Review of Youthful Essence Micro Dermabrasion Kit

I was using the L'Oreal ReFinish microderm abrasion kit before I finally bit the bullet and bought Youthful Essence. I wanted to maintain the effects from the professional treatment I had just completed, but after 6 weeks, I noticed my skin was not as smooth and even as it was after treatment, hence the need for a better product. I expected a lot from a $40 product, twice as expensive as the L'Oreal but the existing reviews looked good.

How Does Youthful Essence?

I bought Susan Lucci's Youthful Essence microdermabrasion kit in February 2006 from youthfulessence.com. The box included the Vitamin-Enriched Resurfacing Cream, the Resurfacing Tool and Soft Sponge Applicator, Cleansing Facial Wash, Facial Mist & Toner and Daily Protection Moisturizer with SPF 15.

I ordered the regular, normal skin formula instead of that for sensitive skin because customer service didn't get back to me in time to explain the difference between the two.

How To Use The Susan Lucci System

I had read that the Youthful Essence micro dermabrasion uses a more potent cream and a more effective resurfacing tool, which is why I decided to stick to the instructions to prevent any skin damage (I sometimes come up with instructions of my own). I used the kit twice a week for the first 2 weeks and then increased frequency to 3 times a week.

By a strange coincidence, I had nearly run out of cleanser and moisturizer when I bought Youthful Essence (I only bought it for the microderm abrasion cream and tool, not for the other products).

I didn't expect the cleanser and moisturizer to win me over, but I decided to use them temporarily anyway, until I'd stock up on my favorite brands. The complete Youthful Essence microdermabrasion regimen takes about 30 minutes from start to finish because the kit has more products than other kits. I prefer to do it earlier in the evening, instead of just before bedtime (when I feel too lazy). Once you get the hang of it, it takes 15 minutes to complete. Here's what I do:

  1. Cleanse my face (and neck, if I want to use the kit on my neck as well) with the Youthful Essence Facial Wash (I had run out of my own cleanser). I use gentle, circular strokes and always use my bare hands. I rinse well with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
  2. Snap the sponge applicator onto the head of the Resurfacing Tool. I then dip it into the Vitamin-Enriched Resurfacing Cream jar and dot my forehead, cheeks, nose, chin. I turn the Resurfacing Tool on and spread the cream evenly onto the skin, using circular strokes for 2-5 minutes.

  3. Rinse well with warm water and pat my face dry with a soft towel. Crystals sometimes stubbornly cling onto the skin and I use the facial cleanser again (I rinse well and pat dry).
  4. I didn't use the toner in the beginning because it wasn't essential. I also wanted to see what the microderm abrasion kit would behave like on its own. I started using it after a couple of weeks and while it felt nice, I didn't notice anything special.
  5. I finish the home micro dermabrasion session with moisturizer which doubles as a sunscreen (I usually use my own moisturizer, but I had run out of it at this point).
  6. I always clean the sponge and resurfacing tool with a damp washcloth or makeup pad.

Surprisingly, I had no adverse reactions or irritations from Youthful Essence (and this is the first time I can really say that about a home microderm abrasion kit). But above all, I was surprised with how well the cleanser and moisturizer worked on my skin (I usually avoid using anything other than the brands I know do work).

What Does Youthful Essence Microdermabrasion Do?

I had high hopes from Youthful Essence after L'Oreal ReFinish had let me down, but I didn't expect anything other than it prolonging whatever results were left from the professional treatment. I had many conversations with other women who used Youthful Essence before buying it. Many of them saw a significant improvement in large pores, superficial acne scars and fine wrinkles (but they also said they used the kit 4 times a week, the maximum recommended frequency). But most women I spoke to agreed that I would, at least, notice a younger, smoother-looking skin (especially around the eyes) after using Youthful Essence.

After the first use, my skin looked invigorated (and this was after a tiring day). After another 2-3 sessions, my pores started to look better and gradually became tighter. Three weeks into the treatment, the fine lines on my forehead became less visible. Imagine my surprise! I can honestly say that after 2 months on Youthful Essence my face looks like it did after 4 professional abrasions. All in all, this is by far the best home microdermabrasion kit I've tried so far, even if a bit more expensive than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Nurse Do Micro Derma Brasion?

A: Yes, nurses can perform microdermibration if they have been specifically trained for it and can prove it with a diploma or certification.

Q: Is Microabrasion Recommended For Tattoo Removal?

A: Microdermal abrasion works by sandblasting the outermost skin layer but cannot abrade deeper skin layers where tattooed skin cells are which is why it cannot be used for tattoo removal. Removing tattoos requires laser or surgical procedures which are invasive enough to reach pigmented skin cells.

Q: Is Microdermabrasion Recommended If I Have African American Skin?

A: OTC micro derma abrasion system is appropriate for all skin colors (including African American skin ) because this procedure sandblasts only the outermost skin layer which is made of dead skin cells. There's no damage to live tissue which could cause scarring or severe irritation. The exfoliation process involved in spa microderm helps the skin renew itself quicker and more effectively.

Q: Micro Derm Abrasion Is It Good For Rosacea?

A: Rosacea is one of the main contraindications of microdermabrasion, because the exfoliation process worsens rosacea symptoms (redness, itchiness, flaking). OTC microdermabrasion systems are not recommended either (even though they are milder).

Q: Are There Risks With Micro Derma Brasion?

A: Compared to other cosmetic procedures, microderma involves few risks: if the machine is not properly handled or has not been properly sterilized, hyperpigmentation, skin injuries or infections may occur as a result; it is also possible to inhale micro crystals used during the procedure. Aluminum oxide crystals, however, cause no allergic or adverse reactions. Eye injury from stray micro crystals used to be a concern but these days plastic or rubber goggles makes it extremely unlikely.

Q: Can Micro Dermal Abrasion Be Used For Freckles?

A: Freckles are a form of hyper pigmentation. They can be removed through several sessions of microdermabrasions. The micro-crystal flow abrades the top layer of the skin where unevenly pigmented skin cells are stuck.

Q: Is Microabrasion Recommended For Lupus?

A: Lupus patients should not have micodermabrasion This procedures is somewhat invasive to the skin (any skin rejuvenation treatment is to some extent) and can worsen their condition. This applies to home micrdermabrasion as well, despite its mild effect.

Q: Can Microderm Be Used For Skin Texture?

A: This procedure exfoliates the top layer of skin which consists of dead skin cells. Microderma brasion cream stimulates collagen production, essential to healthy skin and also evens out skin texture and tone.

Q: Can I Use Microabrasion If I Am In My 30s?

A: Home micro abrasion product is safe for all ages and all skin types but most doctors recommend it for patients aged 14 and older, mainly because they want to make sure that all major hormonal changes are over and the results of the procedure are as good as they can be.

Q: Is Microdermabration As Effective As Alpha Hydroxy Acids?

A: Alpha Hydroxy Acid is used as a light chemical peel. It removes the uppermost layer of skin. Light chemical peels and micro abrasion are both non-invasive procedures that can also be performed at-home with special consumer kits. Neither has any major risks or side-effects and both have limited effectiveness. They can help diminish or even remove superficial scarring and wrinkles, age spots, stretch marks and uneven skin texture. For deeper skin imperfections, you may need a more invasive procedure.