How much is too much? (Need opinions here!)
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Sat Mar 25, 2006 7:45 am

Hey, ladies, I could use some expert opinions here.

I got a professional glycolic peel on Thursday afternoon. Although I'm not sure of the exact strength, I know it was the strongest I've had yet in a series of progressively stronger peels. And it's the first time I've experienced visible side effects (redness, flaking).

Anyway, I just learned of a wonderful opportunity to get a free set of professional microdermabrasion treatments from a friend of a friend. Due to this woman's time constraints and very specific availability, she wants to start me next week, Tuesday (she has offered 5 sessions total over the next month and a half, and has already set aside specific times for me in her busy schedule that work for her).

I'm wondering, is this too soon for my skin after Thursday's intense glycolic peel (5 days later)? I don't want to squander this opportunity, but I also don't want to damage my skin. What would you do in my shoes?

free skin care · Sat Mar 25, 2006 9:27 am

It doesn't sound like you had a strong peel. Unless, it was a TCA peel or stronger I think five days would give your skin enough time to heal. It will probably stop flaking in a day or two. Just be sure to tell the lady doing it (she IS a dermatologist, right?) what you have been doing and she can better advise you on if you should proceed or not. Worst case, you cancel the first appt and only do four treatments.

Warning: Just be sure she is a dermatologist and not working at a spa or something. If this 'friend of a friend' is NOT a licensed dermatologist, then I would let this pass by and stick to my normal peels. Microdermabrasion done incorrectly can do way more damage that can lead to premant scarring. It sounds like a great opportunity, but I would research it more.

FYI: Vaseline works wonders on preventing skin irritation if you can stand it.

free skin care · Sat Mar 25, 2006 9:42 am

I totally agree with Deanne!. I go to the laser clinic to an actual Doctor for my dermos, and have heard that people need to be aware that this treatment can be practised without a license. Spas are ok as long as there is a licenced practioner doing the procedure. Make sure!! Smile

free skin care · Sat Mar 25, 2006 9:53 am

I don't think it's necessary for the technician to be a dermatologist, I do agree that she needs to be a licensed professional.

My step-daughter is licensed to perform laser hair removal and micro-dermabrasion ... and she works out of a doctor's clinic.

Many dermatologists are too busy to actually do these therapies ... so they hire licensed professionals to do it for them. Besides, some of us live in rural areas where there aren't so many medical specialists available ...

Just make sure that she is a licensed practitioner and you'll be fine.

Mary

Sat Mar 25, 2006 10:41 am

This woman actually does not work with a dermatologist, but with a reputable spa. I've looked into it online and asked around and only hear good things. She's an esthetician. Now, I know spa is not as reassuring as dermatologist, but then again, this will cost me nothing.

With my appointment on Tuesday -- wow, what exactly is a polite way to say, "Well even though you are doing me this gigantic favor, can I check on your credentials, miss?" And then if they're not satisfactory, say, "I'm outta here, sorry"?

These things are always fairly tricky... Confused

free skin care · Sat Mar 25, 2006 1:19 pm

Hi Bridget,

If the Spa is reputable ... and if she's using a machine to do the treatments ... there will probably be certificates on the wall.

My step-daughter is an esthetician as well ... and before the company allowed the clinic to purchase the machines, they required that anyone who might be using them to be trained in their proper use.

You will probably be fine ...

A reputable Spa has too much to lose to leave themselves open to the liability of a lawsuit.

Just my thoughts ... and my two cents. Very Happy

Mary

free skin care · Sat Mar 25, 2006 5:01 pm

In order to be fair to the new person, I think you need to make sure she knows what you recently had done.

free skin care · Sun Mar 26, 2006 9:16 am

Hi All,

At the risk of offending others here (which I hope I don't)...I would NEVER go to a spa for such a treatment. Most of the time it is an esthetician which would raise a huge red flag for me. Sometimes a spa may have a derm. come in for treatments, but I'd prefer just going to their office. Spas are notorious for not keeping their equipment as hygenic as they are required to.

For the U.S.A., Doctors should be members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. They might cost more, but I think it is worth it. I had mole removals, four monthly peels, and all three of my TCA peels done by a dermatologist. I love my results! He was the one who warned me not to go to spas for treatments and only use estheticians under a derms. care (like at hpjrt). My two cents.

Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:28 am

I'm not offended; I doubt others will be, either. I appreciate and respect your opinion, and it's definitely something to consider.

At the same time, it sounds like you're into some hardcore dermatology there, and I'm not quite at that level yet (my history includes 2 facials and 3 gylcolic peels -- I'm a newbie to this stuff).

I think I'm going to go in and see what's what, ask about specifics, and if I'm not satisifed, simply request a facial and try to visit a dermatologist later.

I don't know about anyone else, but I find that I usually end up at a spa or esthetician's as opposed to dermatologist because they fit my schedule better! I work 9-6 M-F... and, for instance, the last dermatologist I called was open 9-4 T-F. They're rich and in demand, they set their own schedules. It's not realistic for me to take all of that time off for a series of treatments, so I wind up going to spas that are open weekends or evenings.

In the spirit of healthy debate and not animosity, I'd love to hear what others think of Deanne's warning about spas vs. dermatologists, including personal experiences.

free skin care · Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:44 am

Just my 2 cents... As an RN who works with dermatologists and plastic surgeons remember one thing-they are in business to make money. They always tell you not to go to a spa because that is their competition. A spa and a licensed esthetician can be perfectly safe. Depending where you live you can call the state board or whoever governs/licenses the spa and find out the last time they were inspected and any citations they may have received.

One concern I have is why are you getting these for free? Is she new to the procedure and "practicing"? Is she trying to build clients? If so how much experiance does she have?

free skin care · Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:51 am

I was kind of wondering that myself, esp. the "practicing" part. hmm

Sun Mar 26, 2006 12:36 pm

My friend "Sally" is close friends with both me and this esthetician, "Maria." For my birthday, Sally got me a gernous gift certificate to the spa where Maria works -- enough for maybe a massage and facial.

In a separate conversation with Sally, I mentioned that I was considering microdermabrasion. Sally told me that the spa where Maria works actually does microdermabrasion and that Maria herself does it. I looked into it, and learned that it would be best to get a series of them -- which I can't really afford that and the gift certificate wouldn't cover. So I told Sally I was just going to drop the microdermabrasion idea. But Sally talked to Maria and Maria kindly agreed to take my gift certificate in exchange for the whole set of treatments.

Like I said, it is a generous offer and not one I want to squander. However, I know I need to go into this with some healthy caution and see what's what before I get it done.

If anyone wants to PM me, I can give you a link to the spa and you can check it out and give opinions. Not that a website can tell you that much, I suppose.

free skin care · Mon Mar 27, 2006 7:45 am

At my med/spa the doctor does not do the microderms but his trained assts. do. His wife is very aggressive with them so I avoid her! You could ask for a low setting (can be controled) which is used for very sensitive skin and they can also do a patch test.

Mon Apr 03, 2006 8:23 pm

Just wanted to update everyone on my situation here...

I went ahead and got the microdermabrasion from this "Maria" character. I asked her how her treatment differed from a dermatologists, and she actually seemed a little offended. She said it was the exact same except the dermatologist would charge me about 20 bucks more and it would be harder for me to make an appointment. I don't know what to believe, but that's her info.

The microdermabrasion felt nice and left my skin kind of pinky. Now, about a week later, I have definitely noticed some subtle improvements in my skin. It seems rosier, softer, and in general just more vital. No really notable improvements with my fine lines or acne scars, though. Confused

I'm having my second treatment later this week. I am pretty excited to see the results as I progress with this treatment, and will keep you all updated. Thanks your for your tips so far.

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