Think your skin is clean?

31 January 2016

By Fashion Quarterly

It used to be about finding the best cleanser to wash your way to smooth-as skin. But now, as Bree Grant finds, nothing beats  the “brrr” of a skin-buffing brush.

Do you ever wonder  why your serums and moisturisers just aren’t working?

Maybe you put it down to the fact that a particular cream isn’t right for you. You try another, but it doesn’t do much either. Ugh. What’s going on?

Science says that the problem might lie in how you’re cleansing, not just what you’re using. According to scientist and global innovation expert for Skin Inc Dr Shekhar Mitra, if you don’t cleanse your face properly, only around one per cent of a product’s beneficial ingredients actually goes into the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). This means that you’ve got less chance of achieving the flawless complexion you’ve been dreaming about. Cue the sonic cleansing brush.

What is sonic cleansing?

“Sonic technology is clinically proven to cleanse the skin six times better than hands alone,” explains founder and creator of Clarisonic Dr Robb Akridge. “The sonic method works with the skin’s natural elasticity to thoroughly cleanse and go under the skin’s surface. This transforms the texture, reduces pore size and creates a smoother, softer and more radiant complexion.” And that’s what we all want, right? He tells us how the bristles help to softly penetrate the skin’s natural barriers and remove anything topical that is blocking serums, creams and moisturisers from settling deeper into the epidermis. This brushing allows your skin to be around 50 per cent more receptive to  the beauty-boosting ingredients of your products, which can help to improve overall complexion over time.
I decided to test the sonic cleansing brush after my usual cleanse to see how much make-up was still left on my face. I was mid-cleanse when I caught a glimpse at the brush and was shocked to see it was caked with foundation. I always thought my skin was clean after completing my usual routine but, man, was I wrong.

How does it work?

When you switch it on, the brush spins  at sonic speed, producing on average 200-300 movements per second. This gently opens up the pores and helps to extract impurities and regenerate the skin cells. Use the brush in a circular motion like you apply your cleansing products, starting at your forehead and then gently make your way around the face. This allows the vibrations to stimulate blood flow as well as increase oxygen levels in your skin. The built-in timer turns the brush off after just a minute; this works to prevent you from over-cleansing. If you have sensitive skin, it’s recommended that you only use it once or twice a week. And if you start to break out? Hang up the brush until you skin clears up.

The skin doctor’s orders:

1. Always use a cleanser that is suited to your skin type and only ever apply just a dab of cleanser to the tip of the brush head.
2. Turn the brush on and start at your forehead and move the brush slowly in a circular motion, gently around the face and often problematic nose area.
3. Don’t be tempted to over cleanse your skin. One minute a day is more than enough, preferably in the evening.
4. Apply a moisturiser or serum after cleansing your face for deeper penetration into the skin.

Cleansing tips:

Wash the brush head weekly with warm water and soap, or sterilise it for a minute  or two in boiling water.

Change your brush head at least once every three months.

You want to give the sonic cleanse a spin? Well, try these hand-held beauties.

For the babe on a budget: Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System, $34.99.

For the short-term saver: Clinique  Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Patterned Brush, $165.

For the savvy spender: Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush, $225.