How to - Microdermabrasion, but Proceed With Caution
Contrary to dermabrasion (which requires a professional dermatologist), microdermabrasion literally 'skims the surface' and can be done either by you or by a professional. It can even be done effectively with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard.
Today, we're going to do our own microdermabrasion. The best part? It's hardly going to cost a thing! The worst part? It comes with a few precautionary warnings.
'Sanding off' a Few Layers
Microdermabrasion works by removing a few of the topmost layers of skin (the stratum corneum). It's a 'pumped-up' version of exfoliating that stimulates cell growth and makes the skin particularly receptive to moisturizers. Be sure you are stocked up on face oil, soothing (alcohol-free) skin mists, and quality creams and/or serums before you begin.Microdermabrasion can be done regularly and is beneficial for most skin types.
However... done incorrectly or too often, the skin can become overly sensitive and damaged. Also, the skin needs extra sun protection after microdermabrasion. It's optimal to stay completely out of the sun, so dig out your wide-brimmed hats.
Cautions and Warnings
Not all skin types benefit from microdermabrasion! Ask a professional about microdermabrasion if you have sensitive skin or acne (where you might risk spreading bacteria). Also, if you have a tendency to rosacea, microdermabrasion is not recommendable.And now that I've given you every warning in the book, let's get busy!
Everything You Need Right At Home
Our active ingredient for this procedure is as common as you please, and probably already sitting in your kitchen cupboard – baking soda.Used correctly, sodium bicarbonate is effective at microdermabrasion and even helps to soften and remove blackheads.
Now, before you start scrubbing away at your face and congratulating yourself on saving a pile of money at the spa, remember that it is far too easy to irritate and damage the skin with this treatment, so go slow and don't overdo it!
(OK, that's the last warning I'm going to throw at you - promise)
The LisaLise Microdermabrasion Method
Start by washing your face with a good cleanser.Then, mix a half teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate into 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel (or a hydrosol-based gel of your own making) and – ever-so-gently – massage your face and neck with the mixture using small circular motions. Move slowly around the face working outwards from the nose and upwards from the neck. Avoid the eye area.
Continue massaging for about 1 minute
Rinse thoroughly
Pat dry
Proceed immediately to the LisaLise Secret-To-Microdermabrasion-Success-Skin-Loving-Moisture-Drench-Routine:
- Mist your face generously with an alcohol-free skin tonic (hydrosol is ideal)
- Immediately apply 12-15 drops of face oil and gently massage into the face and neck
- Apply your regular moisturizer
- Finish with a final misting of alcohol-free skin tonic
Check that gorgeous-looking face in the mirror!
In the following days, your skin is going to be thirsting for more skin-drenching goodness and will therefore thrive on repeat performances of the LisaLise Secret-To-Microdermabrasion-Success-Skin-Loving Moisture Drench Routine (I really must figure out a shorter name for this procedure).
Enjoy!
Comments
Now, I have a query: isn't the basic nature of sodium bicarbonate (which is to say, it is a base and not an acid) harmful to our skin given the acidic nature of human skin? Thanks in advance. And, please, keep up the GREAT WORK. I so look forward to your new posts!
Hi Signe - how great that you have had good luck with this method. I must admit I am extremely curious to hear how your skin reacted after your potent treatment - 1-2 times a day and for several days in a row sounds pretty extreme. Was there any kind of after effect with your skin at all, or was it a 100% positive experience?