Product Review: Personal Microderm (PMD)

Dear Beauty Buddies,

Have you heard of Personal Microderm (PMD)?

If you have not, what about Microdermabrasion? I'm sure many of you have heard of Microdermabrasion?

Personal Microderm (PMD) is an equipment that is similar to the one used by your dermatologist. PMD uses an alluminium oxide disc to polish away dead skin cells. During your microdermabrasion procedure in your dermatologist's clinic, alluminium oxide disc is also used. So, what's the difference? To me it is the cost factor that is different. You need to pay a fee each time you visit your dermatologist but with PMD, you just buy the equipment once and you can use it over and over again at the comfort of your own home. Of course you need to replace the disc from time to time and you must not be lazy. That's all. If you are a discipline person, you may want to try PMD. You will save some money in the long run.

PMD is currently selling at USD 179 (as at April 2012)

Just in case you are not familiar with microdermabrasion, I have obtained some information from PMD's website just for your reading pleasure:

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive form of exfoliation and mild skin resurfacing that removes the dead skin cells from the Stratum Corneum, the outer most lay of the skin. The Stratum Corneum is the layer of the skin affected by fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, acne, and scaring. The concentrated microdermabrasion treatment exfoliates this skin layer to break apart these common imperfections. This then triggers the body’s healing mechanisms, causing the removed dead skin cells to be rapidly replaced with healthy, new ones.

What are the Benefits of Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion provides several important benefits for the skin. The treatment smoothes away dull and rough skin texture, and it softens fine lines, wrinkles, burn scars, and acne scars. The treatment also improves the skin’s tone by fading uneven pigmentation, sun damage, age spots, and skin blemishes. In addition, microdermabrasion, which combines the power of a vacuum suction with exfoliation, reduces the formation of acne. The vacuum achieves this by clearing out clogged pores and releasing trapped dirt and oil. This leaves skin more clear, vibrant, and beautiful.

The benefits of microdermabrasion cause skin to become rejuvenated, while promoting new collagen growth and cell renewal. Also, since the dead skin cells on the Stratum Corneum act as a barrier for the skin, once they are removed through microdermabrasion, skin care products will be more fully absorbed into the skin, maximizing their effectiveness. All these microdermabrasion benefits combine to uncover youthful and radiant skin.

My Experience using the PMD device

I received the PMD device for review. At first, I was sent the wrong adapter and I had to wait for the Asian compatible adapter to arrive before I could test the product.

Note: If you are ordering from an Asian country, please make sure you order the device with the adapter that is compatible.

I have used the product 2 times and would like to share with you my experience. I have never own any skincare device before this and I was pretty excited when I received this. The first thing I did was to watch the Instructional DVD that comes with the device. The instruction was very clear and I could understand how to operate the device.

Steps

Wash your face and wipe dry. Make sure your face is free from oil and makeup.

Pull your face tight with your fingers to create a smooth surface to allow PMD to work properly.

Test on your arm/chin area. If you have sensitive skin, you will see a pink spot quickly. Do not grind too deep or hover at the same area for too long.

Make straight line motion like vacumming your carpet.

You will see a pattern forming on your skin surface.

Never go near eye area.

Wash your skin properly after treatment.

Use toner, serum & moisturiser. (This is very important to see great result)

Your skin will be extra sensitive to the sun for 3 - 4 days after treatment. (Please use sunblock)

You can only assume the next treatment after 5 - 6 days to allow the skin cells to recover and rejuvenate (I personally prefer to wait for 10 days before the next treatment to make sure my skin is completely ready)

The recommended frequency of treatments are as follows:

use every week for  the first 10 to 12 weeks (2.5 to 3 months)

use once in 2 weeks for the next 2 to 3 months

use once a month for maintenance

There are 2 types of disc size and 2 types of grit:

Blue disc - moderate grit

Green disc - coarse grit

The green and blue disc in 2 sizes with 2 different cap size

This is the larger disc

I would recommend that you use the blue disc for a start. The Alluminium Oxide disc will wear off after several usage (about 2 to 3 times of use). Replacement disc can be ordered from www.personalmicroderm.com

Dead skin cells will be accumulated on the cap and filter, you have to clean them properly after each treatment:

Dead skin cells on the cap - you have to wash the cap after each use

Dead skin cells on the filter - you have to wash the filter after each use

After my first treatment, I experienced very dry skin. This is because I grind too deep and too long at the same spot. On my 2nd treatment, I was more careful and although my skin felt extra sensitive to the sun, it recovers faster than the first treatment.

After using PMD for 2 times, my skin felt smoother (although it looks very rough due to the severe acne scarring many years ago). My skin felt less oily too and the serums/creams absorbs more easily.  I hope I will be diligent to continue using the device and see more improvements.

Before - open pores with acne scarring

After - looks slightly better

The above are my pictures before and after 2 treatments, do you see any improvements?

Have you tried PMD before? Would like to hear your experience. Thanks for sharing.

Lavender♥

Note: The device was provided by PMD for review. This not a paid post. The opinions are entirely my own.