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As much as we would all LOVE to head to the salon once a week for a major pampering session, time and money constraints often hold us back from Living The Dream. Microdermabrasion is one of those treatments that many women feel may be out of their price range, and after ruling out the salon prices the research comes to a halt.
But have you ever thought about home use microdermabrasion?
Home-use devices have come a long way in recent years and are now just as advanced and effective as their salon counterparts. The only difference is that you'll be administering the treatment yourself, and you won't be handing over a tidy sum after every treatment.
So what are the differences between home use Vs salon microdermabrasion?
There are different levels of microdermabrasion; some can only be administered by a trained nurse or dermatologist, some have to be administered by a trained technician in a spa or clinic, and some are completely safe for home-use.
The basic mechanics of the procedure are always the same, regardless of who is administering the treatment. The treatment device draws the skin to the treatment head with a vacuum-like suction (don't worry, you can barely feel it). Then, aluminum oxide micro crystals or a diamond tip wand are used to buff away the surface cells and create minor abrasions. The skin detects the treatment as an attack and works to replace the lost skin cells in the days following the treatment. This firms up the skin, boosts collagen production, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes.
Does it hurt?
Microdermabrasion should not hurt in any way, so if you're experiencing any discomfort beyond a slight tingle, stop the treatment immediately. You can expect to see some redness similar to sunburn for 24-48 hours after the treatment, and your skin may be a little drier than usual. Whether you opt for the salon treatment or the at-home alternative, make sure your skin is cleansed well beforehand and then apply a calming moisturiser afterwards.
How much does it cost?
Salon treatments can cost anything from £50 for a 30-minute session, to hundreds of pounds for a course of treatments. Some people like to book a professional microdermabrasion treatment once a year, and then keep the results topped-up with an at-home device such as the PMD. The PMD Personal Microderm Device is currently available for £135 on CURRENTBODY.com. We also stock the Riiviva Facial Exfoliator for £179.
What about results?
The results are largely the very similar for salon and at-home treatments, the difference being that you can take control of your treatment schedule. While many salons and clinics will offer individual treatments or block bookings, an at-home device gives you the complete freedom to decide how frequently you treat your skin – providing you leave 6-7 days between treatments! Some people find they are content with the results after 5-7 treatments while others prefer to simply 'top-up' every few months.