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I’m a big fan of microdermabrasion, it must be said. For the uninitiated, it’s not as scary as it sounds – and it can be confusing too, because there’s also dermabrasion and dermal peels, and the three often get lumped in together. So what the divil is it, at all, at all? Well, microdermbrasion is a salon procedure that involves using a machine, a suction wand and aluminium crystals to exfoliate off the top layer of skin. You’ve probably also heard of home microdermabrasion products, but to be honest, they’re a thing apart again from a salon job.
I went to Akina in Temple Bar at the weekend to have a go of their new toy, a microdermabrasion machine which uses three types of crystal. The benefit of this is that it’s easier to very specifically target what is suitable for each person’s skin. So if someone is supersensitive, the machine can be calibrated to take that into account. Similarly, if someone has deep lines or pigmentation, and their skin can take it, the machine can be turned up to 11. OK, maybe not 11, but you get my Spinal Tap ref.
Me, I’m fairly fortunate thus far and have no real skin issues – I don’t smoke, lines aren’t a huge issue for me and I stay out of the sun, but the reason I like a microdermabrasion treatment is that it gives a fresh glow to my skin. In addition, the suction action brings the blood up to the surface of the skin, and that promotes quicker healing and regeneration, so it’s a great procedure for anyone with scarring, for example.
But is it for everyone? According to Eavanna Breen, the owner of Akina, in general, the answer is yes. She pointed out that it’s not suitable for those with rosacea or acne, but because her new machine uses the aforementioned three types of crystal, treatments can very easily be tailored for anyone else.
Mine started off with a cleanse, and then the microdermabrasion began – it’s not a relaxing treatment (you’re unlikely to fall asleep, put it that way), but it is very definitely an effective one. My face and neck were exfoliated with the wand, which is gently pressed against the skin, and while it can be tingly, it’s not in the slightest bit sore. Because this action brings the blood up towards the surface of the skin, your face can feel warm and look a bit red, so what Eavanna did next was great – she applied a cooling, antioxidant rich green tea mask, which soothed and calmed my skin. While that was doing its work, she waved the microdermabrasion wand over my hands, and then a hydrating, moisturising mask was applied to them. Once both masks were removed, she cautioned me about the careful use of an SPF on face and hands because the newly revealed skin is so sensitive, and should be properly protected.
The results? A lovely clean, bright complexion and smooth, non-Madonna clawed hands, plus a great chat with Eavanna, who is a veritible font of beauty related knowledge.
Get the same for yourself for €120, at Akina, 1a Crow Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6708794, Fax: 01 7071576, Email: info@akina.ie.
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I love Eavanna, she is a superstar and am so jealous of you kirstie. Would love to have this done!
Jaysus Cleo, took you ages to comment on this!
I already have red prone sensitive skin – will I end up looking like a tomato after it?!! has any one with v sensitive & dry skin tried this?
Hi Lilo,
According to any of the facialists I’ve got very dry skin that’s sensitive and I’ve had 3 sessions of microdermabrasion. Your skin is pinkish for maybe 2 days and feels sandblasted so put on plenty of moisturiser/aloe vera/vitamin E, whatever to cool it down for the next couple of days. But it’s worth, all the crap and dead skin is taken off your face and you do look like you’ve had 14 hours of sleep. But it’s great, everyone should do a course.
Question for Kristie:
why is it so expensive in Akina compared to other salons?
I had a Crystal Clear one about 2 weeks ago – they seem similar but I don’t remember a mask at the end of my one.
I really liked it and I almost fell asleep as I found the presssing of the wand quite relaxing. I didn’t get a tingly sensation at all and didn’t have a red face at the end of it either.
I thought I looked about 5 years younger.
I’m going to have another one after my hols.
Beautfan – I had a Crystal Clear microdermabrasion too and the mask was a big part of it. Where’d you get yours done?
And Eavanna is one of the best therapists I’ve ever been to
Aphrodite, i have to agree with you. I trust her implicitly
Aphrodite – I meant the mask on the hands – sorry bout that.
I got mine done in Bellismo Galway for €100 and they have an offer until end of Sept to get the oxegen and microdermabasion for €150.
boredofficegirl – to be honest, I think that’s pretty much standard for a good MDA treatment, carried out by a really good therapist. To compare, crystal clear ones are up to 150 and Anne McDevitt does a Dr Daniello one for 130. And I’d rather pay more to go to an excellent salon with a great rep than to a place where it was a lot cheaper, but perhaps the staff weren’t so good or well trained.
thanx Boredoffice girl – am v interested in this after reading so much positive feedback. my skin could do with a good ould clean. anyone found a good place to get it done in the forgotton city aka Limerick?
Lilo – They do microdermabarsion in the big beuaticans on William street – can’t temeber the name of it.
As far as I remember its a hairdressers we well.
Hi Admin,
I’m not dissing Akina but there’s no harm shopping around. Yeah I’ve been to Nu Essence from this website’s recommendation and is it a case that Akina have a longer session or more cream treatments? Nu Essence is roughly half-an-hour for 70 euros. Also wouldn’t it be a good idea to have a list of the best places to have a micradermabrasion done and which ones carry the ‘Crystal Clear’ formulation. It would be great to find out as a lot of salons are opening up offering all sorts of microdermabrasion, thanks.
bored – yep, I’ve obviously been to nu essence too, and found it great. akina did have the few extras though – a more powerful, varied machine and lovely masks too, which is great, plus it took a good hour.
it would be a FAB idea to have a list but we’re not a directory site and as this is a hobby for us, we just couldn’t do it comprehensively. we often ask people to tell us their favourite salons etc, so those sort of posts become repositories for that sort of info. we can only write with authority about treatments we’ve tried ourselves.
There is big diff in prices alright. I had a appointment for a Microd in a saloon in Galway which I had to canell. It was going to cost about €100 manybe €120 but it was only going to take 40 mins.
The Crystal Clear one was the hour for the same price.
Thanks Beautfan & Admin
, I’m finding different prices for the microdermabrasion a bit confusing. I might stick to Nu Essence but this jump in pricesin is a bit of a rip-off. Sigh!
Now girlies, you are responsible for me finally getting my act together & booking the Crystal Clear Oxygen facial with Microdermabrasion that you blogged about ages ago AND it’s on the same road as Make-up forever, so will have to buy eyeshadows, AND there was a thumpbs up for buying Smashbox brushes so I did that on ebay then found other Smashbox stuff that looks good, so I reckon by the ned of this week Beaut.ie will have cost me about 400.00squids! Ah, I’ll be broke but I’ll look good!!
bored – its a bit like facials anyway. I’ve had some great ones for about 50 euro and ‘ok’ ones for 70. I mentioned yesterday that I had a Aveeda one in Cork which cost €95. It was fine and everything but to me it was not worth that kind of money in comparison to other ones I’ve got.
40 mins of a good facial is better than 60 mins of a crapy one.
Too true Beautfan, it’s quality rather than quanity!
after reading up all these posts, i would like to persuade myself to take one. would anyboby please to tell me the best salon around DUBLIN 2 area? i know Anne Mcdevitte, but is it good? i had my acne treatment over there anyway.
thanks!
lilo, bellisimo is also in limerick. they do crystal clear micro dermabrasion and oxygen facials. They are beside jurys inn..
Can anyone recommend a salon in Galway for micro dermabrasion? Would love to try it after the reviews here but would prefer a salon someone has tried!
Hello,
Would appreciate anyone who can give an honest assessment of Anne McDevitt salon, particularly in relation to laser treatments.
Any replies would be greatly appreciated.
Where in galwaycan I have microdermabrasion done please I am desperate