Review: MicrodermMD by Trophy Skin

Microderm MD by Trophy Skin
At home Microdermabrasion system
$299 (and worth every penny)

I promised to follow up with my experience and a review of my Trophy Skin MicrodermMD home microdermabrasion system. I am not a handy Girl, and when I first received a large somewhat heavy package, I momentarily panicked. Was this going to be a complicated system and was I in over my head, before I even got started??? Big Gulp.

My fears were completely unfounded. MicrodermMD is rather compact and there is NOTHING complicated about it. I anticipated having to rev it up for a few hours before using it, but nope!

To my delight you plug it in, hit the power switch and you are good to go.

So what is MicrodermMd  all about? I think it's best if you read the description from Trophy Skin and then I will weigh in with my experience using it:

The MicrodermMD by Trophy Skin is a revolution in at-home skincare, for the first time offering a professional grade microdermabrasion device that can be used at home. The MicrodermMD offers a fast, gentle, and extremely effective microderm treatment delivered in the comfort of your own home.

Our device offers 5 power levels of exfoliation, so you can choose your comfort level and get the best possible skin exfoliating treatment depending on the area of the face or body you are treating. The MicrodermMD allows you to experience the same professional quality treatment offered by Salons, Spas, and Dermatologist offices in the comfort and convenience of your own home.

The MicrodermMD is a natural diamond tipped device that is 100% Crystal free, meaning there is no mess or cleanup time needed when using the device. You simple turn on the device and apply the diamond tipped exfoliating wand directly to the skin. A 5-10 minute treatment a few times per week is all that is needed to achieve glowing, radiant skin.

The MicrodermMD works by gently and powerfully exfoliating the top 3-5 layers of outer dermis, removing dead skin and the soon-to-be dead skin beneath. This causes the rebirth of collagen and elastin, giving the skin a smooth and glowing appearance. Over time, these home microdermabrasion treatments reduce the fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and brown spots on the face and body. Uneven skin tone and texture will gradually become smooth and uniform, just like getting a microderm at a professional Spa or Salon.

OK, I think it is helpful that I have had microdermabrasion treatments several times, because, like riding a bicycle, the technique and amount of pressure that was used came right back. Nonetheless, the instructions are simple to understand and follow. As instructed, I first cleansed my face.

I did start off on the lowest setting, but since my skin is thick and hearty, (not to mention use to quite a bit of beauty "handling"), I notched it up to the second highest setting, which for my skin, was not the least bit uncomfortable.

It felt identical to professional treatments I received (sans the painful one) and when I finished my entire face about 6 minutes later, I again cleansed and toned my face. If I had been going out, I would have used a moisturizer with SPF as directed.

Each kit comes with 100 filters that should be changed after each use and the diamond tip applicator should be cleaned with soap, water and the brush that is included.

My skin INSTANTLY looked brighter and smoother and and the morning, I woke up GLOWING.

MicrodermMD also comes with a special tip that is best used for extracting blackheads and oily sebum around the chin area. They recommend doing this on separate days, so I will be trying this on another night. It is also perfectly safe to use Microderm MD on your neck, decollete chest and other areas, so you know I will basically be doing my whole body!

Here is a link to Frequently Asked Questions about Trophy Skin's Microdermabrasion MD.

Just like the Clarisonic, perhaps even more so, this is truly a fabulous, quality product, that will pay for itself in two uses. You can look forward to diminished age spots, fine lines, a more even texture and glowing skin. I couldn't be more excited about a beauty product that I know is a proven anti-ager and I am thrilled I had a chance to share my experience with my readers.

xox,
DD

Review: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

8.99 Drugstrores Nationwide
12 oz.

These days, I  find myself flummoxed when I run out of product and I don't have any back up in my goodie closet.  Periodically, I do clean house and give my extras to friends and family, it's just unusual to come up completely empty handed.

Of course, there is always my full size sample stash to tackle and that is how I came upon Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser.  It's a jewel!

First of all it smells delicious.  I never thought of myself as a person with a good sense of smell, but if a product smells off to me, it goes in the giveaway pile.
It's a also a foaming cleanser, which just feels like it's working harder and it paired incredibly well with my Clarisonic Mia.
It did indeed do a better job than my last cleanser;  the proof was on the still nearly pristine cotton ball after I used my Murad Hydrating Toner.

Developed with Dermatologist's, specifically for people with sensitive skin,Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser has been clinically proven to cleanse more effectively than Cetaphil.  It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and contains no dyes, soaps or parabens.

This is my idea of fabulous "cheap and cheerful" drugstore find.  Truly, why pay more if you don't have to???

xox,
DD

DivaDebbi's Best of Skincare 2012

I tried a number of products this year that are absolutely fantastic!  Why?  Because they do exactly what they purport to do  Bravo!  Below are my new anti-aging faves, that leave me glowing, with links to purchase:

1) Murad's Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel ($60) A truemiracle product, this clear, lightweight gel rapidly and effectively lightens and brightens skin.  It was far more effective then the prescription cream I once got that turned a funky shade of muskrat around the top of the applicator.

Genius...

2) Murad's Intensive-C Radiance Peel (49.50)  Just like it promises, this peel will leave your skin glowing after the first use.  I apply it every Sunday morning for 15 minutes, while I sip my coffee and watch the morning talk shows. It's a peel that won't make you peel...just glow and a little goes a long way. I am not even close to using half of a tube that is 6 months old.

Look for it on next year's Hall of Fame list...

3) Murad's Renewing Cleanser (6.7 oz. $35) Yes. Another winner fromMurad. I tried several cleanser this year and this by far, my favorite.  As with all Murad products, you need very little to get the job done, so if they seem at all pricey to you, bear in mind you will be using them for quite some time.  This cleanser whisks away my makeup, gently exfoliates and never leaves my skin feeling tight, dry or stripped, just dewy and glowing.

Ding, ding, ding...

4) Clarisonic Mia ($119) I held out waaaaay too long before springing for this product, which was highly touted by my friend Kari at FaboverForty, whose reviews I put complete faith in.  NO...No matter how clean you think you are getting your skin with your regimen of choice, you can and will do better with a Clarisonic Mia. The additional benefit?  Any cream, serum, lotion or purchase you use afterward will work more efficaciously.

A Game changer...




5) Jergen's Natural Glo and Protect SPF 20 (10.99)  created separately for both face and body, I test drove this in Florida recently with mild trepidation.  Would the SPF truly be as effective as straight up suntan lotion and was the "natural glo" I was going to end up with, come from being fried???  No worries on either count...the gradual tanning element helped keep me from looking like a tuna in the early days of my visit, while the SPF kept me from burning.

Smart...

6) Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut Milk Scrub ($46)  I adore this stuff!  It vaguely smells like a Mounds Almond Joy.  It cleanses, exfoliates, moisturizes and leaves my skin glowing.  And the absolute best part?  It is not oil based, like so many other scrubs, so it's just me who is getting scrubbed, not my shower stall.  I think all of LM's bath and body products, in their elegant packaging, making lovely gifts as well.

Treat others, treat yourself...

7) Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Body Glow Pads ($45 for 8 large towelettes)  Well, this is just BRILLIANT. I am crazy about this product.  Talk about multi-taskers!  Infused with Vitamin D, these towelettes have a water like consistency, create a natural tan without streaking, exfoliate and brighten, all without noxious fumes.  I use it once a week to maintain a year-round natural glow.

 Peerless...

8) Emergin C Scientific Organics At Home Facial Peel and Clarifying Kit ($90/60 pads each) I have long been a huge fan of glycolic pads. They are simple to use and are incredibly effective. Dr. Gross's two step peel pads were always my fave, especially when he developed them in an extra strengthformula. Heaven!!! Frankly, I thought nothing could top them, until I triedEmergin C's two step At Home Facial Peel and Clarifying Kit.  The peel pad definitely has a kick to it.   You only need leave it on for a few minutes, which is a good thing, since it does have an odd somewhat skunky smell.  You can immediately stop the peeling action by splashing with cold water if it feels too aggressive.  The second step is a cool, comforting douse from the clarifying pad. Unlike other pads I have used, Emergin C's stay incredibly moist and fresh, even if you only used them once or twice a week.  I have been burned many times by glycolic pads that dried out and no,dousing them with water does not bring them back to life  I love how glowing and smooth my skin looks after using them


There you have it lovelies! My tried and trues.  Please, always feel free to leave me a comment or email me at DivaDebbi@gmail.com if you feel I am missing out on something fabulous!!!

Don't forget to tune in for my DivaDebbi Best of Makeup 2012 and if you haven't already, do enter my Elizabeth Daniel NY shirt giveaway contest.  I generously have been given 3 shirts to give away to my readers, and I will be announcing them on January 2nd.

Wishing you a safe and beautiful New Year's Eve.

xox,
DD

Glytone Step-Up Mild Gel Wash Cleanser is a Step-Up

Glytone Cleansers 6.7 oz. $30

I have to admit, these days before I go out and buy anything new, I check my goodie closet first to see what I might have unused and never tried...and there is plenty.

"Roses" are having a beauty moment (probably for the 11,000 time) and I have been testing a cleanser infused with lots of it.  While it did a nice job of gentle cleansing with my beloved Clarisonic Mia, it was a wee too cloying, particularly in the morning, so I needed to move on.

I spied a never opened Glytone Step-Up Mild Gel Wash, with a "Free Acid Value" of 4.7 in my vanity.  I know I put it there, but other than that, I have no clue where it came from, but now I'm glad I have it.

This exquisitely light aqua gel, does a fabulous job of removing every trace of makeup without any sense of stripping or drying. Very little product is needed.  If I had been a little swifter, I would have realized the "gly" in Glytone, represents "glycolic acid", an anti-aging skincare ingredient I firmly believe in.

I did a little online research and found Glytone's cleansers (and there are several), to be highly rated by users at Dermstore.com and endorsed by well known dermatologists who use it exclusively in their practices.

It is an extensive line that tackles various skin issues like rosacea, hyperpigmentation, acne, anti-aging and  post-op needs.  I found the company history to be interesting. It makes sense to me now why so many physicians embrace it.

• The Glytone Promise
• Experience/History

he foundation for GLYTONE’s future started back in 1943, when 2 pharmacists began making exclusive topical dermatological skincare products. The true benefits of Free Glycolic Acid were only starting to be discussed in 1998. Then in 1992, under the name Genesis Pharmaceuticals, GLYTONE was created as the physicians-only glycolic acid product line that provides the highest skin rejuvenation efficacy and targeted solutions for skin health through the utilization of the highest free acid levels available. In 2002, Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique bought Genesis Pharmaceuticals and with it the GLYTONE brand, the only American brand to exist within the company.

Pierre Fabre has been a major player in dermatology for over 40 years and has had over 45 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. As the group behind the GLYTONE brand, our rigor and pharmaceutical know how shines in top expertise in research and development, offering scientific solutions that guarantee optimal tolerance and efficacy. Health and safety are at the core of all of Pierre Fabre’s formulations. GLYTONE promises to continue this commitment, as it invests in assuring the best possible synergy between dermatological and cosmetic practices.

This unique partnership makes GLYTONE stand apart from the others, we are not just about the beauty we bring, it is the scientific and medical rigor through precision, purity and expertise that allows us to truly commit to providing customized skincare solutions both in-office and at-home.

And so, having learned something new today and have the pleasure of clean, scent free, glowing skin to show for it, I'm going to go shopping in my goodie closet more often.

There's no place like home...


xox,
DD

Mama Mia! Clarisonic Mia is Marvelous

Clarisonic Mia now available in colors to match your newest jeans. $119

Inexplicably, I sometimes can't get myself to splurge on a beauty product.  Even one that has received glowing online reviews and raves from anyone I know who uses it.

Clarisonic's cleansing system seems to be the one to beat.  Using it for just two minutes a day will greatly improve your skin's clarity and texture, help your creams work more effectively and your makeup application smoother.

I had contemplated purchasing Olay's Pro X system which claims to rival Clarisonic's hand held system, for significantly less money,without mentioning names.  I couldn't pull the trigger on that one either.

Happily, last week we had a Lela Rose trunkshow at Richards, and there lovely reps came bearing grab bag gifts...O.K...so I peeked.  Shoot me.

After charging it overnight, it was ready to roll the next morning in the shower with me.  After just one use, my skin was glowing more than usual.

I was not impressed with the cleanser it comes with.  I don't consider that I have a keen sense of smell, but when something smells off to me, I can't continue to use it, no matter what it's pedigree. Clarisonic does say you can use it with any of your favorite cleansers, so I quickly moved on.

Using Mia to remove a face full of makeup left me perplexed...wasn't I really just moving around my primer, tinted moisturizer and concealer?  My friendMichele is a longtime fan.  She recommended essentially cleansing twice, which I did last night.  Good plan.

Here is how Clarisonic describes Mia's attributes:

While cleansing is the first step in any skin care ritual, it is often overlooked.  Typical manual cleansing can leave behind dirt and oil trapped in pores. This build-up can damage the appearance and health of your skin and keep your skin care products from working like they should.

Used and recommended by spas and dermatologists, Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Systems use a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to gently, yet thoroughly remove 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. Cleaner skin is the first step toward healthier skin. And healthier skin is smoother, more radiant and more beautiful. 

I couldn't have said it better!  If you don't get the Mother's Day gift you were secretly longing for, treat yourself  to Clarisonic's Mia.


You deserve it Mama.

xox,
DD