How To Reverse Multiple Signs of Aging

What are the most common tells of a woman’s age? Most skin care regimens zero in on public enemy No. 1: wrinkles. But don’t overlook other common skin conditions that magnify the years on your face. A range of issues, from subtle changes in your skin tone to chronic dryness, can make your skin look older.

Fewer things can take your skin from dull and dry to radiant and glowing faster than microdermabrasion. The heavy-duty exfoliation process can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in addition to unclogging pores and correcting uneven skin tone. But popping into the spa for treatments can drain your wallet and suck up your free time.

Which is why the folks over at PMD Personal Microderm came up with the idea of an at-home microdermabrasion device. The PMD Personal Microderm is a handheld device that is purported to slough off dead skin and give a professional, just-went-to-the-spa glow — without the spa.

We asked 50 women to take the PMD Personal Microderm for a road test and see if it lives up to its claims. Here’s what they said.

Hands of Time:

“I did three treatments to make sure this is an unbiased review. The first time my skin was sensitive, but the other two treatments left my skin looking like it did 20 years ago. Please be sure to watch the DVD and follow the directions. No shortcuts. If used correctly, this would give a skin clinic a run for [its] money. I would unconditionally recommend this product for the ease of use and excellent results.” –vision

Use

“I just turned 47, am really fair and have recently developed sensitive skin. So while I was skeptical [that] this could help someone like me, I was totally game to try this new in-home product. I have used it three times in three weeks — each use was after a hot shower and a gentle cleansing. The device could not be easier to use!… Because of the treatments, I can see that my normal lotions are absorbing better, and as a direct result, my face seems more baby-like. I have already told a few girlfriends my age about this little miracle device because I am not sharing mine!” –BaliBabi

No Need for Laser Treatments :

“I am 35 and have some acne scars and facial marks which will not respond to different skin treatments. It seemed like the time for laser treatment had come, but this was a much cheaper alternative!… A makeup artist at ULTA and my husband both noticed that after one use my skin was smoother and more even-toned. I have found as the weeks go by, my skin is much more responsive to skin toners and moisturizers. After my second use, I can definitely see a difference in my skin texture. Freckles, scars, and ruddy skin that I thought were permanent are starting to fade!… I have started to use the different heads and discs on my elbows on other problem sections. I expect my skin to only look better with more use and more time. It looks like I will not have to spend a ton of money on laser treatments after all!” –moosebaby

Get Glowing:

“This is an amazing product. My skin was brighter and softer right after the first use, but I wanted to wait and see the long-term effects before writing my review because it is kinda expensive. This is the real deal. It looks a little scary (the discs are kinda rough) and complicated and time-consuming, but it’s not. Just follow the instructions and watch the video. That is really important — read everything carefully. It took me less than 10 minutes and I felt nothing while I was doing it. No irritation or rawness or roughness…. There is a slight tingle when you apply toner, but that goes away soon. Even my products are working better. I never knew the kind of glow my serum was talking about ’til after using PMD. It’s totally worth it.”
–magictheater

Acne :

“I’m generally a skeptic when it comes to ‘at-home’ spa products, but I must admit, I’m pretty sold on this device. It is gentler than an actual microderm ‘in-spa’ treatment…. I used this for the first time … and noticed a significant difference in my acne. No breakouts for a week! I plan on using this weekly in hopes the results will remain the same.” –AmberDB

Skin:

“I have never had a professional microdermabrasion procedure, so I cannot compare the feeling or results to one. However, after using the PMD three times (spaced one week apart), my face is definitely softer and I believe brighter as well! I swear that in the last few weeks I have been noticing more of a glow to my skin…. Even my husband (who is completely unaware of this device) has commented on differences in my skin. The PMD is super simple to use…. If you’re on the fence about trying this product, I would say to go for it. I am very happy with the results I am seeing after only a few uses, and considering how inexpensive this device is compared with professional treatments, it pays for itself very quickly.” –ladyslipper

Works Wonders for the Face and Body :

“It is really easy to use…. This works well for my sensitive skin and I can’t wait to see it reduce my fine lines. I love how soft it has made my skin feel!… I used the highest-level disc that was included in the package for the body, which is medium level. It worked really well on the arms…. I would rate this much better than any microdermabrasion cream or gel you could buy, and this device really works. I love the machine and would recommend it to anyone! I find myself counting the days until I can use it again.” –rochellep

Smooth Skin Once Again:

“The PMD looks intimidating at first, but after I read the directions and tested my face with the training disc, it was no longer intimidating and proved to be quick and easy to use, start, and clean up after. Anyway, right after I used the PMD, I applied my usual toner, serum and night cream, and went to bed…. I wasn’t expecting much. But, boy, was I wrong! When I woke up, my skin was back to its usual smoothness (even better, actually), the redness had gone down substantially, and my skin looked even. This is a great product, with real results…. It’s a pretty good value, costing less than running to the dermatologist/facial expert every month. Overall, I am impressed, and I will continue to use the PMD.”
–oceanbubbles

Fades Age Spots and Scars :

“I’ve used the PMD twice. I was extremely cautious and used the white disc as directed the first time…. I waited two days and went back and used the regular disc on face and décolletage. I experienced a bit of redness that went away quickly and the texture of my skin was velvety smooth…. My two small age spots were greatly faded and with regular use are en route to disappear entirely. Texture is improved, [and] my skin feels overall more plush. I’m working on an area with a small white scar and that also seems less bright…. Sun damage is definitely, noticeably diminished. [I] plan to include it in my weekly beauty routine for a long time to come. –mineola

Non-Irritating and Affordable :

“I have been using the PMD Personal Microderm now for three weeks. It is very easy to use. It comes with easy-to-follow directions and even comes with a training disc…. I have sensitive skin and was worried this would irritate it. It didn’t! After three weeks, my skin has a more even appearance and feels/looks smoother. The ladies at work even noticed! I had abused my skin this past summer…. I needed something to get my skin back in shape, and the PMD Personal Microderm was just the ticket. It is so much more affordable than trips to the dermatologist for the same procedure.” –CAROLTENNIS

Not Too Harsh for Sensitive, Aging Skin :

“At 42, I’m willing to try anything to turn back the clock. The PMD is very easy to use, and I’m so glad I tried it! I stop using retinoids and AHAs two days before a treatment and don’t resume using them for two days afterwards, as per the directions, and I’ve experienced no irritation or bad reactions — only soft, smooth skin! I did my second treatment today, and I can’t wait to see what my skin will be like in a month or two. It’s something I look forward to doing each week, and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to do my face and neck. I’m definitely satisfied with the PMD!” –derenzopa

It’s Easy to Use:

“Upon opening the box I was impressed with the appearance of the device. It looked like a high quality, well-made beauty tool that will last for years. It’s just the right weight and felt comfortable in my hand…. When I finished, I went over my face with toner and admired the rosy glow from the treatment. My skin felt baby-soft [and] remained super soft for days after using the PMD…. I would certainly recommend it to my friends. I had developed an allergic reaction around my mouth to the manual exfoliation scrub I was using and had to discontinue it. I love that I can get a deeper exfoliation from this device with no potential for that type of reaction. I am very much looking forward to seeing the results of continued use!”
— TheBlond