I’d always wanted to try microdermabrasion, but wasn’t quite sure what it entailed, if I really needed it, and if it was worth my time.
One of the Scents of Serenity spa rooms. Isn’t it cozy?
Luckily, I met Melanie Mueller, Richmond owner of Scents of Serenity Organic Spa, who explained it to me in more detail, and even offered me a free one-hour session. How could I resist?
What I quickly learned is that the type of microdermabrasion SOS offers–organic microdermabrasion–is super-gentle on the skin and for those of us with allergies, the thought of possible side-effects of using traditional microdermabrasion which can cause irritation to the skin, itchy eyes, and even low-grade fevers, this was a much more appealing option.
It wasn’t that I had terrible skin, but having had a bad bout with breakouts as a teenager I had some scars that made me embarrassed to go without liquid makeup, so I thought if this could help, why not try it? Melanie and her team are professionals, and their spa is located in a charming historic farmhouse on Mountain Rd. Plus, I thought if I could have skin like Melanie’s, why not try? (PS: She really needs to put her own photo on her site!)
The type of crystals Melanie’s team uses, sodium bicarbonate, which is not only light on the skin, but is also alkaline, adding a natural
An example of before/after photos of microdermabrasion courtesy Laserklinic.com.
pH balance to the skin while destroying bacteria on the epidermis. In fact
I barely felt anything during the first one-hour treatment, and the beautiful Patricia that took care of my kept stopping to ask if I was alright (needless to say an hour to rest in their relaxing salon? helloooo I was more than okay.)
I could see slight results after my first treatment and told Melanie I’d be back for more! During the second and third treatments, Patricia let me know that she’d be increasing the pressure but no so much that it would be painful, just a slight pressure on my skin. The real results started to show up after the second treatment, and after the third I’m wearing much less liquid makeup, and my scars are lightening steadily.
I do wish we’d taken before-and-after photos, but to be honest with you I’ve never been comfortable being photographed without makeup for the aforementioned reasons, so I’m not sure I’d want to share the “before’s!” After reading the testimonials on their site, though, I could tell this would be time well-spent.
I am rarely comfortable being photographed this close, but after two treatments I was a bit more willing.
Here are a few of the Benefits of Microdermabrasion:
~ Reduction of minor to moderate fine lines
~ Improves acne and acne related scarring
~ Refines sun damaged skin
~ Strengthens barrier function of skin
~ Opens and minimizes clogged pores
I’ll keep you posted as I’m halfway through the initial recommended 6-8 treatments, and promise to share my progress.
Melanie is offering a $20 off coupon for this process which typically costs $125, just email her at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
Many thanks to the Scents of Serenity Organic Spa team who are trade advertisers of Richmondmom.com.
