Debunking 8 Myths About Cleansing Brushes

 

Although they’ve been on the market for quite some time now, facial cleansing brushes are still trending in the world of skincare, and with good reason. When it comes to exfoliating, polishing, and improving your complexion, they’re the name of the game. According to research and consulting firm Kline & Company, cleansing brushes made up about 40% of the market for at-home skincare tools in 2017. They can do so much for your skin!

Now, popularity does come at a price. People are quick to share their not-so-great experiences or assume how a cleansing brush should be used (without asking first). As a result, there’s a lot of misinformation and confusion out there. Let’s clarify one thing first: Cleansing brushes are nothing to be afraid of. Seriously. We’re debunking the 8 most common misconceptions about cleansing brushes and giving you the honest, accurate info, so keep on reading.

MYTH #1: They’ll irritate my skin and make me break out.

It’s all about knowing your skin type, prepping it for cleansing, and using and cleaning the brush the right way. We’ll get into this more in a bit. Now, whether you prefer a makeup remover wipe, micellar water, or an oil cleanser, remove your makeup before using a cleansing brush. It can’t completely remove makeup by itself. In fact, it can be pushed deeper into pores, which will cause you to break out. Yikes.

Use plenty of cleanser and water on the brush head to avoid irritation. If you’re doing everything properly, though, it’s normal to experience an acne flare-up after using a cleansing brush for the first time. This is called the “adjustment period,” “transient acne,” or “skin purging.” They say nothing good comes easy. Generally, your cheeks, temples, and chin are most prone to breakouts. We know – it’s annoying and embarrassing.

There’s a gross – yet kinda satisfying – reason for this: Your skin is shedding dead skin cells at a faster pace than normal, and all the underlying bacteria are coming to the surface in the form of pimples. You should see an improvement within 2-3 weeks. Just stick with your usual routine, and your skin will look better than ever. If your skin stays the same or is getting worse (redness, dryness, sensitivity), it’s okay to take a break until your skin calms down and goes back to its normal self. After you’ve given it some time, slowly reintroduce the brush (once a week is good).

MYTH #2: I have sensitive skin, so I can’t use them.

Not true. You can use this article as a guide to help you determine what’s best for your sensitive skin. You just need to use caution and make you don’t go overboard. Stick with a cleanser that you already know is friendly to your skin. Use the brush 1-2 times a week, and think of it as a treatment for your face. Make sure to use a light hand and don’t use it on your face for too long. Finer, thinner bristles, like a silicone brush head, will be kinder to your skin and won’t be so abrasive.

MYTH #3: I’ll just spread bacteria around my face.

This will only happen if you don’t cleanse your brush head properly, which you should do after every use. Rinse under warm water and use an unscented liquid soap to remove dirt and makeup residue. Massage the bristles clockwise with your clean fingers for 1 minute, then switch to counterclockwise and repeat. If you don’t, bacteria will build up and cause breakouts.

Once a week, soak the brush head in bowl of rubbing alcohol for 1 minute, and don’t rinse. This will kill any remaining bacteria. Always let your brush head air-dry on a clean towel in a well-ventilated room. To remove residue or buildup on the handle, clean it at least once a week by removing the attachment head and wiping it thoroughly with a damp, soapy towel. For best results, replace your brush head every 3 months. Never share it with another person; that’s just asking for trouble.

MYTH #4: They’re too expensive.

While cleansing brushes can get pricey, there are plenty of affordable options out there (like ours). Like we mentioned earlier, they’ve been around for a while. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that’s right for you at the right price. Think of it as a long-term investment for your skin. It’s worth the cost. And, it’s not like you have to keep buying them once a month!

MYTH #5: I have acne, so using one is out of the question.

Cleansing brushes can actually help treat acne. They can help eliminate excess sebum, which contributes to acne production. You just have to pick the right one, and the right cleanser to go with it. Anything that’s too harsh can exacerbate acne. Try slowly working up to using it 2-4 times a week and pay attention to whether pimples become angry. If so, scale back, or take a break. Note: Use caution around cystic acne, which occurs deep below the skin and is often painful. Brushing can irritate the cysts, leading to more irritation, and allow more bacteria to enter the pores.

MYTH #6: It doesn’t matter what cleanser I use with the brush.

Choosing a gentle cleanser that works well with your skin will give you the best results. A cream, foaming, or gel formula will work best with the brush. Don’t use a physical or chemical exfoliant while using a cleansing brush (i.e. a scrub with little beads or nuts, or a cleanser with glycolic acid). That’ll be exfoliation overload for your skin, which can be responsible for a range of other problems – like breaking down skin tissue. The cleansing brush alone is enough to meet your exfoliation needs. We recommend our Main Squeeze Daily Cream Cleanser. It goes on like a cream and begins to lightly foam when wet, giving you a gentle (and fun) cleansing experience.

MYTH #7: I can use the same one on my body.

The thought of this makes us cringe. If you use the same brush head on your body and then your face, you’re transferring bacteria and dead skin cells. This increases your chances of a breakout. Not to mention, the skin on your face is thinner and more delicate than the skin on your body, so body cleansing brushes are designed differently. The bristles are more firm and cover more area. They can be way too harsh for your complexion and can cause redness and irritation.

MYTH #8: They’re hard to use.

If cleansing bushes were difficult to use, then why are they so popular? They may look intimidating, but they’re actually pretty fun, and many people look forward to using them. To be honest, when we’re feeling lazy, they’re a blessing. The work is done for us!

Before purchasing, it helps to do research and read reviews online. To be on the safe side, you can ask your dermatologist or esthetician for their recommendations and advice. Just make sure you read the instructions carefully and don’t be afraid to reach out to the company if you have any questions. Make sure you’re not pushing the brush down on your skin too hard.