How to use the Clarisonic Brush
The Clarisonic Brush is a great gentle exfoliator that is now an indispensable part of my skin care routine. I've been asked to give a little tutorial on how to use it. I myself am entirely self-taught (or deluded) so here goes - but do wade in with comments if you've picked better habits.
The first thing to do when you get your Clarisonic brush is to ditch the cleanser that it comes with. I can no longer remember what is in it, but it isn't going to be the thing that gets your complexion glowing. Replace it as soon as you can with the cleanser or your choice.
The Clarisonic can be used on dry skin, or damp skin with a cleanser. I prefer to use it on dry skin and follow by washing my face and neck. There are now three brush heads available (us early adopters only had two to choose from). I use the white one on my face and neck and the gray one on my body. The new blue brush is for sensitive skin. Even though sensitive is my middle name, I've never felt and discomfort from using the white brush on my tender cheeks.
And the thing is, don't be all tentative about it. My first experience of the Clarisonic was in a spa and the esthetician took to it with a firm hand. The idea is to be deliberate, but brief. Brushing your entire face and neck should only take about 60 seconds or so.
And no lingering, keep moving over the face. You can go back and forth if you need to, but don't keep at any one area or you might get sore and inflamed. And anyway, don't forget the brush head is spinning away (well oscillating to be precise) at oscillating back and forth at a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second. So you don't need to scrub!. It's hard to say what I mean by firm and deliberate, but the closest I can come to is that it's a similar pressure to rubbing your skin with a washcloth.
Concentrate on brushing sections of your face: across the forehead, upwards along your cheeks, the chin and over your nose. Making sure that you brush your nose area thoroughly to get at those enlarged pores is the only uncomfortable part of the process - at least for me - as it really tickles.
Swapping the white head for the gray you can continue on your body - dry or wet, as you prefer. I think the real reason I use it in the shower is to save time.
I use my Clarisonic on my face about five times a week - the other days I usually use an exfoliating cream or mask. I alternate days when I use it in the shower: body scrub one day, brush with Japanese Charcoal Cleanser the next.
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Marta,
As you know I have been a fan (and devoted user) of the Clarisonic since you introduced me to it a year ago. I'm interested to learn that you recommend brushing on dry skin: I always use it after washing my face (to remove makeup), i.e., on skin that is "clean" and damp. I will have to try your approach. I was also wondering how often I should replace the brush head--I too use the "regular" white one on my face, just about every day. Thanks again for a great find!
Posted on April 9, 2009 at 4:48 am
I've had mine for about a month, after seeing it recommended here and think it's wonderful. My skin (which is very sensitive and old) is looking radiant and very clear. I use it in the evening with the Tracie Martyn cleanser and it takes every scrap of makeup off leaving a very smooth surface to soak up all the night creams and potions I apply. I haven't ever used it dry but may now give it a whirl.
Posted on April 9, 2009 at 5:46 am
Hello Emily and Sarah,
I think you have to experiment with dry/damp and find out what works for you. Now as for how often to replace brush heads. Ha. I've been thinking about this. Clarisonic recommends 90 days. Call me cynical, but this sounds like the Gillette model of encouraging us to buy more blades by some in-built obsolescence. Or Brita water filters which have a built-in countdown showing you when to throw out the old filter. Personally, I always add on another week or so in these cases and will probably eke by brushes for more than 90 days. Come to think of it, I've been using my brushes since last summer and haven't even thought about replacing them.
What have other people found?
Posted on April 9, 2009 at 5:58 am
Just curious ...how do you clean the brush? Would germs start collecting? Thanksss!
Posted on April 9, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Good question. I rub a bit of my facial cleanser in and run it under the faucet. Seems inadequate though. When I'm due for a new one, I might experiment with putting it in the dishwasher and see if it survives.
Posted on April 10, 2009 at 2:20 am
I don't have one of these brushes (I am saving up though), but I often use hydrogen peroxide to rinse out toothbrushes, etc. It's low cost and non-toxic. If that proves too acidic for the brushes, you could always try baking soda or vinegar. I use these all the time for cleaning stuff. Just a thought.
Posted on April 10, 2009 at 2:43 am
Colloidal silver would work well to keep the brush clean. I always keep some in a spray bottle to spray on things I want to know are antiseptically clean- kitchen sponges, water bottles, cutting boards, all over in the shower... like that. =)
Posted on April 10, 2009 at 9:15 am
I have been using the Clarisonic for about 3 months and have noticed a big difference with diminished pores and a smoother look. I've not tried it dry tho so may give it a try. The cleaner I use is very gentle from Doctor's Choice and works well with the Clarisonic. But I always change my cleanser regimen when the container runs out. I just do not stick with one brand. Too many out there to choose and experiment with.
Posted on October 28, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Very helpful.. Can I ask you though, which facial cleanser do you suggest to use with the Clarisonic?
Posted on May 13, 2010 at 10:22 am
Amy, I don't use it with a cleanser. I use the Clarisonic on my dry face prior to using a cleanser (which these days is either Nutra-Lift Non Soap, Nurture My Body or Epicuren's milk cleanser
Posted on May 13, 2010 at 11:12 am
The reason that they recommend replacing the brushes is not just for monetary gain. The sonicare toothbrushes recommend the same thing. The reason being, after you use the brushes for that long, they start to get frayed edges, which can cause gum and skin damage. The fraying is not something you can see with your naked eye. Since the brush is moving so fast, it's important to make sure you aren't using a worn out brush.
Posted on November 21, 2010 at 10:59 am
I just had to go back to this write up and comment. I have had my Clarisonic for a few months and absolutely love it! I believe I am truly addicted because if I forget to charge it and discover it has no power when I try to use it, I get the shakes! I have had acne prone skin since adolescence and have tried way too many products unsuccessfully until now. I have not had a single annoying pimple since I started using this(with the exception of those caused by Meaningless Beauty). SO happy I read about it on TIA!!!!
Posted on December 14, 2010 at 1:11 pm
I have the latest version that comes with a bigger brush for body. One of the best things about daily dry brushing is that it keeps breakouts on my shoulders at bay.
Posted on December 14, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Marta,
Can you use the original version on your body? I can't afford a new one at this point and would love to be able to multi task with the existing one.
Thanks,
Stephanie
Posted on December 15, 2010 at 10:22 am
Marta I have not even tried it on my body. I am so in love with it on my face that I do 2 cycles each time... hopefully that's not a bad thing!
Posted on December 15, 2010 at 1:44 pm
The clarisonic cleansers are excellent. Paraben free. Gentle. You can use your own cleansers but I find nothing wrong with the cleansers especially the body exfoliator.
Posted on October 18, 2011 at 6:31 pm