My Microdermabrasion + Facial Experience

I've never had a facial before prior to this experience that I'm about to divulge. I spotted a special deal on microdermabrasion and facial by a salon, not far from where I live, on one of those "deals websites". I couldn't resist. I bought a voucher. I was keen to try out microdermabrasion, especially since Zoe Foster swears by it. I've been wanting my skin to glow and my acne scars to fade. It's still something I desire and haven't achieved.

Before

I took a "before" photo prior to the session. I was excited and slightly anxious at the same time. What if something goes wrong or my skin has a horrible reaction to the treatment? Will I be going to uni afterwards with a red and puffy face? Sharon, the beauty therapist, reassured me that salon-type microdermabrasion only remove the dead skin cells; because there won't be any tissue injury, inflammation won't ensue.

For the most part, the facial was very relaxing. It involved slathering on product, massaging it into my skin and then removing it with a wet cloth; and hot steamy towels in between certain products. Then comes the microdermabrasion. The device itself looked like a metal pen attached to a machine by a wire. It basically involved scratching the skin with many small diamond tips and suctioning away the dead skin cells at the same time (that's what the machine was for, to create a vacuum). The treatment wasn't uncomfortable however I would not describe it as pleasant.

If I thought microdermabrasion was bad, the worst was yet to come! Sharon decided that she wanted to throw in a free extraction upon seeing the number of milia I had on my face. It was a horrifically excruciating experience! I literally thought I was going to die. Tears were streaming down my face and I did my best to be brave. Time passed really slowly as Sharon pierced and pressed out each one of my milia. I kept apologising for the pain she was inflicting on me and reassured me that it was going to be worth it. Relief washed over when she was (FINALLY!) done. A couple more facial product application and a hand massage followed before the session ended.

The first thing I saw when I looked in the mirror were these horrible little red spots on my face. They were wounds and when I touched them, blood smeared. As much a torture the extraction was, I wished Sharon had kept going for a bit longer because I noticed she missed a couple of milia. By the end of the day, the bleeding stopped but the wounds were very red and obvious. And it remained so for a week.

After

 So overall, was it worth it? My housemate said that my skintone appeared slightly more even. My boyfriend said that I looked a bit more "glowy and shiny". I think he doesn't know that "shiny skin" is bad in the beauty dictionary. But I understood what he meant. I was hoping my acne scars would lighten significantly but I think it only did so marginally. The only huge difference I felt was in my neck and chest area. The skin there was much softer and smoother.

The verdict? I don't think I'm willing to spend money and time on facials anytime soon. I'll look into more when I hit 30. Sharon kept commenting how "young" and "gorgeous" my skin is and she also mentioned that I may not see as a big a difference post-treatment as compared to an older lady. I guess she's right. I'll stick with at-home masks and treatments for now.

Have you had microdermabrasion or extractions before? What was your experience?