It is one we have talked about, but now we are finally reviewing!
The Crystalift Professional Microdermabrasion home edition machine is a form of microdermabrasion that uses crystals to exfoliate your skin and remove that top layer, removing toxins and dead skin from the surface of your face and body.
This is different from the approach done by the diamond tipped machines, but it does essentially the same thing.
Instead of using a diamond tip, this machine implants tiny crystals that will exfoliate the top layer of your skin before being sucked up into the vacuum (that part should sound familiar).
To tell you the inside story, no one here really wanted to test it, because we already knew crystal based machines are very messy and less effective…. But knowing is good, testing is a bit better… so I decided to volunteer only if in exchange I would choose first the next device I would have to test… (Haha smart, isn’t it?)
So let’s find out if the Crystalift is worth all of that extra mess.
Contents
What is it?
The Crystalift Microdermabrasion System combines the exfoliating crystals and vacuum power. This technique is what many dermatology clinics once used before switching over to diamond tips.
How does it work?
As we have already explained, the Crystalift system works by implanting tiny crystals that exfoliate your top layer of skin, only to be sucked up (along with the dead skin and dirt) into a vacuum.
If you’ve read any of our other reviews, you know how microdermabrasion works – your top layer of skin is removed and you have softer, younger skin as a result.
However, you also need to rinse your skin with warm water to remove all the remaining crystals – this is an additional step that you do not have with diamond tipped machines.
Leaving any crystals in your skin can even result in skin damage or breakouts. So, you now understand the crystal technique is not very convenient.
Who is the distributor?
Crystalift is the brainchild of BioRenew Labs, LLC. While we did do some research, we weren’t able to find out much about them, save for the fact that they are located in Hermosa Beach, California.
We were also able to read about their products based on Quantum Energetics and Homeopathics.
Their goal is to “bridge the relationship between spiritual, emotional and physical needs.”
My Crystalift Microdermabrasion Machine Review
To be honest, I only used it once to write this review, because it was way too messy….and I did not want to spend my free time cleaning everything…
First impression
The machine is in plastic (like most microdermabrasion machines) but it looks a bit cheap in my opinion. The unit is pretty small and compact but is easy to store.
It comes with 4 plastic containers filled with crystals called crystal capsules and one container for used crystals.
I was already pissed off because I knew we would have to buy new crystal refills to keep using this machine.
Ok what about the accessories?
Because the method here is based on crystals, there are no diamond tips to choose, you blast crystals on your face and sucked the crystals and the dead cells at the same time.
No need either of filters, because everything goes into the return container, this sounds simple and practical…
There is a DVD included with the machine that gives you all of the directions for use. It lasts around 5 minutes and gives you very basic indications.
So what do you do with these crystals? You will need to insert one crystal capsule on top and put the big crystal return container below to get the used crystals with your dirt….
All 4 crystal capsules will be then stored in that return container, that is why the return container is 4 times bigger that one crystal capsule.
You turn it on and apply the plastic wand on your skin. (Start on you arm to check the pressure if you want, move it continuously, don’t stay on one spot as you don’t want to over exfoliate that area).
Initially set on the lowest setting, but move it up to higher levels if necessary but be careful… listen to your skin.
Once you feel you get the hang of it, you can use it on your face, you can work from your chin and move the wand in rows across your skin on your cheeks, forehead etc….
Tip: I advise you to wear googles to protect your eyes as crystals will fly and you don’t want to get crystals in your eyes. Keep also your mouth shut…
I had much trouble finishing the test as it was starting to be very messy with crystals everywhere.
Suction power
The suction power is pretty low as I am used to much more powerful machines like kendal or the Microderm MD. I did not find any values but I guess with the other machine tests in mind, the suction power is under 16 inch/Hg for sure. Still powerful, but not nearly as powerful as any of the others machines.
When using this machine, you will need to make sure that the return container is pushed in properly. If it isn’t, you can lose some suction power. I spent 30 minutes checking why there was no suction at all…
Quality of the Crystals
Well the crystal seem pretty standard, I am no specialist of crystals. My friend also told me it looked like baking soda. To me, they looked pretty much like the ones that were used in some beauty spas..… Years ago…
Tools
As I told you, the tools here are pretty minimal, you simply need to use the crystal refills and check the return container.
After a treatment of 8 minutes on the face, about 3/4 of the crystal capsule is used, which would mean the 4 pods would be only enough for 3-4 sessions on the face.
That is clearly a big problem because you will need to constantly buy new refills. Each package of 4 refills with the return container costs around 50 dollars…. That is way too expensive to get on going treatments…
Sometimes, there were lumps of crystal powders that would kinda block the system, and you end up with no crystals at the tip. In that case, you need to carefully take the capsule, shake it well to make sure the lumps are gone and put it back. I had to do it 5 times, it was nerve breaking…
Results
After finishing the treatment, rinsing my face off, and using some moisturizer, I will admit that there were some nice results there.
However, I felt it was less exfoliating than a diamond machine though.
The other thing that bothered me was that after applying my moisturiser, I could still feel some crystals left on my skin, even though I did rinse my face pretty well or so I thought…
Ease to use
Overall, the machine was really easy to use because it was so simple. However, using crystals can be very messy, you end up with crystals almost everywhere in your room.
You will even see crystals in your hair, on your clothes, all over the counter, on your walls.
In fact most of the crystals ended up on my T- shirt. That explains why I used ¾ of one capsule. I suppose only ¼ is really used on your face. Yeah, microdermabrasion time for my clothes and the walls!!!….
I don’t even mention the issues of ingesting crystals during the session… If only someone could tell me if the crystals fit into my Paleo diet, that would be great.
I am sorry but this crystal method is definitely a big NO.
Today, with so many very powerful and effective diamond tip machines that are crystal free, it is no wonder all spa owners are switching from crystal machines to diamond ones…
Robustness and longevity
While the machine seems to be decently made, I don’t think it will actually last that long because it doesn’t feel robust and sturdy… Besides, you can sometimes be so frustrated by the crystals, the lumps, the loss of suction, that I was sometimes tempted to throw it against the walls (covered with crystals)…
Warranty
There is a 1-year warranty, which is pretty standard for most machines.
Support
One of the better aspects of this machine is that the customer care is very good. They answer your questions very well and take the time to make sure you understand what they are saying.
This is probably why I feel sorry for them because they are nice but this machine cannot be recommended any longer with that crystal based method… sorry.
Price
The initial cost of this machine is $200, but that isn’t the last of your payment. Every four sessions, you will have to pay $50, which means that the machine will cost you quite a bit in the long run…
Overview
Pros
The machine has several pros:
- Great customer care
- Easy to store and carry
- 1-year warranty
Cons
Now, as you know there are a few cons as well:
- Way too messy
- You ingest crystals
- Too expensive
- Lesser results
- Refills cost a lot of money
Our verdict
I think you pretty know our verdict: this machine gives good results on your skin in terms of exfoliation and it was probably a good unit to consider a few years ago because there was no other better methods out there.
But today, with the great diamond machines we can find, this crystalift machine look completely ridiculous and can definitely not be in our top 3.
I’m still cleaning crystals off the counter of my bathroom, sorry, will talk later….
We recommend you check our 3 most recommended microdermabrasion machines here
Leave a Reply