Reddit reviews Microdermabrasion Kit by Olay Regenerist, Face Peel & Scrub for Dry Skin, Reduce Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 1 Kit

The very top layer of the epidermis (reference diagram) is made up of layers of dead keratinocytes. As more cells are made in deeper layers of the epidermis, they push the older cells toward the surface. The ones on the surface of the skin will flake off over time, but this can make the skin look patchy under makeup and feel rough. The overall appearance of the skin can be dull.

To remove these skin cells, you can use chemical or mechanical means. Chemical exfoliants use chemical reactions to remove the dead skin cells, and include alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, as well as various enzymes. Mechanical exfoliants remove the skin cells by mechanical means of scrubbing with abrasives or peeling with cellulose (these are the popular peeling gels, not to be confused with facial peels, which are chemical).

Some products, like the Olay Microdermabrasion and Peel System combine chemical and mechanical exfoliation. I used to have very good results with this, but my skin became sensitive to abrasives. I switched to a peeling gel, and as long as I don't use it more than a couple times a week my face remains smooth and it doesn't get irritated at all.

Finally, avoid anything with "microbeads," which are polyethylene beads that have been shown to end up in the environment. They also don't really work very well, at least in my experience.

Amazon Link

Is this what you used?

Olay makes a peel/microdermabrasion kit that's $23 on Amazon. Reviews on MakeupAlley are very good - many say it's almost identical to the kit that Philosophy sells for $40.

I recently got this kit and have tried it a couple times so far. I think it works really well, but I haven't tried the brazilian peel or the Ole Hendrickson 3 step kit, so I don't know how it compares to those.

One important thing to note about this kit is that Olay's instructions are "wrong". Olay says to apply the scrub and then apply the peel over top of it. However, there is baking soda in the scrub, which will neutralize the peel. Meaning the peel is neutralized before it has a chance to really do anything. I apply the peel first and leave it on for a few minutes then use the scrub.

I'm just going to repost a comment that I just posted in 2X, it's pretty much on topic.

I've had horrible skin for 15 years. I finally started systematically testing any products I could think of, because I'm too stubborn to see a dermatologist (and also didn't have health insurance), but mostly because if something isn't killing me, I'd rather solve it on my own.

For overall acne (blackheads, pimples, red spots after a pimple has cleared up)

• Obagi Clenziderm System - this is the only over the counter product I have used that has completely gotten rid of my acne
  
• I used to use retin-a when I was younger, made my skin amazing in every way possible. You can get 1% tetrinoid cream over the counter on amazon, for stronger stuff see a dermatologist.
  
  For scarring, large pores, and other long term skin solutions :
  
  
• Olay's microdermabrasion kit makes my skin supple and soft, definitely has been improving overall quality of my skin
  
• Cellbone's prep, neutralizer, and glycolactic peels are helping greatly with the acne scarring, blackheads, and give my skin a beautiful glow
  
  For moisturizing :
  
  
• I love Philosophy's Hope in a Jar, and for reducing appearance of pores and softening fine lines and wrinkles - The Supernatural. I've only started using Philosophy products but they are freaking amazing so far.
  
  Also, if you are not familar with acid peels, I'd recommend getting one or two done in a spa first, so you know how your skin reacts. After that, they really are not that hard to do on your own, as long as you have something basic to neutralize the acid. Also, start with using them for like a minute the first time, and slowly work your way up. It's much easier to deal with an under-peeled face than an over-peeled one.
  
  Also - most importantly, drink lots of water, eat lots of vegetables and fruit, exercise, and get good sleep. You can't expect your skin to look amazing without taking care of your overall body first.
  
  Oh yea, and I had basically moderately aggressive acne with cystic acne about six months ago, with lots of scarring, huge pores and stuff. My skin is almost flawless now, aside from a few deep scars that will take longer to fade.

This stuff is indeed awesome. I use the Olay version which is...well...a lot cheaper. And it makes your face soooo soft.

If you have any bumpy texture to your skin Olay has an awesome exfoliating product. I only use it once or twice a week, so it lasts a long time. Olay Microdermabrasion Kit you can basically get it anywhere but the link is for amazon.

The Olay Microdermabrasion is fantastic and very affordable. I have started using it recently, and it works very well. I've used many exfoliators over the years, and this works better than anything else. I found it made my pores smaller and I feel like it got out more dead skin than anything else. Even made a zit smaller.

Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Olay-Regenerist-Microdermabrasion-System-Treatment/dp/B000F63TW0

And try the Ordinary's Lactic Acid serum (after cleansing before moisturizing). This is an exfoliating serum. Add a bit to moisturizer for easy application.

Here: http://ordinaries.com/product/rdn-lactic-acid-10pct-ha-2pct-30ml