Doing that product review was really fun from an experimental as well as a writing perspective so you can imagine how excited I was when recently approached to review a skin care device. I immediately said yes because I was actually considering buying this exact device last winter. Now I get to try it for a month and report on my findings.
It's called the Redefine MACRO Exfoliator and is made by Rodan + Fields -- the doctors behind the wildly successful Proactive skin care line. They now have an "at home" line of anti-aging products that is sold by independent business owners. That's how this device and many of their other products are sold.
The MACRO E is supposed to take off dead skin and leave you with healthier-looking, more luminous complexion. I'll put it to the test and let you know how it goes.
A little background: I've used exfoliating scrubs in the past so I don't feel completely unfamiliar with the concept of getting rid of dead skin, but I've never used a device like this nor have I ever had microdermabrasion at a doctor's office.
I'll be using it once a week for 4 weeks and reporting my findings. So let's see if this thing can put the St. Ives Apricot Scrub to shame.
Week 1, August 18 -- The device is sleek and comfortable to hold. The little disposable filter inside the tip is supposed to trap all the dead skin that comes off my face, neck and chest. I must have a lot of deadness because I'm seeing snakeskin-like remnants left on my face. Not sure this is normal, but I'll find out. It's a little hard to use correctly at first, but I think after another time or two I'll have the motions down cold. There is a slight suctioning that occurs when you are doing it correctly. It doesn't hurt, but it definitely feels like there might be something really excellent taking place. Once I lose suction, the sound changes so I immediately know to reposition it. Afterward my skin is red, but very smooth. It's not sore at all. I applied the cooling gel that comes with the kit. Seems weird that I'm going to bed like this -- without applying a night cream, but I actually don't feel dry. I think that I'm glowing and ask my husband how I look. He replies "good" which either means I look good or he can't be bothered to look away from the Orioles game. I have him feel my face and he nods enthusiastically even though his eyes reveal he has no idea why he's touching my face. I leave well enough alone.
Week 2, August 25 -- Couldn't wait for the night to come because I was so looking forward to trying this out again. The Macro E comes with a pre-programmed setting which makes it dummy-proof. It shows on the little screen exactly which part of your face to use it on and it beeps when it's time to move to a different part. I'm having better luck with the suctioning this time and am figuring out how to use my left hand to assist. By next week I should be a pro. I check the filter at the end and see it's full of dead skin and I'm giddy. Still have some of the snakeskin-like peeling that stayed on my face and never made it to the filter. This doesn't bother me and I cannot believe how much dead skin I have. It's very rewarding to see results immediately. Already looking forward to next Monday.
Week 3, September 1 -- Tonight was one of those nights where I really didn't feel like washing my face. I have one of those about every few weeks. I was totally going to skip it, but then I remember it was Monday: Macro E night! So I happily cleansed, toned and dried. I'm still enjoying this little gem. I didn't get as much gunk off my face this time which I'm assuming is because I've exfoliated the past 2 weeks and means my skin is in better shape going into the treatment. Next week is the last in my series. I'm already feeling disappointed this experiment is coming to a close.
Week 4, September 8 -- Yep, tonight was my final installment in testing out the Macro E. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't experiencing a healthy dose of bummed-outness. I do think I've gotten more skilled as the weeks have gone by, but my technique isn't perfect. I'm still struggling a bit with getting suction in a couple of areas (forehead, outer cheeks) where others adhere perfectly (nose, chin, neck, chest). However, I don't feel discouraged because I just work these areas a little extra til I've gotten it right.
Conclusion: Tomorrow I'll be returning this thing to its rightful owner. I've known since week one that I'd likely be purchasing my own. This is definitely an item I want in my arsenal and plan to keep up the Monday Night Exfoliating.
Other thoughts:
- If you are prone to broken capillaries, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, facial warts, active acne, infection, open wounds or sensitive skin you probably shouldn't use this. I however, do consider myself to have sensitive skin and had no issues.
- The Macro E runs about $279, but discounts are available.
- According to a 2013 statistic from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of microdermabrasion is $148, so this seems like a pretty good investment if you are in the market for something like this and don't need "professional strength" treatments. Personally, I don't think my skin could handle anything much stronger.
If you want more information about this, message me.
