Seeking some skincare help

[badseed1980]

OK, folks, I'm looking for recommendations for at-home microdermabrasion or peel kits. Basically, I want something that will get rid of dead skin so my pores are less likely to clog, and also help get rid of fine lines.

I've tried Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel, and liked it quite a bit when I was using it regularly, but if anyone has anything better, or as good but for less money, I'm interested. I'd prefer recommendations on stuff you or someone you know has actually tried and liked.

I am NOT really interested in suggestions for natural, make-it-in-your-kitchen stuff right now. Trust me, folks, I've tried almost all of 'em without noticeable results. I need some SERIOUS exfoliation with more evenly shaped particles than natural versions (crushed nuts or nut shells, etc.) can provide. My skin exfoliates slowly and badly on its own. Always has.

Yeah, I'm feeling old when I look in the mirror. My eyes. My forehead. The lines around my mouth. Oy. I know darn well I notice them more than anyone else, but I DO notice them.

EDIT: Hmm. It appears Olay has a kit that is just like the Philosophy one. It has the same peptide crystal & vitamin scrub and lactic acid activator. I might just give that a shot.

Comments

[tigira.livejournal.com]

I like the ones from Mary Kay. It's a little pricey, but very fine and regularly shaped, and very effective on my weird skin. It has the microdermabrasion part separate from a post-use skin protector that you put on before your moisturizer.

I really love how my skin feels after I use it. I just forget most weeks because I'm in such a rush.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

That's actually slightly less expensive than the Philosophy one. Interesting. Thanks!

I had the same issue with the Philosophy kit: I just kept saying, "Oh, I don't want to spend the time on it tonight, I'll do it tomorrow," only to keep saying that night after night!

[evaelisabeth.livejournal.com]

I've always like an Exfoliator by Clinique I use one for sensitive skin (don't see it on their website right now). Their skin care regime also includes a clarifying lotion that exfoliates every day though that's way to harsh on my skin.

I'm also extremely fond of Angels on Bare Skin by Lush but I don't think that's what you are looking for right now. I keep both on hand.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

I've tried Angels, and have even made my own knockoff. I love the smell and the way it feels, but it doesn't do much for me. The Clinique one...I'll look into that.

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

honestly, I could suggest you email my ex-wife - it's her area of expertise.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Hmm. You do have a point there. :)

[elissa-carey.livejournal.com]

I don't know anything about these products, but have been curious about salt and sugar scrubs. Have you used those? How well have they worked for you? I'm considering making my own for myself and want to know just how effective they may be first.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

I like them on my body. Salt doesn't dissolve as quickly in water as sugar does, but it can irritate skin more (especially if you have any redness or cuts or scratches already). I won't use a salt scrub on my face for that reason. It's generally ok on my body, though. I've used brown sugar on my face. It's not bad, but not fabulous. Someone with less obnoxious skin than I have might get a lot out of it.

[elissa-carey.livejournal.com]

Thanks! My skin tends toward oily, so I'm thinking an occasional salt scrub would be good for me. I also like that homemade salt scrubs would be cheap to make, at least compared to what you buy in stores.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Mine's oily too. I just find that they make my face hurt. But they're great on the rest of me.

[onyxtwilight.livejournal.com]

Never buy a salt scrub -- they're a HUGE ripoff. You can make them at home so cheaply, I can't imagine paying $20 for a jar.

If table salt is too harsh for you (which it was for me), throw the salt in the blender and hash it up superfine. (I use koscher because it's what I keep around, but I mean real flaked koscher, not Morton's. That stuff is harsh. I blend the flaked koscher and it ends up really fine.) Then throw in some baking soda and whirl that around a bit.

Pick an oil that your skin already likes, but don't break the bank, you'll be using a fair amount and not keeping much of it. (I like sesame.) Stir it into the salt until it's about the right consistency. Throw some jojoba in for added penetration. Throw in a VERY small amount of whatever essential oils make you happy -- and I really mean it, be careful. Even if you're used to using EOs directly on your skin, like I am in all but a few cases, rubbing them into your skin with an abrasive is another whole thing.

Stir it up, and find some container with a lid that will be practical in your shower.

I've also tried sugar, but didn't like it as much. Got a little too sticky, was harder to rinse off. Didn't like the texture of my skin afterward, more tacky than smooth, even after thorough rinsing.

And I don't salt-scrub my face. That would hurt.

But I love my salt scrubs. When I have time to do them, they're great. As thicknwild said after her first one, "hey! My ass feels like a baby!" >:-)

[elissa-carey.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the tips! How about Epsom salt?

[onyxtwilight.livejournal.com]

Never tried it, but it should work fine. Might be easier on the skin than kitchen salt, which is unkind to open wounds, and can make sensitive places sorta raw, so be careful about that, too. :-)

I'd still pulverize it, though, if I were you.

[mizdarkgirl.livejournal.com]

Can you post an update in a new post if you find Olay works?

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Well, someone in the skin care industry who's tried both has said that it doesn't do as much as Philosophy. I dunno...

[etainwilson.livejournal.com]

The Olay kit is good, I've used it. But nothing works as well as a good moisterizer. You may also want to try Bare Essentials mineral makeup that reduces the size of pores.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Well, moisturizer is good, but by itself it doesn't exfoliate. I need exfoliation.

[fabricdragon.livejournal.com]

i use a strong AHA gel myself... but i would be interested in knowing how the Olay stuff works out