I bought the L'Oreal Refinish Microdermabrasion Kit when I had read about it in a magazine a week prior. The product boasted results that were just as good as professional treatments and promised glowing, healthy looking younger skin. Having spent good money on a few professional treatments in the past, I decided to give the product a try as a more intensive microdermabrasion method in conjunction with my twice a week St. Ives Apricot Scrub. The kit in itself cost about $20-30 US, which is quite a bargain in comparison to professional microdermabrasion treatments which can be quite expensive for just one session. I was pleased when I saw the products in the box,
as they are quite large in comparison to the Mary Kay Microdermabrasion kit that I had used prior to this one. The product is a set of 2 that includes the microdermabrasion crystals and the other which is an after treatmentlotion.
I read the box instructions which said that the product was to be used 2-3 times per week and immediately began my first at home session. I began by running a hot shower, which is beneficial when exfoliating, because the steam allows the products to better absorb into the skin and get deep down into the pores. First I washed off any make-up with a regular mildcleanser from Clinique and proceeded to do step 1 of the system. I put a dollop in my hand and applied it to my forehead, cheeks, nose and chin in dabs before using both hands to rub the product in a circular motion over my entire face. I concentrate on problem areas most, such as the nose, chin and forehead where blackheads are more common, and oil and dirt tend to build up more as I have sensitive/ combination skin. I made sure to use enough pressure and a vigorous scrubbing motion that was similar to that of the microdermabrasion machine that was used in a professional session. I also like to use the product on my neck as well, to help combat fine lines and keep the delicate skin in this area smooth and bump-free.
It is also very important not to be too harsh and abrasive when using the product, especially if you have many breakouts or sensitive skin. Also be sure not to use the product around the eye area, as this area is very sensitive and this product is far too harsh to use on the eyes without causing damage. I then rinsed off the product thoroughly and got out of the shower to dry off. I immediately proceeded to use the after-treatment lotion because the skin absorbs these products better while the pores are still open from the shower's steam. The product had a very light pleasant scent and felt velvety and luxurious as I rubbed it in a circular motion over my face and neck which also felt baby soft and unbelievably smooth. I looked in the mirror and noticed my usual problem of redness after exfoliation, which is common for my sensitive skin. However, after the redness faded, my complexion was indeed glowing and healthy looking.
The texture of my skin already looked amazing, my barely noticeable fine lines were practically nonexistent, and my usually large pores had shrunk to normal size. I already had fewer blackheads, and my skin was supple, soft and had no sign of dry, dull patches. The results were already unbelievable close to professional treatments that I really could not believe how much I had paid for the same results that I had just achieved at home. I was thrilled with the way my skin looked and felt for days afterwards, and my make-up went on flawlessly after my treatment. After two weeks of using the product twice weekly, I can say that I have never been as pleased with an at-home microdermabrasion kit as I have been with this one by L'Oreal. I did have some mild breakouts in the first week of treatments; however this is natural after a deep cleaning such as microdermabrasion, and they usually go away fairly quickly. The more that you use the product, the more you will see results and your skin will eventually get used to it. However, be sure to follow the directions and only use this product 2-3 times per week as the instructions say. I am truly thrilled that I will never have to spend money on another professional treatment again for the same results, nor will I have to wait 6 months between treatments. The product really does what it promises and I highly recommend it.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Fast smoothness, without all the harsh abuse and scrubbing with traditional exfoliators. Disadvantages: Careful not to get in eyes - judging from the texture it would be absolute agony.
very helpful by (94%):
helpful by (6%):
