Reddit mentions: The best facial microdermabrasion products

I've had horrible skin for 15 years. I finally started systematically testing any products I could think of, because I'm too stubborn to see a dermatologist (and also didn't have health insurance), but mostly because if something isn't killing me, I'd rather solve it on my own.

For overall acne (blackheads, pimples, red spots after a pimple has cleared up)

• Obagi Clenziderm System - this is the only over the counter product I have used that has completely gotten rid of my acne
  
• I used to use retin-a when I was younger, made my skin amazing in every way possible. You can get 1% tetrinoid cream over the counter on amazon, for stronger stuff see a dermatologist.
  
  For scarring, large pores, and other long term skin solutions :
  
  
• Olay's microdermabrasion kit makes my skin supple and soft, definitely has been improving overall quality of my skin
  
• Cellbone's prep, neutralizer, and glycolactic peels are helping greatly with the acne scarring, blackheads, and give my skin a beautiful glow
  
  For moisturizing :
  
  
• I love Philosophy's Hope in a Jar, and for reducing appearance of pores and softening fine lines and wrinkles - The Supernatural. I've only started using Philosophy products but they are freaking amazing so far.
  
  I have not been able to find any scrubs that reduce the appearance of pores though. I think pores are generally a longer term condition, you can reduce them temporarily with toners or acidic scrubs, but the acid peels tend to have a longer lasting effect since they increase the rate of skin turn-over. Hope that helps.
  
  Also, if you are not familar with acid peels, I'd recommend getting one or two done in a spa first, so you know how your skin reacts. After that, they really are not that hard to do on your own, as long as you have something basic to neutralize the acid. Also, start with using them for like a minute the first time, and slowly work your way up. It's much easier to deal with an under-peeled face than an over-peeled one.
  
  Also - most importantly, drink lots of water, eat lots of vegetables and fruit, exercise, and get good sleep. You can't expect your skin to look amazing without taking care of your overall body first.

Hey,

I have keratosis pilaris on my whole body and though the Korean Italy towel would help.

Today I had a long bath - perhaps 20 mins soaking, for my slightly damp Italy towel and scrubbed. Sounded like sandpaper on my skin.

I was just rubbing up and down, not left to right as suggested because it’s to hard to do backs of the arms etc.

My skin got red, none of these amazing layers of skin came of.

Ideas what I’m doing wrong?

Would a sauna/stream room help? I did semi use the sauna and a shower at the local gym. I did one arm (for comparisons) was amazing for the rest of the day but the next day my skin wasn’t any better.

I’m thinking it’s just cream and stuff in people’s bodies. I’ve used “Le Edge” which is basically a blunt edge to scrape the body. Unless I had product on my skin nothing would be seen on the tool. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H43066Y/ref=pd_aw_fbt_194_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BCRX3NPPJ1WF0ET8XVZ4

Ideas please :)

Azelaic Acid can help with the redness. As for the acne scars, unfortunately, no topicals will help. It’s either a derm office for some type of procedure (Lasers, peels, dermarolling) or you can try dermarolling at home; it is a commitment and a slow results process. But if you are patient, I have seen some improvement for lots of folks.

For whiteheads, you can try either a BHA like Stridex or go the Retinoids route with Differin since you already are familiar with Retin A.

Good luck!

I think the Lava and GoJo recs already posted would do the trick, but if you want a physical scrub, add a little pile of aluminum oxide crystals to your liquid hand soap. It's a very fine scrubby scrub, cheap, and feels awesome. I use it in my face cleanser too occasionally.

This is my HG. I know it's a little above your budget (at $36) but the price for this item in particular seems to fluctuate quite a bit on Amazon and I've seen it for as low as around $30~something at times (I bought mine for $39 and then it went down). I use it once every three days and it helps exfoliate my skin, as well as brighten and even out the skin tone & texture. The granules are extremely fine so it's SO easy to get off any dead skin that may be residing atop your face. It retails for $79 at ulta and sephora so the Amazon price is actually worth it IMO. Sorry I don't have a suggestion more in your budget, just thought I'd share what works for me, since I'm crazy about this product.

What is this, 1950?? Good for you standing up for your daughter. I have had crazy acne from 4th grade until adulthood, but scarring from acne has been helped with a few nights in /few nights off with this thing. It has even helped to fade melasma a bit. I'm glad the BCP is working for her, but long term use can lead to melasma which I admit I am pretty self-conscious about. Being religious about sunblock and physical sun barriers off her face could really make a difference when she's older.

Olay makes a peel/microdermabrasion kit that's $23 on Amazon. Reviews on MakeupAlley are very good - many say it's almost identical to the kit that Philosophy sells for $40.

I recently got this kit and have tried it a couple times so far. I think it works really well, but I haven't tried the brazilian peel or the Ole Hendrickson 3 step kit, so I don't know how it compares to those.

One important thing to note about this kit is that Olay's instructions are "wrong". Olay says to apply the scrub and then apply the peel over top of it. However, there is baking soda in the scrub, which will neutralize the peel. Meaning the peel is neutralized before it has a chance to really do anything. I apply the peel first and leave it on for a few minutes then use the scrub.

I don't use any for basic routine but I use pretty regularly:

Tria Age-Defying Laser

Tria Wrinkle-Correcting Laser

Illuminage Touch Permanent Hair Laser

Tanda Skin Rejuvenation Red Light

Tanda Zap Blue Light

Panasonic Soie Epilator/Callus Remover

Dermaflash Dermaplane


I want an exfoliator for use on body, I've tried a brush one before but the bristles were too soft

Thanks, looks like you had great results. I've been looking for an acne solution for a while but I still seem to get one every week or two... and they always leave embarassing dark spots. I always end up wasting money without much effect, so I was thinking of trying a cheap one like this one from Neutrogena (http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Microdermabrasion-System/dp/B004ZD2M6I/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) but the Mary Kay products do have excellent reviews.

Some others have also mentioned derma rollers, which seem to work for a lot of people too. I'm conflicted on which to try next... I'll buy anything if it helps with my damn acne problem.

I have acne scars and hyper pigmentation

I've been using a list of products, however they don't work well and I am not really noticing a difference.

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Here are the products I am currently using. I use these almost everyday. (SHOULD I BE USING THEM EVERYDAY??!)

Cleanser: Hadalabo Japan Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Bubble Foaming Cleanser

Toner: Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Calming Toner

Serum: Dr. Jart + Cicapair Tiger Grass Serum

Moisturizer: Aveeno Daily face moisturizer

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Here are products I use twice a week.

Kojie San Lightening Soap

Exfoliant: NeedCrystals Microdermabrasion

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I use these masks maybe once every two weeks.

Aliceva Blackhead Remover Mask, Black Mask, Charcoal Peel Off Mask

Elizavecca milkypiggy Hell-Pore Clean Up nose Mask, liquid type nose pack

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This is my face. I have oily skin even if I cleanse and moisturize.

https://i.redd.it/c2dxt00qxwu21.jpg

https://i.redd.it/26rk300qxwu21.jpg

I think it's a "derma roller" used to poke holes in your face to somehow stimulate healing? It sounds like quackery to me.

looke like this one https://www.amazon.com/Adelie-192-Pin-Titanium-Gold-Derma-Roller/dp/B06WLQ8M7G/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1510582973&sr=8-4&keywords=the+derma+roller

This microdermabrasion scrub is lovely and really helps remove all the excess, shedding skin gives off during adapting process; its cheap and a small bottle will last you a life time. I usually mix 2 scoops to a nickel size amount of cleanser but, if the cleanser is foamy or gives a good lather, then it’s 2 scoops to a dime size amount also. this Ormedic night cream is BOMB, pricey but bomb. the small tub, usually last me a good 4-5 months so its justifies the price. you can also use a pea size amount in the day but I usually go with the hydroboost gel cream(great fragrance free moisturizer for those with combo skin BTW) and before I apply it I lighty mist my face with either water or air repair facial mist lock in moisture. Goodluck!

The Olay Microdermabrasion is fantastic and very affordable. I have started using it recently, and it works very well. I've used many exfoliators over the years, and this works better than anything else. I found it made my pores smaller and I feel like it got out more dead skin than anything else. Even made a zit smaller.

Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Olay-Regenerist-Microdermabrasion-System-Treatment/dp/B000F63TW0

And try the Ordinary's Lactic Acid serum (after cleansing before moisturizing). This is an exfoliating serum. Add a bit to moisturizer for easy application.

Here: http://ordinaries.com/product/rdn-lactic-acid-10pct-ha-2pct-30ml

One of my good friends was on birth control for years and then decided to come off of it for a few months. The change up caused really bad breakouts so she immediately went back on Yaz and the acne went away. Anyway, I'm currently having a similar episode and asked her how she was able to get rid of her acne scars so quickly (they were mostly on her cheeks, as are mine). She swears by this thingy. Pretty cheap for microdermabrasion and has great reviews. I just ordered mine from Amazon but I've seen them at CVS before.

Get a microdermabrasion tool. This is great to test things out. It was using one of these, not medications or anything else, that got rid of my acne and smoothed my skin out. Besides that, getting a little bit of sun and exercise, as well as a diet without sweets or soda..You will be rockin.

The very top layer of the epidermis (reference diagram) is made up of layers of dead keratinocytes. As more cells are made in deeper layers of the epidermis, they push the older cells toward the surface. The ones on the surface of the skin will flake off over time, but this can make the skin look patchy under makeup and feel rough. The overall appearance of the skin can be dull.

To remove these skin cells, you can use chemical or mechanical means. Chemical exfoliants use chemical reactions to remove the dead skin cells, and include alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, as well as various enzymes. Mechanical exfoliants remove the skin cells by mechanical means of scrubbing with abrasives or peeling with cellulose (these are the popular peeling gels, not to be confused with facial peels, which are chemical).

Some products, like the Olay Microdermabrasion and Peel System combine chemical and mechanical exfoliation. I used to have very good results with this, but my skin became sensitive to abrasives. I switched to a peeling gel, and as long as I don't use it more than a couple times a week my face remains smooth and it doesn't get irritated at all.

Finally, avoid anything with "microbeads," which are polyethylene beads that have been shown to end up in the environment. They also don't really work very well, at least in my experience.

This stuff is indeed awesome. I use the Olay version which is...well...a lot cheaper. And it makes your face soooo soft.

Love the crystals. I've tried using them with plain water and that was too harsh. I tend to mix it in with a cleanser and rub each part of the face, with wet fingers, for 5-10 seconds. I don't rub hard either. Any longer and it's overkill for me. You don't need much, really. I use them 2-3 times a week, and more if I have dry patches or look congested. Currently I'm using a retinol ester and still trying to figure out how often to physically exfoliate- I think 1-2 times a week is more than enough.

I usually have clear skin with some breakouts. When I started the crystals, a lot of my acne was healed and had a lot of scarring. The crystals helped diminish the scars (along with AHAs).

I got these: https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Oxide-Crystals-Microdermabrasion-White/dp/B00NVN7OMU/ref=pd_ys_c_rfy_rp_all_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C79BTDE8N6K7WJ3S8775

I have no experience with either but this popped up as a suggested item when I went looking on Amazon. It seems slightly more affordable. Not sure it's as effective.

I love Dr Brandt microdermabrasion exfoliant. It’s not cheap, but the 2oz is half the price of the comparable size of Exfolikate on Amazon. Amazon

If you have any bumpy texture to your skin Olay has an awesome exfoliating product. I only use it once or twice a week, so it lasts a long time. Olay Microdermabrasion Kit you can basically get it anywhere but the link is for amazon.

I think the first one(paula's choice) would be more effective. I use (this)[https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Microdermabrasion-Starter-Kit-exfoliating/dp/B004ZD2M6I] about a week after a laser session and it seems to speed up the shedding in conjunction with a chemical exfoliant(just not at the same time).

Just an FYI, that isn't the kind of Derma roller you want. It has so many needles that it creates a "bed of needles" effect meaning it only pushes the skin and won't do what you want. You need a roller with less needles for it to work properly. Here is the one I use.
(I'm at work but if you have any questions I can explain in more detail when I get home)

Yeah sorry about the confusion, I meant to try microderm so that the OP could get an idea of what it feels like and to see if his/her skin was going to be too sensitive for an acid peel (you can buy a Neutrogena microderm product for not that much).

Stiefel Laboratories seem to have discontinued Brasivol as it's no longer listed as a product on their website. The active ingredient in Brasivol is aluminum oxide, which is the same ingredient used in microdermabrasion and can be purchased in products like this, though I can't attest to its effectiveness. It basically works as a physical exfoliator and can be too harsh for sensitive skin. You may want to look into chemical exfoliators such as BHAs and AHAs, which could be a viable alternative.

Way cheaper - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086XX0AK/ref=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

Oops, here it is

https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Needles-Derma-Roller-0-25mm/dp/B075XGFHML/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518751825&sr=8-3&keywords=dermaroller

Amazon Link

Is this what you used?

Here is the one I have, 200 needles instead of 192 but it's basically the same.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NJQS9KZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My first Shelfie! ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ Thanks for letting me creep around here and steal your recommendations because my skin has never looked/felt better.
Products are
philosophy one step facial cleanser
Dr Brandt Microdermabrasion :I only exfoliate with this 3 days a week
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

Baby oil + this thing. It's kind of messy though so it's best as part of a shower routine. I have a crazy amount of dead skin on my face and body that itches horribly and this is the only thing that relieves it.