PMD Personal Microderma Device

Microdermabrasion is something that has always intrigued me and is a treatment that I assumed you should only have done at a clinic/treatment center.  So when I was offered the chance to try a device that could be used at home, I jumped at the chance.

The *PMD Personal Microderma (£150) is said to replicate the treatment given by professionals to help unclog pores, smooth and even tone, reduce blemishes and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Inside the box you will find everything you need - 7 exfoliating discs, 1 electrical cord, 2 caps and a really helpful and easy to read/understand leaflet and instructional DVD. So, before I even considered using the device, I watched the DVD a number of times just to ensure I understood what I need to do to get this right and to ensure I was using it properly. 

The discs that accompany the set include an initial white training disc, two green discs and four blue discs all of which have different levels of abrasiveness. 

To use the devise, your skin needs to be product free and completely dry and then holding the skin so it is taught slightly, gently glide the device over the skin making sure to only pass over the same area once. The first time I tried this, I used my arm to practice on and whilst I was expecting the sound to be that of a dentists drill, I was surprised to find it less noisy than my hairdryer, though the noise is quite similar.  Once I had done my test patch, there was some slight reddening which quickly disappeared, so I was quite keen to try it on my face.  I don't have sensitive skin, but I do have an oily t-zone with dryness on both cheeks, so I started with the blue disc which is designed for sensitive skin and it took me quite a while to get the hang of it.  

As the disc spins, it not only exfoliates but has suction to it, so it sucks up the skin and any other grime that comes off your skin right out the way.  For me this took a few attempts to get used to, especially on my face because even though there is no pain, it does feel slightly odd to start with.  After finishing, the one thing I did notice was a very small amount of redness after using the device but not nearly as much as I thought I would and I haven't experienced any other effects such as breakouts which I had expected. 

Having used the device for the past few months, there is a notable difference in the softness of my skin and there is less dryness, plus the number of blackheads that had gathered on my chin have now almost gone, so for that I am hugely impressed.  What I do like about this device is how easy it is to use once you become comfortable with it, it is lightweight so it doesn't leave you with a dead arm and it is also really easy to clean which is another added bonus.

Have you tried an at-home or salon microdermabrasion treatment? Have you tried this PMD Personal Microderm device?

It's all in the Eyes!

Just like going to the dentist, getting your eyes tested is really important. I know that, you know that but it is one 'thing' that I always put off.  Infact I haven't been for over five years oops and it isn't as though the television advertisements are not a constant reminder.

I am short-sighted or what is referred to as mild myopia, which is not too severe but enough that I need to wear glasses when watching the TV, driving, reading a book/Kindle and sitting at a computer.  I went through a phase of wearing daily contact lenses, but a very drunken night out led to my forgetting I had them in and it was painful to remove them and my vanity was shoved to one side and I was back wearing glasses, not something I like wearing, but they are must.

So I need to go and have my eyes tested again to see if there has been any improvement or to see if I need new glasses and where I live there are not many easy accessible places to get to despite living on a high street.  Do I choose one of two independent optometrists or something more recognised like Optical Express?  I did use Boots for a time but my local store moved their resources to a new bigger store.  So for me it is more about finding somewhere new that I am comfortable with, a bit like going to the hairdressers, when my regular stylist who had been doing my hair for over ten years left, I suddenly didn't want to go to that salon anymore, even though everyone in there knew me and were very friendly.

I know I am going to have to go and have my eye tested, I need new glasses, my current ones (Silhouette Rimless) are in need of refreshing and there is now so much more choice than there was and even apps you can use on some online sites to upload your photo and choose your frames, something I have spent hours doing and here is my shortlist:

However I do need to get my eyes tested first before I can buy glasses!

How often do you have your eyes tested? Is it a regular appointment or are you like me and go infrequently?