Review of Neutrogena Micro Dermabrasion System

I had already tried 4 different home microdermabrasion kits when I finally decided to give Neutrogena a try (partly because I was short on cash at the time and couldn't afford another Youthful Essence kit -- the only one of the 4 that I actually liked). Some of the other products I had tried didn't do much for my skin, but I expected more from Neutrogena, partly because it's such a popular brand, but also because I read many comments from people who had tried their microdermabrasion kit and liked it.

How Does Neutrogena Work?

I bought the Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At-Home Microdermabrasion System (now renamed to Neutrogena Healthy Skin Rejuvenator) for $34 in October 2006. The box included the Advanced Solutions Micro-Oxide Crystal Cream (which uses the same aluminium oxide crystals used in professional microderm abrasion treatments), two Advanced Solutions Soft Foam Sponge Heads (these are used to apply the cream and polish the skin) and the Advanced Solution System Applicator (which works in two speeds).

How To Use The Neutrogena Kit

Normally, the instructions say to use the Netrogena micro dermabrasion system every night for the first 5 nights to stimulate cell turnover, then take a one week break (to allow your skin to adjust to the new routine) and then use the system regularly, 1-3 times a week.

Because I had professional microabrasion and had just come off another micro dermabrasion kit, my skin had already been through the adjustment period. I used the Nutragena system 5 times in the first week, as instructed, had a 3-day break the following week and then used it regularly (twice a week) for the following three months.

Using the Neutogena microderm kit takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. I prefer going through the routine a few hours before bedtime before I get too sleepy (and lazy) later on. Here's what I do:

  1. Cleanse my face with a mild cleanser and pat dry (I prefer cleansers that are mild, non-irritating). I always use my bare hands because washcloths are too irritating.
  2. Snap the foam sponge head onto the applicator (batteries already in) and dip it once into the Nutrogena microdermabrasion cream. The sponge head is surprisingly sturdy (I've used the first sponge for about 6-7 weeks before it started falling apart) and the cream feels nice, but I think it will feel slightly greasy for people with oily skin. Note: the applicator is not water-resistant and will break down if water gets in.
  3. Use the applicator to dot my face (chin, cheeks, forehead and nose) then turn the applicator on to massage the cream into the skin for 1-2 minutes on each area. I tried both speeds but the second speed was too harsh for my skin so I only used the first speed. The high speed on the Neutragena applicator may work better on oily skin than it does on dry skin.
  4. I gently rinse my face with lukewarm water and then use moisturizer. I use a SPF30 sunscreen every time I go out (I do this with all the microderm abrasion kits I use).

Even with all the precautions I took, I still broke out after the first week, but it cleared out by the end of the second week. A small patch of skin became irritated 8 weeks into the treatment but I suspect it's because I overdid it with the abrasion. I also had some minor flaking in the first couple of weeks. Other than that, I had no adverse reactions to the Nuetrogena microdermabrasion system.

What Does Neutragena Microdermabrasion Do?

I use home microdermabrasion systems to maintain the effects of the professional treatment which is why I don't expect them to work wonders. The Nutrogena kit didn't work on my wrinkles or scars (or what was left of them after the in-office treatment) but it immediately made my skin more evenly toned and smooth and I really liked the way make-up glided on in the mornings. I used the Neutrogena system 3 weeks after Youthful Essence (which had already improved my skin), but I'm sure the results would have been more dramatic if I hadn't used another microabrasion kit beforehand.

I never buy a product without researching it first which is why I asked on various forums whether anyone had direct experience with Nuetrogena. Most people to whom I've talked to, said they noticed a general improvement (healthy, rosy glow, smooth skin with less bumps) while some also told me that they noticed their skin become more evenly toned (this includes age spots fading). The general opinion is that it takes one to a few uses to start seeing results. My own experience pretty much confirms these opinions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Micro Dermabrasion Help Cure Acne?

A: Some doctors say that microdermal abrasion can work on mild acne without any risk of irritation or break-outs. There are a few studies published online that show that microdermibration can be an effective treatment for mild acne. Other specialists recommend against using micro dermabration as acne treatment, especially on moderate or severe acne. Acne makes the skin more sensitive and prone to breakouts and exfoliation can cause severe scarring and additional inflammation.

Q: Does Microderma Help Smooth Wrinkles?

A: Microdem abrasion product works on fine wrinkles. It evens out skin texture through abrasion of the top layer of skin. The effect is a reduction or even total removal of superficial wrinkles. Deeper wrinkles need a more invasive non-surgical technique, like a deep chemical peel or laser resurfacing.

Q: Can Microderma Make Pores Bigger?

A: No, on the contrary. By stimulating collagen growth and vacuuming of hardened oil, dust and other dirt that clogs your pores, Microdem abrasion helps pores return to their natural shape and size.



Q: Is Microdermabasion Effective On Your Decollete?

A: Personal microdermabarasion systems can be used on your decollete as long as it's especially formulated as a body microdermation tool. Using a facial microdermabrasions tool on your decollete will not have the desired results because it's much too mild to have a significant effect on your back. Dermatologist-performed micro derm abrasion is suitable for use on the decollete.

Q: Can I Use Microderma For Getting Better-Looking Skin?

A: Better-looking skin needs elasticity and density, both achievable through skin cell renewal. Microdermasion system abrades the outermost skin layer and stimulates skin renewal. An effective skin renewal process results in increased elasticity and density. Moreover, the vacuum function of the micodermabrasion device sucks up dirt and hardened oil to reveal an even skin texture and tone.

Q: Where Can You Buy Micro Derm Abrasion?

A: You can get personal microderm abrasion systems online (from commercial sites like Amazon or E-bay, beauty sites or cosmetic company sites), drugstores, beauty shops, beauty salons and spas.

Q: Does Micro Derma Abrasion Help Remove Whiteheads?

A: By exfoliating the top layer of the skin, microdermabasion kits cleans deep into the pore and removes excess oil and dirt that clog pores - which causes whiteheads. Most whiteheads are removed while the more stubborn ones become less noticeable.

Q: Can You Have Micro Derm Abrasion Daily?

A: If we are talking about at-home microdermibrasion. you should follow the instructions that come with the product (some are made for every-other day use, others can be applied only once a week). Professional microderm abrasions are a whole different thing: the sessions need to be scheduled at least 1-2 weeks apart, so that the skin has enough time to heal. After you finish your treatment, you will need a maintenance session once every 2-3 months.

Q: How Soon After Accutane (Isotretinoin) Can You Have Microbrasion?

A: Micro dermabration is not recommended for patients taking Accutane. This acne treatment works by reducing the amount of oil produced by the skin's sebaceous glands which reduces the skin's ability to recover after body or facial exfoliation. Having micro derma brasion while on Accutane may cause permanent scarring. This applies to over the counter product and specialist treatment.

Q: Does Microdermabrasion Help Smooth Chicken Pox Scars?

A: Micro derm abrasion pulverizes away the dead skin layer (the outermost layer) in order to even out skin texture and fade superficial chicken pox scars. Deeper chicken pox scarring needs more invasive non-surgical techniques, like deep chemical peels or laser skin rejuvenation.