What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation method in which aluminum oxide or Sodium bicarbonate crystals are sprayed over the skin from a wand that simultaneously suctions the skin and vacuums up the loose crystals. This exfoliation removes the topmost layer of the stratum corneum, encouraging new healthy cells to emerge.
Microdermabrasion is for anyone looking to decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, larger pores, hyperpigmentation or “sun spots”. Microdermabrasion can be integrated into your normal skincare regiment with a few modifications. With the removal of the dead cells from the stratum corneum, all other skincare products applied afterward work more effectively!
What is the Difference Between an In-office Microdermabrasion Treatment and the PMD?
The machines we (estheticians or dermatologists) use in an office setting cost thousands of dollars. The PMD device cost about the same as one in office microdermabrasion treatment. The other difference is that the PMD does not shoot out crystals from the wand but rather contains a spinning disc of aluminum oxide crystals.
How to use the PMD?
Your device will come with a helpful DVD explaining how to use, clean and maintain your device. Before using your device thoroughly cleanse your skin with a mild and non-exfoliating wash. Make sure the skin is completely dry prior to using your PMD. During a professional treatment we would use hospital-grade alcohol wipes to ensure complete surface dryness. At home I use a cotton round or cloth gauze with witch hazel. I divide my face in half when performing the wand passes. I start at my chin and work from the center of the face outward and up. Always start with the training disc until you get the hang of the device. Pull the skin taught with one hand, while using short strokes move the device across the skin away from the hand holding the skin taught. I work in shorter strokes (about an inch and a half to avoid suction marks). Do not let the devise sit idle on any part of your skin. Following a PMD treatment I rinse my face with cool water to remove any excess crystals and use rose water to calm my skin. The PMD brand does have their own skincare pre and post treatment products, but I did not receive those for the purpose of this review.
My First Impression
Firstly I was impressed and underestimated how strong the suction of the PMD was. This underestimation combined with passes that were to long led to tiny PMD hickeys and tiny scabs on the tops of my cheeks. Again this was due to operator mishandling and not the fault of the device. This is another reason to start with the recommended training disk and to keep the wand passes short! I performed my first treatment prior to bed. Upon waking up the next morning, the first thing I did, while still laying in bed, was run my hands down the sides of my face. Immediately I could feel that my skin was so much smoother and incredibly soft.
My PMD Experience and Final Thoughts
When introducing a new product or device into my routine I like to keep everything else the same. With no other additions there is a control; a baseline comparison, from which to be able to know for sure what the exact results are and what caused them.
My personal PMD goal is to have less visible pores. The difference I want to achieve and the problem I am trying to rectify may be the one that takes the longest. Large pore size is genetic but overtime pores can be stretched due to the hardened plug inside.
Unfortunately due to the change in the weather I had to amp up my acne/ oily skin treatment to get ahead of the beast. I added Professional Solutions Salicylic Acid Exfoliator to my regiment and use this every night of the week except the night that I use the PMD. The pores on my cheeks have been the first area where I noticed a change in appearance. I recently ran out of the house for an errand with only sunscreen on, upon looking at myself in the rear view mirror I felt a sense of relief, appose to the embarrassment I usually feel when looking at my nose sans foundation and concealer. My current favorite thing about the PMD is how much it helps to remove the flaking, dry skin on the sides of my nose and nostrils that is due to the intensity of the salicylic treatment. Without the PMD removing this excess skin, my foundation looks unsightly and uneven on my nose. Currently I love my combo of alternating the salicylic acid (chemical exfolant) with the PMD (mechanical exfolant) and will continue this combined treatment.
Overall I am pleased with the PMD device. I will surely keep the PMD as a weekly part of my skincare routine and look forward to progressive results!
Blog Written by askderm's in-house Esthetician
My PMD Experience and Final Thoughts
When introducing a new product or device into my routine I like to keep everything else the same. With no other additions there is a control; a baseline comparison, from which to be able to know for sure what the exact results are and what caused them.
My personal PMD goal is to have less visible pores. The difference I want to achieve and the problem I am trying to rectify may be the one that takes the longest. Large pore size is genetic but overtime pores can be stretched due to the hardened plug inside.
Unfortunately due to the change in the weather I had to amp up my acne/ oily skin treatment to get ahead of the beast. I added Professional Solutions Salicylic Acid Exfoliator to my regiment and use this every night of the week except the night that I use the PMD. The pores on my cheeks have been the first area where I noticed a change in appearance. I recently ran out of the house for an errand with only sunscreen on, upon looking at myself in the rear view mirror I felt a sense of relief, appose to the embarrassment I usually feel when looking at my nose sans foundation and concealer. My current favorite thing about the PMD is how much it helps to remove the flaking, dry skin on the sides of my nose and nostrils that is due to the intensity of the salicylic treatment. Without the PMD removing this excess skin, my foundation looks unsightly and uneven on my nose. Currently I love my combo of alternating the salicylic acid (chemical exfolant) with the PMD (mechanical exfolant) and will continue this combined treatment.
Overall I am pleased with the PMD device. I will surely keep the PMD as a weekly part of my skincare routine and look forward to progressive results!
Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 9 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers.