October 16, 2013 at 12:00am AM EDT
Not sure if hand washing your face or using a scrub brush is the way to go? Here are the benefits of both to help you decide.
Related story Today’s Your Last Chance To Get Martha Stewart’s Favorite Face Mask for Only $12 on Amazon
There’s a lot of skin care information out there — too much at times! So when it comes down to actually knowing what regimen works best for your skin type, how do you choose?
To help you decide, here’s a look at the benefits of both hand washing your face and using a scrub brush. After all, we just want clear, sparkling skin, right? Well, here’s how to get it.
Hand wash
This seems like the foolproof method, right? Your mom did it and her mom did it, so why all the fancy technology today? For some skin types (especially sensitive skin), hand washing is still the preferred method. Less agitation causes less irritation to your skin, which makes hand washing a good choice for those prone to breakouts.
The main advantage of hand washing is that you can use the right amount of pressure. From as light as washing by hand to adding a bit more force with a washcloth, it all depends on how much stress your skin can take.
If scrubbing your skin causes irritation, then why is a scrub brush suitable for facial use? Well, a scrub brush like Clarisonic Deep Pore Brush Head uses sonic technology, which is gentle yet effective in cleaning pores thoroughly without damaging skin; try the full solution Clarisonic Deep Pore Detoxifying Solution. That’s what normal to oily skin types need.
Scrub brushes
If you think having sensitive skin rules out ever trying a scrub brush, think again! Those with skin prone to irritation can try using the brush just once or twice a week and still reap the same benefits as do those who use it daily.
The Clarisonic Mia 2 cleansing device has a built-in timer, and once you press the button, the brush will operate for one minute. This allows you to spend the recommended 20 seconds cleansing your forehead, 20 seconds on your nose and chin and 10 seconds on each cheek.
What sets Clarisonic above the others is its effectiveness. Twenty-five percent of users saw reduced pore appearance after just one use, and 93 percent saw increased skin clarity within three days. Try the full Clarisonic Deep Pore Detoxifying Solution.
We got to try one out for a week, and the results were amazing. Check out the before-and-after pictures below!
Before
After
Which types of cleansers are available from Clarisonic?
Deep Pore Daily Cleanser
Acne Daily Clarifying Cleanser
Gentle Hydro Cleanser
(good for sensitive skin)
Refreshing Gel Cleanser
(good for normal and oily skin types)
More on skin care
How to wash your face
correctly
New treatments that fight aging
5 Steps to brighter skin
WHAT IS IT?
A facial cleansing brush is typically a battery operated, handheld device with a bristle head that moves continuously. The constant pressure features make facial cleansing a more effective procedure than the sleepy sudsing we sometimes resort to late at night or in the early morning. When combined with an effective cleanser, brushes cleanse deep into pores, so you'll need fewer extractions during your next facial.
WHAT CAN IT DO TO MY SKIN?
Experts claim these brushes are essential for puffed and clogged skin because they improve facial circulation and lymphatic drainage.
This makes pores look smaller and the exfoliating brushes prepare skin to better absorb hydrating serums.
Despite the seemingly endless list of benefits, cleansing brushes are definitely not right for everyone. Many people use facial brushes incorrectly, choose a setting with too much stimulation, or settle for a brush that is too stiff and causes inflammation. Although there are many gentle options, overuse of brushes disrupts skins pH, which depletes the protective acid mantle and can cause increased oil production. Red, irritated skin is common when using sonic brushes because stiff bristles damage delicate capillaries and cause microabrasions. Especially never use them to remove makeup as they may actually push makeup deeper into your pores–gross!
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
It can cause dryness. "Exfoliating too aggressively and too often can cause dryness and disrupt the skin's lipid barrier," she explains. "This allows moisture to seep out of the cells more easily, causing them to get dehydrated."
It can cause chronic inflammation. Again, if you're using a cleansing brush too often, it can create inflammation—even the kind that's not visible. "It's continually setting up a cascade of free radical damage that triggers premature aging," she says.
It can stimulate melanin activity. Which could ultimately result in increased skin discoloration. "You must use caution with all physical exfoliants including cleansing brushes, wash cloths, and facial scrubs," explains Rouleau. "For skin that is extremely reactive to stimulation, you need to it gently to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation."
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
It removes that top layer of dead skin to improve skin tone. It can be used on both your face and neck, and this along with it's effects to stimulate circulation, will create firmer, more lasting skin. The result?
Reduced wrinkles, soft, healthier skin and a massaging routine that makes for a relaxing end to your day.
Facial brushes are better than anti-aging creams. It works in the same fashion, peeling off dead skin to reveal the youthful glow beneath.
So in a nutshell, facial brushes produce fresh, young skin in the most affordable and natural way possible.
HOW TO USE SO YOU DON'T DAMAGE SKIN:
How can you use a facial brush, reap the benefits and avoid negative effects? The answer is so simple: don't use it too often.
It's recommended that you brush your face, along with a cleanser, two days out of the week. If your skin dries out and your skin tone becomes uneven, take it down to just once a week. If you feel this routine isn't effective, do it three days a week.
Listen to your skin.
If you're using a facial brush, don't use an exfoliant scrub or chemical exfoliant. And if you're using a facial brush, you're using that brush--don't let someone you know, not even a relative, borrow it. Does that go without saying? Probably. But it has to be said just in case.
The best time to use your facial brush is at night. This way, you remove the slough and environmental pollution from the day.
HAPPY SCRUBBING!
sources: //stackedskincare.com/blogs/news ; //www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news ; //bellatory.com/skin/
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