OT....Microbrasion

It's called microdermabrasion. I use the Origins one and it's quite good. Have a look on www.makeupalley.com (has lots of recommendations/ reviews on there).

Hahaha, thanks for correcting me Spangles, I'll have a look at the site.

I use the No7 one (Total Renew), and I find it to be really good. Skin is soooo soft and much smoother, and definitely looks better afterwards. Also you only need a little bit, and its quite a big tube so its gonna last for *ages*!

I'd try Liz Earle cleanse and polish or just use a muslin cloth (dead cheap on eBay) to remove make-up. Eve Lom's cleanser is also v. good but expensive! Soap and Glory also do a cleanser/muslin cloth combo but haven't used this one. Looks quite good and think it's only about £9.

I find since I started using muslin cloths with my cleanser my skin has improved. Also, Ililacit on here and others have used Soap & Glory's Wish Upon A Jar cream - her skin looks amazing (hate her a little bit as it is flawless).

ETA: I know you didn't ask about cleansers, however I'd only use a microdermabrasion cream once a week tops, and then use a good cleanser twice daily.

Lillibet, thank you.

Spangles...thats very helpful, thank you so much, I'll go have a little look round town tomorrow. I just want my skin tone to be more even and whilst I do get the odd spot or 10(hahaha) my skin has just started to look terrible, of course others say its fine but its how you feel yourself isnt it.

I had microdermabrasion on Monday (third time in 3 years, so one a year) and fully recommend it. I'm not sure if it's what you are meaning though and Spangles talks of it like it's a cream so maybe we are talking about 2 different things so apologies if I'm way off the mark here.

What I had is done in a salon and uses a special 'thing' it's like a hoover for your skin and gets rid of alll the crap. My skin isn't really that bad tbh but the treatment still works a treat.

Before you go as drastic as microbrasion...

I highly recommend you try the REN skin care products.

In peticular - The Jojoba Microbead Invigorating Facial Polish

You use it 2-3 times a week.

I was given some by my sister for my birthday in October, and I still have some left and use it regulary.

My skin has never been clearer or softer.

Its £17.50 for a bottle and well worth it.

You can buy it from John Lewis, Space NK and lots of other beauty stores.

Sorry, yes - I should have been more specific. Proper microdermabrasion is done by a professional in a salon, however the at home creams are quite good and are like intensive exfoliation.

My skin is a bit scarred from acne and quite a few outbreaks so I have had the crystal clear microdermabrasion at my local salon twice in the last couple of months and my skin is 100% better already no big breakouts and reduced scarring, Im having another on friday.

It removed a few layers of skin which most are dead anyway. I would DEF recommened!!!! xx

I went for a Microdemabrasion at a salon about 3 weeks ago and I must say, i was very disappointed. I wanted it to help with open pores on my nose and also to give me a fresher appearance/glow but it did the opposite, no difference on the pores, my skin feels dry and lacklustre! It wasn't too cheap, £65.

I am looking into getting a microdermabrasion facial before the wedding but I wanted to ask... how long before should I get it done? I get married on a Saturday and will probably go for waxing/eyebrow threading either on the Friday (i.e. the day before) or Thursday. I have quite 'tough' skin, it isn't at all sensitive so I don't really have too many issues with it.

So if I get a facial done at the same time, will it be fine for the wedding? Or do I need it like a week before or something? I would ask at the salon but I don't want to feel stupid!

A lot depends on your skin type to be honest. Personally, I think microdermabrasion is better for older complexions which mine is. I have them every 3 months and it certainly lifts a lot and brightens up my skin and makes it easier for me to apply make up. But my daughter had a course to control spots and it didn't really help at all so she was disappointed. The one I have is called Crystal clear which takes off the top layer of skin to reveal new skin underneath which is great for controlling wrinkles and sagginess but I'm in my late 50's so need this LOL. I used to have cathiodermie I think it was called when I was younger to control outbreaks which helped a lot. Both of these things are done at a salon. Crystal clear is £35 at my salon. If you have dry skin, I would be wary as they tend to work best on greasy skin. Exfoliator is good too bought over the counter and lots of water as you probably already know. I've tried loads of exfoliator and the one which works best for me is by Avon called Clearskin. Hope that helps.

edited for Mrs J - Crystal clear gives you a 'flushed' skin a bit like sunburn and you can't wear make up or go in the sun for 24hrs after. My salon won't wax eyebrows at the same time but she will pluck because applying wax after the microdermabrasion is not recommended. It takes a couple of days to settle down and you can get a quick outbreak but after a week, the result is good.

I am only 22 so maybe this Cathiodermie will work better for me? Will investigate! Ta for the advice, I'm glad I know now so I can plan my trips to the salon!