The Insider's Guide to Facial Cleansing Brushes

When we think about important brushes in our lives, toothbrushes and hairbrushes are crucial tools that keep us looking our best. Yet, for some, a facial cleansing brush is also thought to be in this arsenal. A facial cleansing brush can help rejuvenate your skin by deeply cleansing and exfoliating it.

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, revealing the new and youthful cells beneath. As we age, it takes longer for the cycle to happen resulting in acne, wrinkles, scars, etc. We know that exfoliation combats skin aging and the facial cleansing brush is a result of trying to improve this process. Los Angeles Dermatologist Ava Shamban said in an article for NBC News that, “Touchless options are a great tool to help keep bacteria transfer from fingers to face...However, these home devices are only as good as the care taken by the operator using them.” 

Where to Begin 

The facial cleansing brush, like all products, comes in a huge variety. There are both manual and motorized facial cleansing brushes. They range in color, shape, size, and materials. When deciding on your own facial cleansing brush there are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Ergonomic shape: With any tool that you are going to be using regularly, you want to be sure that it is comfortable to use. Look for brushes that have a form and weight that feels good in your hand. 
• Easy to use: Facial cleansing brushes can have a huge number of different settings and attachments. Look for more simple designs that are easy to not only use but clean as well.
• Bristle type: It seems unanimous that silicone is the superior material for bristles on a facial cleansing brush. Silicone bristles are non-porous, as opposed to nylon bristles, which means that bacteria will not as easily grow on them. The alternative to silicone is nylon bristles, since these are more rigid than silicone brushes they have the potential to more deeply exfoliate however this means they can also more easily and are more likely to damage your skin. 

It is also important to keep in mind that if you have sensitive skin a facial cleansing brush might not be for you. These brushes can be too abrasive for sensitive skin types and can cause micro-tears that leave your skin vulnerable to bacteria and breakouts.

When you do start out with your new brush keep in mind that this new process can cause a breakout. During the first one to two weeks with your brush, many dead skin cells are being removed possibly causing irritation. However, after this short period, your skin will become accustomed to this routine and become much healthier. 

Rules

Once you have your brush, there are a few rules you should follow to get the most out of it: 

1. Hygiene

The biggest danger to these brushes is not cleaning them properly. A dirty facial cleansing brush will do the opposite of its intended purpose. Dirty brushes will spread bacterial over and under the top layer of your skin. Cleaning thoroughly after each use will also prolong the brush’s life.

Use soap or makeup cleanser and warm water before and after you use your facial brush. You can also soak your brush in rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining bacteria. A brush head is typically good for three to four months before it needs to be replaced.

2. Frequency

Dermatologists recommend that you should limit the use of your facial cleansing brush to once or twice a week. These brushes are designed to remove all of your dead skin cells and therefore can be fairly abrasive. Overuse could result in a dry, red and irritated complexion. 

3. Procedure and Pressure

When using a facial cleansing brush or any exfoliator, DO NOT apply a ton of pressure. First, wet the skin and apply your facial cleanser of choice. Then, gently glide the brush over your face in small circles and it will do the work, that's what it was designed to do. When you are finished exfoliating other products like moisturizers will be able to better penetrate into your skin.

4. Type

Keep in mind your skin mood. There is a different tool for all complexions here’s a simple guide that may be helpful:

• Normal skin: A micro-polishing face brush that has a wide variety of heads is a great option!
• Oily skin: A rotating facial brush with silicone bristles would be a good choice. 
• Dry skin: Look for a face brush that comes with a low setting and fine bristles. 
• Sensitive skin: If your skin is sensitive, you can use a sonic brush with antimicrobial protection such as a silicone facial brush. 

Best Facial Cleansing Brush

Since everyone has different skin, there truly is no “best facial cleansing brush” but if you look at your skin and the suggestions for your skin mood it will be easier to narrow down which option might be best for you. Here are a few of the most common ones:

• Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush: This brush features a unique tapered head that lets you target hard to reach areas like beside your nose or on your lower chin. Unlike other brushes that recommend one minute sessions, this brush has a 30-second timer to ensure that you never over-scrub. The major criticism of this product is that customers complain that the brush’s use is short-lived. The product seems to die or break too easily for some shoppers. 
• Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush: This brush features long bristles that give a soft feel. The brush doesn’t just oscillate like other brushes on the market but it vibrates to get a deeper clean. Like the Clinique Brush, customers have said that this brush has a short life and after a few months it stops working or functioning properly.
• Forreo (Our top pick): This brush features tons of small silicone nubs to allow for a throughout yet gentle clean. It’s non-abrasive and very easy to clean. Also, this device lasts for months after a full charge. Forreo delivers around 8,000 T-Sonic pulsations per minute through the silicone touch-points. The T-sonic technology is designed to penetrate deep into the layers of your skin. It also comes in four different colors so you can pick your favorite!

Final Thoughts 

A facial cleansing brush could be just the new tool you’ve been looking for to enhance your skincare routine. With any new addition to your skincare routine, it is important to do your research. Make sure you are getting a product that fits your complexion and follow the rules to keep it functioning at its highest efficiency. 

Written by Kiana St Onge

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