Has anyone tried Clarisonic?

[rosesarered]

Curious whether anybody's given the Clarisonic cleaning brush a try. Their site has some impressive before and after photos of rosacea patients who've used the brush:

http://www.clarisonic.com/discover/before_after.html?tabSelected=Disorders

Everything about using mechanical bristles on my sensitive skin sounds wrong, and the Clarisonic is ludicrously expensive, but those photos really are intriguing.

It's intersting... on their website they have some impressive before/after shots... but they also have a warning, elsewhere on the site saying "DO NOT use this product if you have rosacea" VERY confusing.

But, it looks promosing none the less, and lots of online reviews make it sounds great.. though I really would like to hear how it affects rosacea for real.

[rosesarered]

I saw that warning, too, with the accompanying disclaimer "unless advised to do so by a physician." I assume they're just covering their rears, but still, I agree that it's a little strange.

They mention that they plan to do some more extensive clinical studies on the use of Clarisonic to treat rosacea. I wonder when they'll start those.

[Yvette]

Hi -

I bought the Clarisonic brush about a week or two ago. I was nervous to use it at first because I did see conflicting notes about whether it's okay for Rosacea. On the Clarisonic website it does have some pic's for those with Rosacea and mild acne and that it's okay to use. However, in the brochure that comes with the Clarisonic, it stated, if you have a skin condition (which Rosacea and acne are especially named) ask your health care professional before use.

I asked my Derm's office (P.A.) and she hadn't heard of it. Even my esthetician hadn't heard of it. Both my Derm. and esthetician said to be cautious and don't be over zealous with it. The brush comes with a sensitive brush and a normal skin brush. It says you can use twice a day. I've used only once a day, mainly in the morning, and it does seem to do a better job cleansing my skin versus by hand. The sensitive brush is very soft and doesn't irritate. If I have a pimple (one with fluid) I avoid brushing. I wouldn't recommend at all if you have active acne or pustular bumps; if pimples somehow pop while using the brush the germs will get on the brush and you can carry them to other areas of the face and more acne could result. Overall, my face is MUCH softer and cleaner after use. After I clean my face with the Clarisonic, I give my face several splashes of water. I rinse the brush in hot water each time and deep clean (in antibacterial soap) every few days. Over the past week, the texture of my skin has improved and my pores are cleaner. I don't have any increased redness or irritation. My makeup goes on better and lasts longer too.

I will update if any adverse results but otherwise I'm pleased so far. Let me know if you have questions.

Yvette

[phlika29]

Personally I would not risk it on my skin. I used exfoliators for a few years and they made my rosacea alot worse. I think if you use it and it makes your skin red at all then I think its not for you.

It was discussed in the David Pascoe's rosacea news last month:

http://rosacea.ii.net/news/2007/02/cleansing-your-sd-skin-with-sonic-brush.html

[Yvette]

Hi -

I just want to add the sensitive brush is very soft and when used it feels like a soft plushy towel is cleaning your face. Previously, I washed using my hands, but found sometimes my face wasn't really clean. The brush bristles move in circular oscillating motions to work "with your skin" versus pulling it. The slight bumps (probably clogged pores) I had on my jawline a few weeks ago are nearly gone. My face is definitely smoother and I have less bumps and clogged pores. I still get a few breakouts on my chin and try to avoid using the Clarisonic on this area until healed. When using, I use a very gentle non-soap cleanser (MD Forte non soap cleanser or Christine Chin sulfate free Ultra Calming Gel cleanser).

I do agree, it may not be good for all skin types, and definitely not for use with moderate/severe acne or pustules.

[kip]

I find that washing my face gently using my hands doesn't really get the clogged pores clean. I've been searching for mild exfoliating products trying to find something that will be gentle and unclog pores. It's not easy. This does sound interesting, hope the cost isn't too high. I'd be willing to try it. How long have you been using it? Does it really unclog pores? Does it have any effect on pore size?

[rosesarered]

Yvette, thanks for reporting on your experience with the brush so far. You inspired me to give it a shot. I just tried it out for the first time last night, and so far I've very pleased-- fewer tiny flakes on my dry/eczema skin, and reduced inflammation! No initial redness from the brush at all, so thus far it doesn't seem too abrasive at all for my skin.

Hopefully I'll continue to see results over the next few weeks-- one unfortunate lesson I've learned with rosacea is that what my skin likes for one week it might not like for two. I'll be sure to report back either way.

[Yvette]

Hi there,

I think the Clarisonic cost me $175 - ouch. But I do think it cleans my skin a little better than my hands, and gives it a smoother finish. I think using every other day would be good too. However, if I'm breaking out, I don't use it on those areas. The directions list several "do not use if"..... especially after facial treatments, if your skin is compromised and irritated, etc. I just had an IPL treatment this past Monday and haven't used the Clarisonic this week. Since my skin is a little more sensitive and in healing mode.. Will use next week.

Glad to hearing it's working for those who bought it. I'll let you know if I have any updates with continued use.

Yvette

[moomy]

Just had a look on the website. I think the before and after pictures are misleading given that the beofre picture was taken 4 weeks after the metrogel and erythromycin, and the second after 6 or 8 weeks of the above meds and 2-4 weeks of the brush.

I know metrogel takes about 6 to 8 weeks to have a good result (not sure about erythromycin), so the improvement could be totally down to the meds.

http://www.clarisonic.com/pdfs/research/studies/RosaceaCaseStudy.pdf


This also seems very expensive, is it just a moving brush (like an electric toothbrush??)

[kip]

I really am thinking about getting this but has anyone noticed any increase in capillaries? I did read reviews and one person thought the sensitive skin brush might be too harsh and cause broken capilliaries. I need to avoid that.

[rosesarered]

Just had a look on the website. I think the before and after pictures are misleading given that the beofre picture was taken 4 weeks after the metrogel and erythromycin, and the second after 6 or 8 weeks of the above meds and 2-4 weeks of the brush.

I know metrogel takes about 6 to 8 weeks to have a good result (not sure about erythromycin), so the improvement could be totally down to the meds.

http://www.clarisonic.com/pdfs/research/studies/RosaceaCaseStudy.pdf


This also seems very expensive, is it just a moving brush (like an electric toothbrush??)

Hi Moomy,

I think the other Rosacea study involving the Clarisonic is a little more persuasive, since the subjects used only OTC anti-aging products rather than Rosacea meds: http://www.clarisonic.com/pdfs/research/studies/RosaceaGentlenessStudy.pdf

But I should really say "less skepticism inducing" rather than more persuasive. There's no doubt that more extensive studies need to be done on this, and that the researchers need to avoid exactly the problem you point out.

As for the cost-- I think that yes, it's pretty outrageously expensive. On the upside, it's a nicely-made piece of equipment, and it does come with a 30-day money back guarantee, which doesn't really help with the pain of the initial outlay, but at least offers some reassurance that if things go wrong you're not stuck with another pricey rosacea investment.

At any rate, it continues to seem to improve my skin pretty dramatically. I'll say just briefly what my own skin is like, in the hopes that that might help others considering Clarisonic decide whether it'd be right for them. I have dry, dry skin with tiny flakes on my cheeks and nose. I have enlarged pores on my cheeks, and some permanent redness, accompanied by occasional flushes. In the past, my skin has responded favorably to exfoliants like Pond's Purely Polished when VERY gently, carefully, and infrequently applied. My skin's response to the exfoliant was one of the things that made me optimistic about Clarisonic, which seemed like a much gentler and chemical-free way to accomplish the same ends.

I'll try to post some progress photos in another week or so, assuming things are still going well :)

[rosesarered]

I really am thinking about getting this but has anyone noticed any increase in capillaries? I did read reviews and one person thought the sensitive skin brush might be too harsh and cause broken capilliaries. I need to avoid that.

Hi Kip,

I definitely get broken caps sometimes, so this is something I'll keep an eye out for as I continue to experiment with the Clarisonic over the next couple weeks. Needless to say, a positive result (i.e., I do get broken caps from the brush) would argue more strongly against the brush than a negative result would argue in favor of the brush, since I might not be as prone to broken caps as other people-- but I'll keep this on my list of things to pay attention to. :)

[az21300]

hey everyone,

i have been using the clarisonic brush for about a month and a half now. its amazing. it comes with a sensitive brush and and normal brush. i have now worked my way up to the normal brush and my skin is loving it. i use it twice a day with a CVS version of cetaphil. i find that my skin is about 2X's as smooth as it was prior. it obviously hasn't cured my rosacea but has helped a lot...

i just want to point out that it works more by oscillating the skin than it does exfoliating or scrubbing the skin.

anyway... my skin loves the brush... its not a hard as you would think it might be... i use jojoba oil after the brush, then a thin layer of finacea.

i would say by adding the brush to my routine my rosacea has improved about 25%

cheers,

anthony

[AmonSquared]

Is anyone still using the clarisonic brush?
If so are you still having good results? Or bad?

Curious,

Amon

[annieb2]

I just bought the Clarisonic MD 2 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I've been using the sensitive brush twice daily with my regular cleanser and both my acne and rosacea have really started clearing up. The sensitive brush is very gentle and non-irritating to the skin; I really like how the brush has programmed beeps to remind you to move on to another section of the face. I use a toner afterwards to remove any bacteria and dead skin cells that might be on the surface, plus wash the brush in hot water. I think this is the best thing I've done for my skin in a long time (IMHO). It might not be good for everyone but for me, I am extremely satisfied. :D

Ann

[ninal]

Is it just me, or does anyone else lose a little faith in the legitimacy of a product being discussed when someone comes and raves about it in their first post right after registering?
I apologize if what I'm getting at isn't actually the case, but I've developed a lot of skepticism since coming to the internet in search of relief.

[gdskin]

Have tried clarsonic with delicate brush. Paid attention to pressure etc.
Face felt smooth, but redness became worse. Will not use again. Had better luck using OLay microbead exfoliating cleanser for sensitive skin.

[dallascowgirl]

I've been using the Clarisonic brush for 1 1/2 years. I use the sensitive brush head. I am very careful. I wet my face and lather with Dove soap and just go over very lightly with the brush every night. I think the time beep is for 20 seconds, and I am usually done by the first beep. Rinse my face and then put on Pyratine 6 lotion. Before I got it, I had trouble with breakouts, but now only have a little tiny spot maybe once a month. If it broke today, I would immediately go and buy another one. I love it and couldn't go back to the way I was washing before. My skin is very smooth and I even have less visible wrinkles. I wash the brush with soap and water after every use. I have pretty well settled on the Pyratine 6 lotion. I tried the Pyratine 6 cream and the Pyratine XR lotion and they both irritated my skin a little. So for now I have a great supply of cream for my neck.

[dallascowgirl]

Bump

[Dpuss]

Didn't feel it was worth it. Clarisonic promotes and targets this product for people for Rosacea, but it will not clear you up from your Rosacea. Granted it is very gentle and may not aggravate your skin but it will do nothing for your Rosacea. One dermatologist told me to stop using it because it would keep brushing away on my skin layers and actually make it thinner than it already is. And for Rosacea suffers their target is not to make their skin thinner but thicker.

[Yvette]

Hi -

I personally don't think using the Clarisonic will thin your skin. If used correctly, it gently cleanses pores to remove the day's build-up, be it makeup, oil/dirt. It's not microdermabrasion where it removes skin layers. I have the delicate brush head and use it occassionally and it works fine. However, I do agree it's not for all skin types - those with very sensitive skin, excessive acne or dermatitis, the Clarisonic is contra-indicated. On the Clarisonic website and in instructions that come with the Clarisonic, it does state something like those with skin conditions (Rosacea, acne, etc.) or if on medications/antibiotics to consult your physician.

Yvette

[banshee]

Any type of exfoliation manually (scrubs, wash cloths, Clairsonic, micro dermabrasion), chemically (retin A, beta/alpha hydroxys), or laser resurfacing will remove some cell layers from the epidermis and technically thin the protective barrier. Some methods are more detrimental to Rosacea, however, and I don't think should be done at all.

Personally, I find physical exfoliation, particularly microfiber cloths and the Clairsonic-the lesser of the evils. My skin seems to bounce back quicker from them, but I'm dry so should only exfoliate once or twice every couple weeks.

I tried the Clarisonic and returned it. Even the delicate head too harsh for my face. I was using it with cleanser though which I think makes me far more sensitive to it. So I'm giving it a 2nd try using just water. SD sebum build up/flakes are difficult to remove, and the Clarisonic seems superior with those. None the less, I'm leaning toward the same conclusion I did the first time, which is that the $200 is too expensive for what I can do with a microfiber cloth.

[Yvette]

Hi Banshee,

I agree the Clarisonic cleansers are terrible - tried the gentle one once and threw it away. It wasn't that gentle and it had nonoxyl 9 in it which is a spermicidal! Ditched that quick. If you don't have overly sensitive skin and use the delicate brush head with a very gentle cleanser and VERY gentle pressure, you can get a good clean without looking like a lobster. Also, I get the brush very wet with cleanser first (and my face wet with water) so I'm cleansing on a wet face. I asked my Derm. about the Clarisonic, and she said often people press the brush on their face too hard and "scrub" their faces. It shouldn't be like that. I do agree it's exfoliating, but it's not like microdermabrasion. I use the Clarisonic a few times a week - not daily.

Let us know how things fare after you change your cleanser.

Thanks for your input.
Yvette

[banshee]

Hi Yvette-

I actually tried the brush with Toleraine Dermo but have found that line very sensitizing for me.

I usually hold the Clarisonic in place for a few seconds, then very lightly sweep in a circular motion. I do have extremely sensitive skin so it gets pink/ruddy even with a gentle touch.

I have a few other ways I intend to try the brush; as I mentioned just water, putting a wet towel on my face for 5-10 minutes then jojoba (this kinda loosens stuff), and with an oatmeal mask beforehand. I thought perhaps a foaming cleanser might work better than it did with a creamy, but I have a feeling no cleanser will allow me to tolerate the brush better. I'll be sure and report back with my findings.

I think the Clairsonic is a good product so I really want it to work.

Thanks for the tips, you're always so helpful. smile:

-Kristen

[Yvette]

Hey Kristen,

Your posts are helpful too. Thank you.

I agree there are really lousy skin care out there for us with sensitive skins. Either too harsh or too emoillent, too fragranced, etc. I've tried lots of cleansers, moisterisers too. My box of "duds" is over flowing! Ha ha!

Have a good night.
Yvette

[banshee]

Thanks Yvette blush:

I know what you mean-my bathroom could double for Walgreens. I've even attemped several times to make my own stuff but something either flops or isn't just right. That and I'm too lazy ;)

Btw-totally agree about microdermabrasion. I get scrub happy with my microfiber cloth because I'm desperate to get the SD "flakes" off. I shed worse than Sir Hiss.

cheers-
Kristen