The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion Scrub

The one very annoying issue that I face with my skin is the eruption of blackheads and whiteheads. Since, I have to literally spend around 8 to 10 hours travelling, my blackhead, as well as, whitehead problem just gets  aggravated. In fact, the issue is so bad that the affects of a facial or clean-up would last only five days at the most and after I would see the emergence of the blackheads and whiteheads on my skin. Hence, I am always on the look out for a good exfoliating scrub that would take care of both the problems at one go.

At one of my recent trips to The Body Shop (TBS), I was introduced to their Vitamin C Microdermabrasion scrub by the SA. She claimed that it would not only help to reduce the blackheads and whiteheads, but would stop them from reoccurring after using over a period of time. Now, I have heard about dermabrasions and that they can do miracles to the skin. I have also that they are freaking expensive procedures and if not done properly or at a proper salon can wreak havoc on your skin. So, finding that procedure in a scrub tube, got me all excited. Hence, keeping all this in mind and the fact that I have used millions of products, I decided to try out the scrub and see how it works. After all, it is better to try out a scrub than undergo an intensive procedure that can harm your skin.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion Scrub

Before, we go into the review of the product let's see what microdermabrasion is all about. 

What is microdermabrasion?

Mayo Clinic describes microdermabrasion as a process that involves the use of a brush that turns rapidly and essentially "sands down" the surface skin. It is basically an abrasive skin-smoothing technique that removes the top layer of the skin. Microdermabrasion reduces signs of sun damage and aging, helps to clear up acne and repair superficial acne scars on the face and other areas of the body.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion Scrub

What TBS website says:

Fine exfoliating micro particles and crushed garnet stones remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.

• Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
• Gives skin a brighter, more radiant look
• Improves skin texture and tone

Ingredients:

Aqua (Solvent/Diluent), Solum Diatomeae (Abrasive), Glycerin (Humectant), Aluminum Silicate (Exfoliant), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), Butyrospermum Parkii (Skin-Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Cetearyl Alcohol (Emulsifier), Glyceryl Stearate (Emulsifier), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), PEG-100 Stearate (Surfactant), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Polysorbate 60 (Surfactant), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Antioxidant), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Modifier), Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Citral (Fragrance Ingredient).

Price: Rs. 995

How to use: Wet face and neck. Apply using circular motions and rinse off with clean water. Use once or twice a week. (as described on TBS website)

My experience:

The TBS scrub has a white thick creamy consistency with very fine or minute white (I guess those are the Garnet stones mentioned in the ingredients) particles in it that cannot be seen with the naked eye, but can be felt when touched. The smell of the scrub is all right - it has a slight citrusy smell, but I can also smell a bit of chemical smell in it too. 

TBS scrub swatch - Thick creamy consistency

Minute particles - It is hard to spot the exfoliating particles in the scrub

I usually wet my face and neck with a bit of warm water and then use the scrub on my face. I usually take a pea-size amount, rub it in my palms and then scrub it on my face with a light hand. Since, the scrub has minute exfoliation particles, you only need a tiny bit and also should be careful while scrubbing as if scrubbed with a heavy hand it would lead to redness. While, I use the scrub once every week, it should not be used more than twice a week. 

Result:

I have been using the scrub over a month now and have witnessed a lot of difference in my skin. In fact, I think it is a great product. It has helped to solve my blackheads and whiteheads problem immensely. It has also helped to reduce my tan considerably! The minute particles actually performs the microdermabrasion process on my skin by not only removing the blackheads and whiteheads, but also removing the tan from my skin. It leaves my skin visible smoother, fairer and softer! It also does not give that stretchy dry feeling that most scrubs and face washes gives.

Pros:

• Provides brightening and evens out the complexion.
• Effectively reduces blackheads and whiteheads
• Hygienic - as it comes in a tube and you can control the amount of product needed to be used.
• Long lasting - Since only a small amount is needed, it will last a long time.

Cons:

• Price - While I paid Rs 995 for it, it actually costs around Rs 1097. (I had bought it when TBS was having its sale. I think it is a little too steep for the product.
• Harsh - If not used with a light hand, the product can be harsh on the skin and can cause redness. So, be careful while using it.
• Smell - I don't like that chemical smell in my products. 

So, I think that The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion is a great product that is going to become a staple in my beauty regime for a long -long time now. 

Have you used TBS Vitamin C Microdermabrasion scrub? What do you think about it?