Microdermabrasion

Like most women I look at my face and I see imperfections I would like to improve. One fast rule I’ve always had is that no matter what, I am I am not going to let the rest of me go. I’ve talked about this on here before. That includes hair, face, clothes and shoes, of course. Always the shoes!

One of the things that bothers me about my face are these little growths or small pimples that have somehow grown over the last ten years. A friend of mine told me she had no idea what I was talking about and that she didn't see anything on my face, but I know she was just being nice. My more truthful friends and sisters see the bumps.

I’d been thinking about getting microdermabrasion for a while now but I never made up my mind to just do it. I spoke to the owner of Caritas about it almost two years ago and she explained to me how the procedure works. She looked at my face and told me that I would need around eight treatments to totally get rid of the unsightly bumps.

Microdermabrasion is (according to Wikipedia) “a cosmetic procedure popular in day spas and medical spas, in which the outermost surface of the skin is partially or completely removed by light abrasion. Different methods include mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc or aluminum oxide crystals, or a roughened surface. Particles and removed material are usually suctioned off using a small vacuum attached to a wand.”

Two weeks ago I finally decided to have it done and I was so excited when I went in for my first session. Caritas uses the crystals and then the vacuum wand. I thought it was going to hurt but I was surprised at how it felt. It doesn’t hurt but I’m not saying it feels good. It’s really more as if someone is scraping your face with the edge of a cardboard or thin plastic. It’s that abrasive irritating feeling, but no pain.

The first session Olga (the owner) set the machine on a milder setting but that was enough. I could tell the difference on the texture of my face immediately afterwards.

At my second session she decided to turn it up a notch and she was a little more aggressive on the larger bumps. She said she was very impressed on how well I was progressing. This time I did have a few red marks where some of the larger bumps used to be, but these will fade quickly. But no bumps! It also helps clear up minor acne scars, which I also have.

I discovered Caritas (6217 Irvington Blvd) a few years ago when one of my best friends went there herself. They do great facials for only $25-$30. They do the microdermabrasion for $50 and $17 extra for a mask afterwards. That's a steal in a city like Houston. Of course if you're looking for elegance and pampering this isn’t where you want to go. It's a very simple place. It's an old house converted into a shop and the owner also cuts hair, dyes and does highlights.

I’ll keep you updated on my progress as I continue on my microdermabrasion journey. I should do before and after photos of my face!