Ladies who use Clarisonic...

[oranges]

Hi Everyone!
After reading a recent thread about clarisonics, I decided to try it out... for the second time. The first time around I used it for about a month, but it broke me out so I stopped using it. About a month ago I decided to give it another whirl. I'm broken out again Did any of you experience breakouts when first starting the clarisonic? If so, how long did it take for your skin to "purge"? I'm not ready to give up on this yet since so many people rave about it. How long would you consider to be a decent trial period? I just bought the delicate brush head yesterday since the normal one was so harsh. What brush heads do you guys use?

 

[Cehrabehra]

I have never used the clarisonic but my experience might be helpful still.

I always had breakouts and when you have breakouts the thing you think you need to do most is clean more, disinfect more, exfoliate more, get rid of more oil etc.

Well, I got really sick and didn't do anything but lay in a fevered heap for 5 days and when it was done my skin looked better than ever. That was the beginning of me finding out that I was doing the opposite of what my skin needed to clear up.

Now I wash it with mild soap daily and I avoid chemical exfoliants completely and only use a physical exfoliant (a little scrub pad with no chemicals) about every 6 weeks.

Now I never break out, even period spots are rare. Completely transformed. You could be scrubbing your skin too much. That's the short version lol

 

[Indylady]

I didn't have any adverse reactions. Your skin might be more sensitive than others, or it might be a combination of the Clarisonic and the other products that you are using. Are you using a moisturizer, or primer underneath your make-up (if you use make-up)?

 

[atroop711]

I didn't have any reactions at all. My skin was cleaned so well. Maybe it's their cleanser? Try your own cleanser

 

[princesss]

Yeah, their cleanser didn't work well for me, but Cetaphil has been awesome. I'm actually about to switch to Cetaphil's moisturizer because I love their cleanser so much.

 

[Amber St. Clare]

I would NEVER use a Clarisonic...my dermatologist told me it causes broken capillaries....hesaid if your skin is sensitive even a Buf Puf was problematic. I use Isomers Daily Exfoliating Serum. Nothing mechanical.

 

[oranges]

Thank you so much for all of your responses! I use my own cleanser-- an aveeno calming cleanser followed by clinique mild (alc. free) clarifying lotion and clinique moisturizing gel. I think that I'll give the delicate head a shot for a month and then if there is no improvement I'll follow Cehrabehra's advice on not doing anything at all!

 

[luv2sparkle]

Do you think that you are breaking out because it is cleaning out your pores or does your skin feel like it is too harsh?

 

[Bunny007]

I almost started the same thread! I bought my clarisonic after hearing all the rave reviews and was so disappointed when I broke out. I was warned that things would get worse before they got better, but... it never got better!

I used the small sample cleanser that came with it, and then switched to my own Estee Lauder cleanser. It didn't seem to matter. My skin almost never breaks out, and never to this degree. I've never considered my skin sensitive either. Hmmm maybe the Clarisonic just isn't for everyone.

I'll be watching this thread with interest.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Definitely try the delicate brush - that's what I have.

I've been using the Clarisonic Mia for a week or two now. I've had light breakouts on my forehead, though I'm sure part of it is due to the fact that I just got bangs too and I've always had an oily T-zone. Using the Clarisonic with Clinique foaming cleanser, followed by the Clinique anti-acne salicylic acid toner, has really cleared up my skin in the last few days. Maybe try switching toners?

 

[Cehrabehra]

I would NEVER use a Clarisonic...my dermatologist told me it causes broken capillaries....hesaid if your skin is sensitive even a Buf Puf was problematic. I use Isomers Daily Exfoliating Serum. Nothing mechanical.

I think sensitive skin can be sensitive to different things. I cannot use anything chemical. The pad I use is like a small disposable buff puff but I could never use it even once a week. I only use it when I feel I need it.

And tons of moisturizer. When I get out of the shower it is the *first* thing I do. If I don't, my skin takes a week to recover.

 

[oranges]

Do you think that you are breaking out because it is cleaning out your pores or does your skin feel like it is too harsh?

I'm not really sure if it is "purging" or not.... but the normal brush head was way too harsh and I was using it 2X a day... so now I'm going to try the delicate only at night and see if it helps.

 

[oranges]

I almost started the same thread! I bought my clarisonic after hearing all the rave reviews and was so disappointed when I broke out. I was warned that things would get worse before they got better, but... it never got better!

I used the small sample cleanser that came with it, and then switched to my own Estee Lauder cleanser. It didn't seem to matter. My skin almost never breaks out, and never to this degree. I've never considered my skin sensitive either. Hmmm maybe the Clarisonic just isn't for everyone.

I'll be watching this thread with interest.

Bunny, how long did you wait it out before giving up? You're the first person I've "met" that has the same issues with the clarisonic-- everyone else I know can't live without theirs. I'll keep you updated on if things improve and see if I can do this for a few months to do a more accurate experiment It could be that the clarisonic is clearing out my pores, as other posters have suggested.

 

[oranges]

Definitely try the delicate brush - that's what I have.

I've been using the Clarisonic Mia for a week or two now. I've had light breakouts on my forehead, though I'm sure part of it is due to the fact that I just got bangs too and I've always had an oily T-zone. Using the Clarisonic with Clinique foaming cleanser, followed by the Clinique anti-acne salicylic acid toner, has really cleared up my skin in the last few days. Maybe try switching toners?

B.E.G, the mild toner does have a small concentration of salicylic acid-- the only difference between it and the other levels 1-4 clinique toners is that it does't contain alcohol which makes my skin pretty much flake off of my face and stings terribly! Does the anti-acne one have alcohol in it?

 

[oranges]

I loved my Clarisonic, I liked how my face felt afterward, but I returned it. I did have a ton of breakouts after I purchased it & started using it with regularity (with the sensitive head). I found my face didn't like it.. and.. I returned to using the Cetaphil bar soap & the Clean Weave Facial Buff I bought at WalMart (made by Schroeder & Tremayne Inc.) which cleans my face equally as well. I still break out, but not nearly as often as I had in the time with the Clarisonic. I was tempted to try it again, but I just don't want to risk weeks of healing breakouts

SanDiegoLady, how long did you use your clarisonic? I also love how it makes my face feel-- hopefully the breakouts are just part of an adjustment period. I keep telling myself that. I feel like I want to make myself love it because I paid so much for it

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Definitely try the delicate brush - that's what I have.

I've been using the Clarisonic Mia for a week or two now. I've had light breakouts on my forehead, though I'm sure part of it is due to the fact that I just got bangs too and I've always had an oily T-zone. Using the Clarisonic with Clinique foaming cleanser, followed by the Clinique anti-acne salicylic acid toner, has really cleared up my skin in the last few days. Maybe try switching toners?

B.E.G, the mild toner does have a small concentration of salicylic acid-- the only difference between it and the other levels 1-4 clinique toners is that it does't contain alcohol which makes my skin pretty much flake off of my face and stings terribly! Does the anti-acne one have alcohol in it?

Oh I see! Eek, don't use the anti-acne one then - it definitely contains alcohol. I can tell from the feeling, not to mention I keep feeling like I'm cleansing my face with a dab of Riesling or something I would stick with the mild one then if it works for you. What about switching cleansers? I actually really loved the Neutrogena anti-acne cleanser when I used it - really helped my skin a lot. I think I was using it during high school when I was going through my break-out period. I eventually switched to the Clinique foaming when my breakouts mostly stopped but the Neutrogena one was great.

 

[oranges]

Definitely try the delicate brush - that's what I have.

I've been using the Clarisonic Mia for a week or two now. I've had light breakouts on my forehead, though I'm sure part of it is due to the fact that I just got bangs too and I've always had an oily T-zone. Using the Clarisonic with Clinique foaming cleanser, followed by the Clinique anti-acne salicylic acid toner, has really cleared up my skin in the last few days. Maybe try switching toners?

B.E.G, the mild toner does have a small concentration of salicylic acid-- the only difference between it and the other levels 1-4 clinique toners is that it does't contain alcohol which makes my skin pretty much flake off of my face and stings terribly! Does the anti-acne one have alcohol in it?

Oh I see! Eek, don't use the anti-acne one then - it definitely contains alcohol. I can tell from the feeling, not to mention I keep feeling like I'm cleansing my face with a dab of Riesling or something I would stick with the mild one then if it works for you. What about switching cleansers? I actually really loved the Neutrogena anti-acne cleanser when I used it - really helped my skin a lot. I think I was using it during high school when I was going through my break-out period. I eventually switched to the Clinique foaming when my breakouts mostly stopped but the Neutrogena one was great.

I'll definitely give the neutrogena a shot the next time I buy a cleanser-- I think that incorporating another salicylic acid treatment maybe once a day wouldn't be too harsh. I'm going to do my best to stop pestering my face for a while. I usually don't have breakouts so they should clear up soon! I've already seen improvement in just the past day since I stopped using the "normal" brush head.

 

[Bunny007]

I almost started the same thread! I bought my clarisonic after hearing all the rave reviews and was so disappointed when I broke out. I was warned that things would get worse before they got better, but... it never got better!

I used the small sample cleanser that came with it, and then switched to my own Estee Lauder cleanser. It didn't seem to matter. My skin almost never breaks out, and never to this degree. I've never considered my skin sensitive either. Hmmm maybe the Clarisonic just isn't for everyone.

I'll be watching this thread with interest.

Bunny, how long did you wait it out before giving up? You're the first person I've "met" that has the same issues with the clarisonic-- everyone else I know can't live without theirs. I'll keep you updated on if things improve and see if I can do this for a few months to do a more accurate experiment It could be that the clarisonic is clearing out my pores, as other posters have suggested.

A little over a month maybe? I recently decided to give it another try, thinking I didn't give it enough time. It's been about two weeks now, so we'll see!

 

[hot.soup]

I bought the clarisonic brush and have been using with the sensitive brush head it once a day for the past three months. I did have a period of about a month where my skin broke out, but when it cleared up my skin was a bit smoother because it had purged the clogged pores beneath the surface. I do like my clarisonic, I find that it removes make-up and grime well so my skin is really smooth right after using it. That being said, I definitely don't adore it as much as the other PS'ers here do! The difference it has made in my skin in the long run appears to be minimal.

I have found that when I use it more than once a day, my skin gets a little sensitive and pseudo-breaks out....it's more of a irritation than pimples. As soon as I lower the frequency of use, the irritation disappears. Is that what you might be experiencing?

Another thing: are you keeping your brush head clean? I ask because if you're handling the brush head before washing your hands, that will cause break outs too, much like using a dirty make up brush would. I know it's a long shot, but I thought I'd check.

 

[iheartscience]

It might just be because I'm not break out prone and had pretty clear skin to begin with, but I had no problems with the Clarisonic making me break out when I first started using it. However, both of my sisters have more break out-prone skin, and they broke out at first, but kept using it and now have seen an improvement in their skin. My twin sister had to try a few face washes to see what worked best with the Clarisonic, too. I think more mild face washes are better since the Clarisonic cleans more deeply than just face was alone.

I will say that twice a day was way too much for me. I only did that for a few days until I realized that it was too harsh. Now I only use it in the shower in the morning, and sometimes I skip a day here or there if I can tell my skin needs a break. (Basically if my face stings a little when I put on my face wash I don't use the Clarisonic.)

I love the way my skin looks with the Clarisonic-it's super clear and glowy, much more so than when I wasn't using it. I'd give the sensitive head a try and maybe try a few different face washes. Oh and definitely only use it once a day.

 

[oranges]

I bought the clarisonic brush and have been using with the sensitive brush head it once a day for the past three months. I did have a period of about a month where my skin broke out, but when it cleared up my skin was a bit smoother because it had purged the clogged pores beneath the surface. I do like my clarisonic, I find that it removes make-up and grime well so my skin is really smooth right after using it. That being said, I definitely don't adore it as much as the other PS'ers here do! The difference it has made in my skin in the long run appears to be minimal.

I have found that when I use it more than once a day, my skin gets a little sensitive and pseudo-breaks out....it's more of a irritation than pimples. As soon as I lower the frequency of use, the irritation disappears. Is that what you might be experiencing?

Another thing: are you keeping your brush head clean? I ask because if you're handling the brush head before washing your hands, that will cause break outs too, much like using a dirty make up brush would. I know it's a long shot, but I thought I'd check.

Hi hot.soup! I'm having both mild break outs and those pseudo-irritated skin breakouts. I'm going to take yours and thing2of2's advice and use it less often. I am definitely keeping the brush head as clean as possible--I'm currently taking a microbio course in my last year as an undergrad bio major and boy oh boy does it give me the creeps knowing what is actually on everything

 

[packrat]

I have a different brand but it's the same concept. The first time I used it, it felt so good but then..the next morning I realized I was a bit (ahem, um, very much so) overzealous and my face was all raw! I was smashing it into my face (using the delicate head haha) and did it for..wow, a looong time. Even tho I've figured out NOT to do that stuff, I still don't like to use it twice a day very often, even with the delicate head.

I just have weird skin. My brother broke out for about 2 years in high school, went to the dermatologist and didn't want to bother w/medications, so he just left it alone and after a couple years he cleared up beautifully. Myself...no. I started getting cystic acne in 5th grade and now at 36 I have occasional cystic acne and all the time regular pimples and generally yucky skin. Some big pores and a bit of scarring. Acky. What works for some won't necessarily work for all, so if it's not working for you, try something else!

 

[princesss]

You know, I hadn't made the connection before, but since I got this I have been breaking out in places I never broke out before getting the Clarisonic. I think I'll switch to every other day and see if it helps. I do like it, my skin (where I'm not broken out) is MUCH smoother, but I'm just not getting the results I was hoping for.

 

[stepcutgirl]

I returned mine today. I was singing its praises for a week or so then my skin just started to hurt. I switched to the delicate brush and only used it at night but the irritation/pain didn't go away. I decided the cost of it didn't out weight the cons of it for me.

 

[oranges]

wow! I'm really surprised that other people are having trouble with the clarisonic--i've heard nothing but praises for it before this thread. I don't feel so alone now

 

[princesss]

So my skin doesn't feel as soft or smooth since I stopped using the Clarisonic, but I don't have any more cystic acne (which I felt like I always had) and I've had maybe two tiny zits come up since I stopped using it. I miss the texture of my skin, but WOW. What a difference.

 

[Siamese Kitty]

I had a similar experience. I think my skin is just really sensitive. I tried it for three weeks and sent it back. I only used it once a day and my skin felt really smooth, but it did break me out. And I haven't had acne issues in years. I also had the body scrubber and two weeks later, my chest and back are still paying the price. If it weren't so expensive, I could justify keeping it for a now and then body exfoliation on the face or legs, but not at almost $200. It's too bad, though. I was so excited after reading all of the reviews on here and couldn't wait to have my "new look". I do think it gives your face a nice texture if your skin can handle it.

 

[vintagelover229]

My dad is bringing the one he bought me for Christmas up this week and I'll let you ladies know how it works out for me. I am worried that it's going to cause me to break out more, just when my skin is finally starting to clear up a bit. However if it doesn't work for me, I'm going to send it right back too. I have sensitive/slightly dry skin and I'm only going to use it once every other day to start and use a mild face wash. I hope I don't run into any issues

 

[oranges]

My dad is bringing the one he bought me for Christmas up this week and I'll let you ladies know how it works out for me. I am worried that it's going to cause me to break out more, just when my skin is finally starting to clear up a bit. However if it doesn't work for me, I'm going to send it right back too. I have sensitive/slightly dry skin and I'm only going to use it once every other day to start and use a mild face wash. I hope I don't run into any issues

Definitely keep me updated!!! I hope that it works for you.