??? for Clarisonic Skincare Brush users...
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Mon Feb 01, 2010 8:43 am

I recently ordered a Clarisonic Skincare Brush after reading all the rave reviews. However, I have read quite a few reviews where people have mentioned when they initially begin using the Clarisonic Skincare Brush, they sometimes break out...?!? Is this true for most people or just in random cases?

Thanks!

free skin care · Mon Feb 01, 2010 10:10 am

chellelynn,

I don't own a clairsonic but have something similar it's a simple microdermabrasion hand held. I just never have broken out but here is what I have learned over the years!
Anything that renews and decongests the skin CAN initially cause a short period of breakouts before the skin starts looking better!
You see this reported with OCM (oil cleansing method) Retin A and the clairsonic along with other products! Even a facial at an esty can bring those nasties to the surface.
It's commonly called a purging stage, where things get worse before getting better, but that's just an appearance issue, it's actually a good thing if you stick it out as it is getting rid of built up dead skin cells, sebum and just crud in the skin!

HTH
DM Smile

free skin care · Mon Feb 01, 2010 11:35 am

I've used my Clarisonic brush for a few years now and I LOVE it! However, I too was scared to order after reading some reviews where people said it caused them to break out---- I probably would have never even gotten up the guts to order it in the first place if my good pal Vonstella hadn't called me up raving about it, LOL! (Thanks, VS!) Personally I had NO problems with break outs after using it--- my skin just got better and better each time. It also helped existing breakouts heal. Everyone's skin is different, though, so while I would absolutely recommend buying it like, yesterday, I'd also recommend getting it from a place like Sephora that will take it back no questions asked if it doesn't work out for you.

free skin care · Mon Feb 01, 2010 1:15 pm

Both my husband and I have been using Clarisonic for about 2 years now and we love it. When I first started using it my skin looked great for about a week or so, then I did get a series of breakouts on and off for about a month. After that my skin cleared up and has never broken out again (other than the occasional PMS pimple!)

My husband never experienced any break-outs and his skin adjusted quickly from the sensitive brush to the brush for normal skin.

I put the Clarisonic brush on my small list of excellent purchases that actually do what they claim they do. My skin definitely looks smoother and more youthful since Clarisonic

free skin care · Mon Feb 01, 2010 1:25 pm

i have 6 clarisonic units... use them on my face and body. i've never broken out from them. this "breakout from clarisonic" is very puzzling to me. its a wonderful and versatile tool. i highly recommend and am positive you'll

it!

free skin care · Mon Feb 01, 2010 4:31 pm

Hi, I have had one for a few years now, never noticed when I first used it an increase in breakouts, I use it daily and still love it. Very Happy

free skin care · Mon Feb 01, 2010 4:49 pm

lipglossdoll wrote:

Hi, I have had one for a few years now, never noticed when I first used it an increase in breakouts, I use it daily and still love it. Very Happy

OK I was just saying that anything that really deeply stimulates and cleanses the skin MAY cause breakouts in the beginning not that it definitely would! I think it's best to be prepared for the possibility that's all! Smile

This is one product I may consider buying in the near future, so please don't think I am knocking it, as I said if there is a lot of congestion in the skin that period of breaking out is actually a good thing as it is ridding the skin of built up nasties!

DM Smile

free skin care · Mon Feb 01, 2010 5:14 pm

Dm,
i hope you do get to buy it!
the thing rocks! not only do you use it on your face... which you may not cuz you're doing the oil cleansing method,...

but this is great for exfoliating and cleaning the gentle neck area, back of the neck...

i use this for everything! i love it.
i take it in the shower, in the bath, and you can even use it to do dry brushing... and even body lotion application.

when i feel extra stinky, i gobb on shower gel and stick under my arm pits and let it go to work! Laughing

i'm excited for you! i hope you get to try it!

Tue Feb 02, 2010 6:33 am

Thanks for sharing your experiences and all your input ladies!

I received my Clarisonic in the mail yesterday and was excited to try it last night, but it has to charge for 24 hours before I can use it for the first time. Because I had been using Retin A until a few days ago, I am not too worried about the initial purging period I have read some people experience. I definitely went through a purging period when I began using Retin A, so hopefully there will not be any issues.

After trying the Clarisonic, I will definitely write a review and keep everyone posted about my results and progress!!!

Thanks again ladies for all your fabulous and informative responses to my question! As usual, I really appreciate all the great help and information I learn on this board!

free skin care · Tue Feb 02, 2010 6:39 am

chellelynn wrote:

Thanks for sharing your experiences and all your input ladies!

I received my Clarisonic in the mail yesterday and was excited to try it last night, but it has to charge for 24 hours before I can use it for the first time. Because I had been using Retin A until a few days ago, I am not too worried about the initial purging period I have read some people experience. I definitely went through a purging period when I began using Retin A, so hopefully there will not be any issues.

After trying the Clarisonic, I will definitely write a review and keep everyone posted about my results and progress!!!

Thanks again ladies for all your fabulous and informative responses to my question! As usual, I really appreciate all the great help and information I learn on this board!

Chellelynn, I just got my Mia maybe 1 week ago? I have not had any purging with it at all. I will say that it seems to be twice a day is too much for me, as my skin seemed to really dry out, which is very unusual for me. I am not sure if that is part of the process or not though?

Aren't the 24 hours of wait a real killer? Good luck with it. I love mine so far.

free skin care · Tue Feb 02, 2010 8:13 am

Chellelynn,I have had the clarisonic for 1 1/2 years now and still love it. I like you used it for about 2 months before I started Obagi nuderm and used the whole time,it was one of the things that helped me through as well as Riley's help,but I don't remember any breakout if anything it helped clear up,but everyone is differnt.
Riley, what kind of cleanser are you using? My skin was alittle dry and I used cetaphil in the morning and my obagi cleaner at night only and that worked for me.

Tue Feb 02, 2010 8:22 am

rileygirl wrote:

chellelynn wrote:

Thanks for sharing your experiences and all your input ladies!

I received my Clarisonic in the mail yesterday and was excited to try it last night, but it has to charge for 24 hours before I can use it for the first time. Because I had been using Retin A until a few days ago, I am not too worried about the initial purging period I have read some people experience. I definitely went through a purging period when I began using Retin A, so hopefully there will not be any issues.

After trying the Clarisonic, I will definitely write a review and keep everyone posted about my results and progress!!!

Thanks again ladies for all your fabulous and informative responses to my question! As usual, I really appreciate all the great help and information I learn on this board!

Chellelynn, I just got my Mia maybe 1 week ago? I have not had any purging with it at all. I will say that it seems to be twice a day is too much for me, as my skin seemed to really dry out, which is very unusual for me. I am not sure if that is part of the process or not though?

Aren't the 24 hours of wait a real killer? Good luck with it. I love mine so far.

Ha ha, yes the 24 hour wait is killer! I was ready to get down to business as soon as I opened the package yesterday evening!

free skin care · Tue Feb 02, 2010 10:00 am

Leggy 61 wrote:

Riley, what kind of cleanser are you using? My skin was alittle dry and I used cetaphil in the morning and my obagi cleaner at night only and that worked for me.

Leggy, I am using the sample cleanser that came with the Mia. I believe it is the gentle or sensitive skin cleanser. It reminds me of Cetaphil. I also use the Obagi CRX cleanser with it!

free skin care · Thu Feb 04, 2010 4:19 am

Hi!

I had really bad skin when I started using the Mia so it's hard to say if I got more.

However, I did notice that a lot of comedonal acne started getting heads and I could start seeing the openings of the clogged pores as the sebum plug started sticking out. Sorry, totally gross. I can see how people would say they may experience a breakout when they first start using it. A pimple takes at least 5 days before we even know it's there so chances are that the pimple was already there but the Clarisonic just brought it up sooner.

Thu Feb 04, 2010 10:33 am

I have been using the Clairsonic (with the senstive skin brush head) for a few years and I haven't had any problems. I have found that by limiting my use of the Clairsonic to four times per week I can keep breakouts at bay and not overstress my skin by constantly brushing it.

I think overusing the brush is a huge mistake and I don't think it's good for your skin over the long haul. Also, I wouldn't press or grind the brush into your skin as the rotation of the bristles itself is enough to slough off dead skin cells. Anything too aggressive is overkill.

free skin care · Thu Feb 04, 2010 5:01 pm

indira wrote:

I have been using the Clairsonic (with the senstive skin brush head) for a few years and I haven't had any problems. I have found that by limiting my use of the Clairsonic to four times per week I can keep breakouts at bay and not overstress my skin by constantly brushing it.

I think overusing the brush is a huge mistake and I don't think it's good for your skin over the long haul. Also, I wouldn't press or grind the brush into your skin as the rotation of the bristles itself is enough to slough off dead skin cells. Anything too aggressive is overkill.

definitely, if used too aggressively or too frequent this is a machine that can do damage to your skin, making it very thin.

when used moderately it is a wonderful beauty tool.

free skin care · Sat Feb 06, 2010 8:26 am

i am confused- isn't the concept of the skin brushing that it makes the skin thicker? Are you just saying that 'excessive' overuse would have the opposite effect? hope so Smile

does anyone think the TreSonics version of this would be just as effective at a far cheaper price or do you think you get what you pay for where this type of device is concerned?

After just shelling out for an AALS led and STOP RF device i've had to take the cheaper option with this since I liked the product! Confused

free skin care · Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:19 am

Pollyanna wrote:

i am confused- isn't the concept of the skin brushing that it makes the skin thicker? Are you just saying that 'excessive' overuse would have the opposite effect? hope so Smile

does anyone think the TreSonics version of this would be just as effective at a far cheaper price or do you think you get what you pay for where this type of device is concerned?

After just shelling out for an AALS led and STOP RF device i've had to take the cheaper option with this since I liked the product! Confused

in my opinion, yes, with excessive use it will make your skin thinner. this is considering that you are using it excessively and not giving your body time to recuperate. this is different for different pple, as there are differences in skin type and health conditions. myself and 2 other girlfriends have found that 'excess is not a good thing'. anyone else have input on this?

i've had my clarisonic classic for 1 yr, and my mia for about 6 month, and my plus and pro for 4 months. i don't have the tresonic, but i know that the clarisonics are sturdy gadgets. i've dropped them in the shower, in the tub, in the sink, and on the floor many times and they still keep going. anyone else?
HTH

free skin care · Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:50 pm

I've dropped mine, not on purpose, but still the same shattering clunk clunk clunk as it rattles through the shower/bath/sink. I was mortified at the thought that I'd dropped it most probably because of the cost of having to replace it and also not having anywhere to fix it in Australia.

My Mia still works perfectly. It's a sturdy little thing. I imagine it does have a limit and am trying not to drop it anymore hahaha

free skin care · Sun Feb 07, 2010 12:24 am

once i was in the shower and in a rush... i was hopping around trying to zip through my shower when i dropped my classic. it hit the shower floor, then i accidentally kicked it, it flew out, hitting the wall, bouncing to the tiolet, and when i slip slided out with bubbles all over me to pick it up, i dropped it again!

its a surviver... has 2 small black spots but works like new! Laughing

free skin care · Sun Mar 07, 2010 1:32 pm

I've had my Clarisonic since last October 2009, when it became available in the UK. The brush it came with, from Space NK,I now know was the sensitive one, as the three months of use on it were up, I ordered a NORMAL brush, & despite instructions to the contrary, used this on the high speed setting 3 Cool

(I have the Clarisonic that can do the body too, with 3 speeds, not the basic face model, 3rd speed is meant for body only).

Working with this system, has shown better results Laughing

, clearer skin, less break-outs, better anti-pore clogging in nose sides & chin - but messier bathroom Shock

due to high speed spray mess.

My skin likes quite rough treatment, so I am not suggesting this would suit you sensitive skinned girls, but it certainly stepped up my thoughts on its capabilities using it like this. I would not return to ordinary washing. Although I often only use it at night, not always in the morning, as at 52, my skin is a little drier now than in my oily youth.

free skin care · Sun Mar 07, 2010 9:57 pm

I've had mine for about a month. It made my skin quite dry and irritated using it daily, so I've cut back to 1-2x per week for face since my skin turnover is probably already good enough.

I love using the body attachment though - the pulse setting is nice, and I have more dead skin on my body.

Tue Mar 09, 2010 7:37 am

Your postings have given me some hope that this machine will be worth it in the end. I'm a 40 year old woman who has been experiencing some congestion in the nose and chin area, and breakouts on the chin. After deliberating over the clarisonic, I finally bit the bullet about a month ago and bought it. The first week, I was excited. And then the eruptions started. Finally, it seems to have subsided a bit, but I'm not confident that they won't recur. I do agree that my skin is overall smoother and more receptive to serums and lotions. However, it wasn't until this last week (and upping the frequency of my Bliss Steep Clean) that I've seen a difference in pore congestion. I also lightened up on the touch and tried not to push down so hard. So, we'll see.

Can anyone give PRECISE (sorry for the caps) directions on how to hold the device against the skin? How lightly should it be on? How fast should I move it in circles? It seems to be a bit of an art to getting it right.

free skin care · Tue Mar 09, 2010 7:47 am

Hi Angus 1, there is a good clip of someone using the Clarisonic on youtube if you search, you will see that the motion is quite slow - it is tempting to zoom around too quickly.

Also, expect some eruptions at the start of use, also some funny pin head bumps, like deep down black heads trying to escape. I had read of this on Amazon.com on some poeple's reviews of the Clarisonic, prior to my purchase & so was ready for it to happen. This occured in my chin fold below the lower lip & also each side of my nose. Once this stage has passed it is glowing skin all the way Laughing

It has all cleared now, and as mentioned above, I get on better with the highest speed. Take care not to use a drying wash if you are prone to dryness, something gentle, I use Decleor whitening wash or Decleor foaming wash most of the time, with occasional forays into stronger washes if I feel my skin needs it.

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