bit weird - my skin is all new! The next day I'm so impressed with the results - my skin is very soft and smooth, but also has the kind of glow you get from an hour long facial massage at a salon (that would probably fade a few hours later). The glow only lasts a couple of days, but the improvement in my skin has been great! It's less bumpy, and cream blusher is looking a lot better than it usually does on my acne-scarred cheeks.
Having regular microdermabrasion treatments would definitely improve the condition of the skin, I'm sold! As well as evening out texture and reducing the appearance of acne scars, it can help boost collagen production to make skin look younger, healthier and more radiant. At just £55 it's much cheaper than a beauty salon facial, and yes you don't get the added frills and Enya warbling in the background, but you will see better and more long-lasting results. Have you had microdermabrasion? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below x