You've Been Using Your Clarisonic Wrong This Whole Time

Finding the best products to keep your face breakout-, shine-, and wrinkle-free (I'm still looking for the miracle cure for crow's feet) is a commitment. Reading users' reviews and lists of ingredients, along with saving up for that device or magic elixir, takes so much time. That's why many of us immediately purchased a version of the Clarisonic several years ago after hearing others rave about the system that boasts improving skin texture and tone, and minimizing pores, per Skin Spirit.

Fast-forward to today and many of us have stopped using the handheld device because the company went out of business in 2020 and we don't know where to buy replacement brush heads (Amazon and CurrentBody still carry these products). But die-hard Clarisonic fans continue to use it in their skincare routines, per Allure.

If you're still using a Clarisonic, you might have been using it wrong this whole time. Let's find out how to get the most out of this facial cleansing device.

Adding a cleaning brush to your skin routine is pretty simple. Just apply your face cleanser to wet skin and move the brush in circular motions. However, there are a few essential steps that take the brush to the next level. For one, an appropriate brush head for your skin type is a must.

There are several cleansing brushes to choose from. But be mindful of your skin type before adding the selected bush head to your shopping cart. I personally use the deep pore and the radiance brush heads for my Mia 2. Other brush head variations include sensitive, delicate skin, acne cleansing, cashmere cleanse, smart dynamic, and the men's daily cleanse (via Ulta Beauty).

Once you have the right brush head for your skin, ensure your daily facial cleanser is working with you and not against you, per Skincare.com. Hopefully, you've found the perfect daily cleanser for your sensitive, oily, or combination skin but if you have yet to find a favorite, here's a post on the best drugstore face washes and cleansers.

Another thing to note is brush heads should be replaced every three months because the bristles wear down, making them less effective. This may be the perfect time to try out another type of brush head if your current go-to isn't doing its job.

Like all things in life, moderation is key with electronic face brushes. Although the Clarisonic is designed to be gentle enough to be used twice a day, you may have to cut back if your skin is sensitive, per Bustle. Signs that you may be overdoing it include more breakouts on your face, increased redness or dry, flaky skin, inflammation, or irritation, according to Stylecaster. 

And when you do discover just how many times you can use the Clarisonic per day without angering your skin, make sure to not apply too much pressure when washing your face. Scrubbing your skin harder doesn't always mean it's getting cleaner, especially when it comes to using a Clarisonic. 

According to Stylecaster, applying too much pressure when washing your face with a Clarisonic can cancel out what the device is designed to do: effectively and efficiently clean your skin.

Remember to keep your Clarisonic clean, and take time to give it a good deep clean when needed. A good way to remember to clean your device is to think of them the same way as you do your makeup brushes, which you should be cleaning weekly, if not more, per Elle. No one wants contaminated bristles of any kind, especially when it comes to your face.

According to Bustle, the facial device handle and the brush head should be cleaned at least once a week with warm, soapy water. Ensuring your Clarisonic is properly cleaned is a must for better skin cleansing, and it also protects your skin from rash and inflammation, according to Allure.

Of course, it's important to clean your brush if there's a buildup on the brush or handle, too, per Allure. Finding the extra time to take the brush apart to clean the bristles, the handle, and the inner portion of the device, which is under the centerpiece (so much gunk!) may be a pain, but it's worth it for better skin.

Now that you know how to properly use your Clarisonic, healthier skin is in your future. Happy cleansing!