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Wed May 31, 2006 12:52 pm  |
| Someone posted that they buy aluminum oxide crystals off ebay and mix with their cleanser for a mini microdermabrasion? Is this a good idea or could it potentially cause microscopic scars? |
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Wed May 31, 2006 1:17 pm |
I read somewhere that home versions are potentially damaging to your skin b/c at the aesthetician's ofc there is a machine to suck the particle off your skin so your pores are not clogged. you can't do that at home and you could have that stuff stuck inside your pores, you know?
There is something called Modern Friction by origins that has Rice Starch in it. Bigger particles but very effective at exfoliation. I use it every other day. You could use it every day it is so safe. My skin feels great and I have had and increase diminishing fine lines in recent weeks b/c of it and my reg regimen. |
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Wed May 31, 2006 1:59 pm |
Home micro dermabrasion CAN be a problem as not all crystals are the same!
If you do decide to try it yourself make sure the product you use has pure fused corundum crystals. These are the same as those used by professionals (I know cos I was one!  ).
There are two products that I know use these: Microdermx and Epidermx - they are pretty much the same product only Microdermx is packaged more prettily and costs more for a smaller jar!
The following is from the Epidermx website because it describes the differences really well. (And no I'm not connected to either product I just have had good results with both! )
"What is a Corundum Crystal?
True corundum crystals are a product of nature. In their purest form they are clear. When they contain chromium they are called rubies – they are also sapphires!!! The generic name is AL2O3, or aluminum oxide. Only the diamond has a harder Mohs scale rating. When properly mined and prepared, corundum crystal is inert due to a fusion process. Thus, it is stable and unable to react with water, heat, oxidizing agents or surfactants. This process allows the crystal to retain its’ unique hexagonal crystalline structure (clearly seen upon electron microscopy). According to Richard Wachsman, a MIT physicist, all crystals contain inclusions or tiny pockets, which then contain molecules of water. Microdermabrasion always uses the “corundum crystal.” Real corundum crystal is hollow and absorbs dead skin cells. Most of the corundum crystal available on the market today is a synthetic reproduction from bauxite. It is far to soft to impact the skin. It is important to use pure, fused corundum or the compound is not inert, and may be absorbed! Without the fusion process the scientific function of the crystal is not retained. The unique benefits from the crystal are lost.
Hope that helps.  |
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Lucia, VERY fair (ghostly so!)redhead, combination skin prone to dehydration. |
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Wed May 31, 2006 2:17 pm |
| That is good to know! thanks! |
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Wed May 31, 2006 2:22 pm |
This Epidermx is starting to sounds very interesting  Thanks! |
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Wed May 31, 2006 7:57 pm |
THIS is what I love about these boards. just when you think something is hopeless, you get new info. I really do like the Modern friction but have to admit, I get better exfoliation from smaller particles. so YAY! When I'm done with this tub, I'll be picking up some Epidermix!
I am a skin care junkie! |
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Wed May 31, 2006 8:55 pm |
Daniel - Epidermx was a craze here a while ago, but something happened to the whole commercial side of the business, not sure if it is still around. And there was talk of the products being tainted/watered down. If you type 'epidermx' you will find lots and lots of threads about it on EDS.
I only used a sample of Epidermx and loved the idea of using actual microdermabrasion crystals as opposed to apricot granules for exfoliation.
I bought bulk microdermabrasion crystals (99% purity, from a commercial supplier) and have been using that for about 1.5 years now.
Like Lucia says, if you opt for better quality/purity products from a reliable supplier, they are fine to use. The micron size they sell to private uses is much larger than the ones for machines.
It's very easy to get carried away and cause a lot of redness and irritation if you do the scrubbing yourself (I remember a fellow EDS member who said she had caused bleeding from over zealous scrubbing!!)
I use this *very* occassionally, like about once a fortnight. It's true that you can actually see dead skin build up once you start rubbing, esp around the nose/mouth area.
But for people with sensitive/rosacea skin, you must be very very gentle with it. |
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Wed May 31, 2006 9:41 pm |
| I have some broken capillaries on the side of my nose so I don't know if rubbing is the best, mabey I will just stick with peels. |
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Wed May 31, 2006 9:42 pm |
| What about Microdermix? |
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Thu Jun 01, 2006 2:37 am |
Yes Daniel!! I actually find using any microdermabrasion product to be a little harsh for my skin, and I have probably caused lots of latent (probably explode in the future) broken caps around my nose from over scrubbing!!
Sorry Wendy I haven't heard of Microdermix. But essentially all these products are the same if they have the so called microdermabrasion crystals. Since you have already picked up some Epidermx? I actually found it to leave my skin feeling really greasy, I really wanted it to work but I couldn't handle the other ingredients like shea/mango butter. I hope you enjoy it, I think it will be quite different from most exfoliation products you've tried before
I would look for one that has a natural base, because scrubbing already causes a lot of irritation, you wouldn't want the ingredients to aggrevate that too. Epidermx is all natural, and quite emollient - your skin will feel like a baby's butt afterwards.
Anyway, I find using a Dr H cleansing cream plus Decleor balm combo to have somehow changed the texture of my skin. As I mentioned before, I don't even NEED to exfoliate more than once a fortnight now. It is nice and smooth and I don't get much dead skin build up anymore.
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Also as a side opinion, I have read somewhere that regular gentle microdermabrasion (as opposed to regular exfoliation) is actually better than the once a month or bimonthly professional microdermabrasion, for the treatment of wrinkles/scarring.
I guess it makes sense because if you are trying to resurface your skin texture through exfoliation, then it would seem to be better if you actually did it gently and regularly rather than one big harsh treatment that left your skin peeling for days after. |
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Thu Jun 01, 2006 7:54 am |
| Epidermx is wonderful stuff. My results are really great with respect to improvement in fine lines and skin tone. |
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Thu Jun 01, 2006 8:01 am |
| wenrwdy@aol.com wrote: |
| What about Microdermix? |
Microdermx is a knock-off of Epidermx but at a much higher price. There was some discussion on it and Epidermx a couple of months ago. Search the old threads. I got my Epidermx from goldportbeauty.com, great price and excellent customer service |
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Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:12 am |
i got an email yesturday from goldport beauty that their expidermx is 20% off right now.
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Thu Jun 01, 2006 11:24 am |
| daniel7654 wrote: |
| I have some broken capillaries on the side of my nose so I don't know if rubbing is the best, mabey I will just stick with peels. |
I have the same and I do both. The peel (30 or 40% depending on how my skin is behaving) and 2 days post-peel with the Epidermx. No problems at all. |
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Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too. ~ Voltaire www.Candessence.com |
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Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:22 pm |
| Epidermx is my HG scrub. |
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Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:37 pm |
| QVC board ladies are saying that the spa grade microdermabrasion is the same as epidermx? They are all buying it because it's a 2.3 oz jar and only $19.95 It's called "spa grade microdermabrasion" and is on ebay. |
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Sun Jun 04, 2006 3:22 am |
| Has Epidermix helped anyones acne pitting? I really want to try this product but don't want to waste anymore money. |
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Tue Jun 06, 2006 6:14 am |
I use corundum crystals that I buy from ebay. They work great on my skin and they never caused any harm. I think those crystals are too large to clog the pores, so you don't need to worry about that. After using these crystals my face feels smooth.
I buy medical grade corundum aluminum oxide 120 for a very low price. |
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Fri Jun 09, 2006 6:15 pm |
| mimiek wrote: |
| I use corundum crystals that I buy from ebay. . . . I buy medical grade corundum aluminum oxide 120 for a very low price. |
How do you use it? Do you mix it with water or some other carrier? Also, how often do you use it? |
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Me: NOT Fabulous 50--recent surgically-induced menopause, aging/sagging skin, life-long acne issues, hyperpigmentation. Seeking solutions~possibly even Holy Grail! |
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Sat Jun 10, 2006 2:34 am |
| It’s very easy to use and it can be used in many ways. I usually clean my face from makeup and then leave my face wet, after that I put the crystals on my face and massage in circular motions until my face dries. When the face dries you can see that dead skin is coming out, but don’t rub too hard. Sometimes I wet my face several times during the process to make sure that I can get a good result. If you are in a hurry just mix a small amount of the crystals with your cleanser or facial wash and massage in a circular motion. It can be used daily with the cleanser and if you use it alone use it twice every week. I’ve heard that some people mix it with their facial masks, and creams. The crystals are not absorbed by the skin. |
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Sat Jun 10, 2006 8:47 am |
[quote="mimiek"]It’s very easy to use and it can be used in many ways . . .
Thanks so much for the info. I just ordered some on eBay. It sounds like it does the same job as Epidermx, but at a much cheaper rate. I can't wait to try it! 
BTW--Have you ever used Epidermx, and if so, how do the two compare (result-wise)? |
_________________
Me: NOT Fabulous 50--recent surgically-induced menopause, aging/sagging skin, life-long acne issues, hyperpigmentation. Seeking solutions~possibly even Holy Grail! |
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Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:59 pm |
| No I never tried Epidermx but I guess it contains corundum crystals too. If you have a favourite cream you can mix it with the crystal, or you just use it after. It’s important to have realistic expectations. The skin will look better and smoother but I’m not sure if the scars will fade within weeks. Just make sure to use a good sunscreen after any peeling or scrub to protect your skin and use a good cream, oil or aloe vera after using the crystals |
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Sat Jun 10, 2006 7:29 pm |
Thanks so much!  |
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Sun Jun 11, 2006 7:40 am |
| I don't believe in home microderbrasion. The product I buy from the store is not comparable to the machine and the product that my facialist use. After my microderbrasion session with my facialist, I can see my skin being thinner, less dull, shinnier and just more radiant. I'd say it's more like applying 10 times of the home microderbrasion comparing to one professional microderbrasion. |
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Sun Jun 11, 2006 9:48 am |
i believe it depends on which home microdermabrasion you use. I tried the L'Oreal one which wasn't that impressive. I did 5 microderm sessions at my derm's and i loved the results but i can't afford doing it all the time there. I now do it at home with Epidermx and i can say its almost as good.
I started using it in July last year in conjunction with Silkia camellia oil and the changes to my skin have been amazing. In the first few days of use my zits were brought down, in a couple of weeks my broken out skin was healed. In a couple of months my pores are smaller, no more fine lines and post-acne brown spots, and my depressed acne scars are much plumped up. My skin tone and texture changed from dull and rough to radiant and smooth. The results i see may not be as immediate as the derm's treatments (which by the way didn't do anything for my icepicks), but over time i feel the results are wonderful. |
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