i do this treatment two times. i have to say that this treatment really leaves my skin soft. it did burn my skin a little when i first did it when i put on the peel activator serum but it didnt last. i love this treatment and makes my skin look bright and fresh.

I'm 26 years old, with slightly ruddy, uneven-toned combination skin that is showing the first signs of (gulp) aging, so in the last year or so, I've had to make some changes in my skincare routine. I went shopping for skincare products about 3 weeks ago, and was trying to decide between buying my old standby (L'Oreal Renoviste glycolic acid peel, which I thought was pretty good) or trying something new. I am SO glad I chose this product instead.

The basics: for about $29, you get a 2.2 oz jar of microdermabrasion treatment, and a 2 oz bottle of lactic acid "activator" serum. Olay promises this will last you 16 treatments (at 2 treatments per week, this would be 2 months' worth). The microdermabrasion treatment is orange-colored and has a pleasant, slightly citrusy smell. Its texture is difficult to describe; similar to a lot of exfoliation products, it's grainy, though the derma-crystals have a "soft", not jagged feel. The base is gel-like, but feels somewhat oily too. The activator serum is clear and not too thick, with a sort of medicinal but not offensive scent.

Per the directions, you're supposed to start with clean, dry skin (I recommend using a gentle cleanser for this, especially if you have sensitive skin). The microdermabrasion treatment is step 1. Spread about a quarter-size amount of it onto your face, avoiding your eyes, and massage it in for at least 45 seconds to a minute (I usually go a little longer, but first-time users should be cautious until they know how their skin will react). Your skin will start to feel warm, which is normal. Step 2 is the activator serum. You apply this in an even layer on top of the microdermabrasion treatment and massage it in. It will foam up slightly and your skin will continue to warm. Again, the directions suggest you do this for about a minute, but I've left it on for 2 or 3 without any problems. Yes, this is a little messy -- I usually use it in the bathtub so I can relax while it goes to work without worrying about it dripping on the floor or the sink. When your time is up, rinse it off with warm water. Olay advises not using it more than twice a week and on non-consecutive days to minimize skin irritation.

My results: In short, I've been thrilled with this product. Of course, my skin is softer and baby-smooth -- nearly every mask or peel can accomplish THAT -- but my skintone is much more even and bright, my pores and fine lines are less noticeable, and the slight redness to my cheeks, which I always assumed was just "my complexion", is dramatically reduced. I've had no irritation or breakouts from using it. My skin looks the best it's looked in years, and that's after just 6 or 7 treatments. I've also only used about a quarter of the product, so I expect to get quite a bit more than the 16 treatments/2 months out of it that Olay promises.

I've had lactic and glycolic acid peels at the dermatologist in the past, and I'd say this product gives nearly equivalent results. Needless to say, at $29 for a few months' worth, it's a LOT cheaper! I'd recommend it to anyone who doesn't have unusually sensitive skin. It's one of the products I can't live without!