OK I actually looked up the difference & this site http://www.dermapower.com/history-of-microdermabrasion.html says this: "The standard current dermabrasion technique employs a small hand-held electrically powered device that rotates a wire brush or diamond-coated stainless steel wheel at speeds of 15,000-30,000 rpm. By using a combination of oral sedatives, local anesthetics, injections of narcotic pain medications and topical spray refrigerants, this procedure can be done in an outpatient setting. A precisely controlled abrasion is performed which results in an open wound that heals with fresh, new skin after a short period of time. Preventing infection and achieving rapid healing requires vigilant daily wound care and dressing changes until complete healing occurs, usually by 7-10 days. During this interval, most patients can not function at their normal work or social activities and most patients rest at home through the healing period. Since the early 1990's a variety of Laser devices are the instruments of choice to perform controlled skin dermabrasions, or what now is known as Laser Skin Resurfacing. The Crystal Microdermabrasion system is an Italian invention with FDA approval in America (1997). It is a medical unit which should be supervised by a medical practitioner or well trained aesthetician, under medical guidance. A home microdermabrasion is a safe, controlled and painless procedure. A controlled microdermabrasion treatment is: Precise and carried out on localized areas. Not dangerous or painful. Results are very successful and lasting Applied on any type of skin. Microdermabrasion is performed with a jet of micro crystals vacuumed with a handpiece across the skins surface at high to remove the dead and damaged cells. The therapist can control the depth of the abrasion. Topical anesthesia is not required."

Sandy, I just posted about the same thing. I should look at the posts before posting. Check my post above yours. You'll see where another product was tested at 9.8 out of 10.0 and StriVectin-SD at 9.0.

I've used Strivectin and there has been a definite erasing of some of my crows feet and wrinkles in my cheeks. I found a less expensive version, Strixaderm advertised in the newspaper from AMS Marketing (I think) 3 tubes for about 160. I seem to remember that there was no time limit on your guarantee but I'm not returning it. I also use Avon Clinical Wrinkle corrector which is a very nice moisturizer cream. I'm over 70 and people are always asking me where I work. Wish I could find something that lubricates my bones better.

I tried it twice in the stores. Never bought it. When they give you the whole makeover at the counter they pressure you to buy a kit. I told them I wanted to WEAR it for a while, while I shopped, to see how I like it and then I would come back if I wanted to buy it. They did not like that. The first time it was a hot and sweaty day. The stuff itched terribly. I thought it looked cakey. The second time the weather was fair. Later I was at a restaurant and I noticed the white cloth napkin was full of make-up smears. Gross. While I was at the store the second time, a woman who was with a friend who was trying it, told me she liked the product, but that no matter how careful you are it gets all over the bathroom, even up in the lights. I remember reading that someone had posted that here too. They try to pressure you into buying their brushes as if they are different from any other make-up brushes. I told them I already have lots of brushes and the salesclerk gave me a ridiculous story about how the hairs on their brand are from a special animal and the hairs are cut to "pick up the powder" like as if other brushes do not do that. Whenever I come across a high pressure sales person I am tuned off. When they start lying I just leave.