Personal MicroDerm At-Home Microdermabrasion System Review

After trying product after product, I've been still looking for that one product that works with great results.  I'm one of those ones that want immediate results even though I know that the signs of aging and damage from the sun didn't.  I have learned to be a bit more patient while trying products.  I have tried some over the counter products that have a micro-abrasive quality to them and kept using them in an attempt to help offset those vicious signs that I don't like.  About three to four week's ago, I receive a complimentary Personal MicroDerm At-Home Microdermabrasion System.  This product has been on The Doctors in case you might recognize the name.

Unfortunately, I've never had a profession microdermabrasion service done so I can't provide my thoughts on a comparison.  However, I did watch the accompanied DVD that told me exactly how to set up and use the system.  The DVD was very clear how important it was to follow the direction to avoid damage to your skin.  I liked how easy it was to follow and felt that it was just the right information.  The system was beyond easy to use and I followed the directions exactly as stated.  The system uses the same aluminum crystals found in the professional systems in the doctor's office.  It's perfect size to fit in a small, medium or large hand and is powered by electricity so no need to stock up on the batteries.  It's perfect for travel and those on the go.

After cleaning your face, you select from one of the two exfoliating discs and start the process.  It's very easy as you use your one hand to help hold the skin firm while using the hand to utilize the hand held device.  The directions state to start slowly to ensure it's not too potent for your skin.  I did have problems using it on my jaw line as I wanted to see how well it would work on old acne scars.  Since I don't have a lot of fat or skin to hold firmly, it cannot lie flat against the curve of the jaw bone.  I have been using it on my cheeks, upper cheek area, lower face, forehead, chest (sun damage) and the back of my hand for comparison purposes.  I also used the accompanying M2 serum and moisturizing products which I LOVE!  Immediately, I noticed how soft my skin was in the areas I used the PMD.  It felt great and after continued use, I really did see a difference.

I'm hooked and will post an after picture after four more weeks when I'm hoping to really show off the results.  Priced at $179, it does seem to be a lot but if you pay for professional services, you know that this is nothing compared to that.  I will note that there are recommended products to use along with the PMD such as Boske Dermaceuticals Molecular Repair which I did not sample with this review but as I noted, I love the M2.

GentleWaves® LED

Another facial wrinkle remover I just read about is the GentleWaves® LED. It was reported in April 2008, the FDA approved this LED system. Since our skin loses elasticity over time and other culprits such as stress, overexposure to sun, excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking and other pollutants do not help, there are ways to counter that damage. The variety of products are ranging from creams to serums to botox to laser to LEDs and not to forget, surgery.

The GentleWaves® LED provides an alleged option to counter these ill effects on our skin. The GentleWaves® Skin Fitness System claims to help restore and maintain “healthier, smoother and better-looking skin.”

The only FDA-approved LED device for wrinkle reduction around the eyes is delivered through “Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to activate cells causing them to produce collagen and multiply. By building collagen, wrinkles are reduced and skin retains a more youthful, radiant appearance. LED Photomodulation also simultaneously suppresses collagen-degrading enzymes that assist in the aging process. ” Some of the claims of this product is it improves the skin’s texture, simulates collagen, shrinks pore size and inhibits those nasty collagenase that are the culprits in attacks against our collagen.

“GentleWaves®, the first LED device FDA-approved for wrinkle reduction, offers a totally natural, non-ablative method for skin rejuvenation. In a process similar to photosynthesis in plants, the LED light interacts with cells and stimulates them to produce more collagen and elastin, while decreasing enzymes that breakdown skin. GentleWaves delivers this light in a unique, pulsing sequence that is administered in just minutes.”

Since GentleWaves® does not utilize on thermal (heat) energy, the claim is there is no potential damage to the skin, the patient will experience no pain or discomfort and there are no documented side effects (yet). They state that the procedure not only reduces fine lines and wrinkles but can also reduce freckles, brown spots and skin redness.

They do recommend a series of eight to ten treatments which can be done twice per week.

The procedure lasts less than one minute, there is no downtime, painless, no anesthesia, can be used on all skin types and is inexpensive. Patients report a difference after five to seven treatments.

“LED technology costs about less than half and 35% the cost of comparable laser light therapy,” the inventor says. “It’s a slam dunk for practices who can’t afford these expensive lasers.”

Anyone try it and have any opinion on it?

CellCeuticals® Biomedical Skin Treatments

I woke up this morning after leaving the TV on to see another infomercial on another anti-aging product. I became one of those people who surfed the cable channel for any “paid programming” to see the latest and greatest product on anything. After trying a few anti-aging and a round of Billy Mays products (yes, I actually am admitting this), I quit spending money on these and am looking at more natural products or products with Vitamin C or retina in them. It’s a toss up with one product with the Vitamin C and olive oil. I thought olive oil would make my skin break out but I think I see an improvement and notice a more youthful look and it appears some wrinkles are smaller or it’s just nature diminishing my eyesight a little quicker.

With no surprise here, the anti-aging industy is the fastest growing industry. Plastic surgery is picking up speed and again, no surprise there. Some people can’t afford plastic surgery, some can’t tolerate the procedure or the pain and some just opt to utilize basic over the counter products for whatever reason. I must admit that I’d probably get some procedures done if I had the money to blow as I think after time, you spend just as much on some of these crazy lotions, creams and whatever else there is out there. I tried botox twice and it left a severe droop in my eyes as it was wearing off the second time. I looked at least 10 years older until it all wore out. I’m hesitant to use it again as I don’t think there are enough long term studies of the adverse events in spite of their claims this products has been used for years and years. Yes, the product has for other medicinal uses but not years and years on large population segments for the facial beauty.
I was curious if anyone has tried CellCeuticals® and actually liked the results. It was yet another infomercial of a panel of women who didn’t really need it or already looked like they had some plastic surgery discuss why they love this product.

I read a few articles all stating the same thing under “reviews of CellCeuticals®” and the claim to effectiveness was because some “celebrities” attended a launch party so that’s suppose to mean they actually use it AND they claim it works. I saw one person review their make up remover and admitted he/she has no bad wrinkles so can’t comment on that effect. On another site, ONE person provided reviews on their anti-aging products and gave them 9 out of 10. I think I’ll stick to olive oil for now.

From this website, http://www.dermproducts.com/news/cellceuticals-biomedical-skin-treatments-announces-a-new-approach-anti-aging, here is what the CEO stated:

With years of work in the beauty industry, I know first hand that savvy customers expect more than a ‘glorified miracle in a bottle’ and ‘empty promises,’” says Paul Scott Premo, CEO of CellCeuticals® Skin Care, Inc. “They’re frustrated with unrealistic claims. They want products that deliver their promised results. With this in mind, Dr. Fisher and I developed a new generation of bio-treatments that apply the latest advancements in cellular science, which help counteract the visible effects of skin aging.”

The Science: Proprietary & Patent Pending Technology: The CellCeuticals Growth Factor Peptide (GFP) Cellular Complex is a groundbreaking technology combining next generation lipopeptides, retinol and antioxidants in a proprietary nanoemulsion delivery system that targets cellular skin aging. The GFP Cellular Complex was designed to facilitate a “proliferation response” and eliminate the “inflammatory response” common with other anti-aging ingredients and procedures.

CellCeuticals’ patent-pending, bioengineered lipopeptides are developed and tested using state-of-the-art DNA Microarrays and represent the next generation of peptides. Many first-generation peptides not only increase expression of genes that code for elastin and collagen but also increase the expression of genes that code for Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that breakdown the extracellular matrix of the skin. In addition, some of these peptides increase expression of the interleukin genes involved in the inflammatory cascade.

The CellCeuticals patent pending lipopeptides are targeted to increase expression of certain genes (elastin, collagen) and to decrease others (MMPs and interleukins.) An additional, unexpected and surprising property of the lipopeptides is their broad-spectrum anti-microbial properties, making them ideal candidates for anti-acne products.
The GFP Cellular Complex triggers cellular stimulation to encourage the regeneration of vital proteins responsible for firmer, thicker and youthful looking skin.

Stephens & Associates conducted the extensive eight-week, independent clinical study under the direction of Chief Science Investigator Dr. Thomas Stephens. The results of the clinical study concluded the CellCeuticals® Skin Treatments System with GFP Cellular Complex was proven to:

• Diminish visible wrinkles by 36%
• Decrease the appearance of the deepest wrinkle depth by 45%
• Renew skin smoothness by 64%
• Refine skin texture by 31%
• Reveal skin radiance by 33%
• Revitalize skin tone by 24%
• Restore skin firmness by 20%
• Replenish skin moisture by 48%
• Reduce skin redness by 87%

In addition, the CellCeuticals® Skin Treatment System has been carefully formulated and undergone rigorous testing to substantiate both product performance and safety.

• Clinically & Efficacy Tested
• Dermatologist Tested
• Ophthalmologist Tested
• Irritancy Tested
• Fragrance-Free*
• Paraben-Free
• Phthalate-Free
• Non-Comedogenic
• No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• No Artificial Color
• No Animal Ingredients
• No Animal Testing