Acne-prone skin can flare up for a lot of reasons, and anyone with blemishes will know that there are many benefits to using a cleansing brush as part of your skincare routine. Some products are better than others but just what is it that makes them so popular? Still, you do need to know your bristles, as some are better for dry skin than acne-prone areas. Are facial cleansing brushes good for acne? We’re going to take a look at this and all things cleansing brushes.
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How Severe Is The Acne?
When deciding whether or not you want to try a cleansing brush, you must first consider the task ahead. If there is more than an average amount of acne, then it is not a good idea to use a cleansing brush. This is particularly the case for inflammatory acne that can be prone to irritation. Not only can the bristles make the acne worse, but they can damage skin that is trying to heal.
Make Sure You Use The Right Bristles
If you want to prevent acne or have light patches in different places, it can be a good idea to use a cleansing brush, but only with certain bristles. Choose a long, soft brush head that is not as harsh on the skin and won’t irritate the areas.
Remove Makeup
Before you get started, be sure to remove your makeup. Sure, a cleansing brush can do some of the cleanings, but if you are prone to outbreaks of acne, it is best to clean all makeup off. Otherwise, the brush can force the makeup deep into the pores of your face, which can lead to irritation or a further breakout.
Go Slow
Your technique is going to be vital to how effective the brush is at cleansing the skin. Use a gentle approach and move it slowly over the surface. Anything too harsh and fast is going to lift the layer of skin off the acne and can irritate it.
This is why it is important to find a quality cleansing brush that has different speed settings so you can reduce the intensity when you need to.
Use A Quality Facial Wash
Go for a product that does not contain irritating ingredients and is known for being a gentle cleanser. Nothing harsh here, and no need for an exfoliating product; the brush will do this for you. Lotions and creams are not so well suited to a cleansing brush so stick with something simple.
Don’t Overdo It
There is no need to be standing at the bathroom mirror for ten minutes to complete this part of your skincare routine. Around 3 -4 minutes is all that is needed to get the right results.
Rinse Properly
Any leftover cleaner, gentle or not, can irritate if left behind. Even the best cleansing brushes don’t clean up after you have used them, so be sure to wash away every trace of the product when you are done. A damp cloth can help to make sure you have removed it from some of the difficult-to-clean areas, such as around the eyes.
Keep The Brush Clean
When lifting dead skin and cleaning pores, the last thing you want to do is leave a layer of bacteria and dirt to get into the small places you are trying to keep clear. Bacteria will happily reside in a brush for as long as you let it so before and after every use, clean it properly under running water and leave it in an alcohol solution after a few uses to kill bacteria thoroughly.
How Often Should I Use A Cleansing Brush For Acne?
Usually, a cleansing brush can be used daily, but because this can promote more oil products that you will want for acne, it is better to stick to a weekly or twice-weekly use. This gives you the benefits with less of a risk for side effects.
How Long Will A Cleansing Brush Take To Work?
For some relief from acne, don’t expect overnight results. Give the process a few weeks for the best chance of telling if it is working for you. You might notice a difference sooner, but this should be the minimum amount of time you allow before trying a different way.
Be Careful With Sensitive Skin
If you have acne and or sensitive skin, a cleansing brush might not be so well suited. Although they are mild in their brushing, this can be too intense for a lot of skin types. If this is you, then it is better to opt for a different approach.
However, with a gentle brush and lots of cleansers to provide a barrier to stop irritation, they can still be effective.
Remember To Replace The Heads
How long the cleansing brush heads will last depends on how frequently you use them and how well you look after them. When they are washed regularly, you should be able to extend their use, but there comes the point when the bristles fray and aren’t as abundant as they once were. To get the most out of your device, be sure to change the heads every so often.
Do Cleansing Brushes Spread Bacteria Around The Face?
Anything that is not washed properly can house and spread bacteria. This is why it is so important to clean the brush heads properly before and after every use. A minute or two in some alcohol can be all it needs to stop bacteria from festering so it won’t be there to spread.
Are All Cleansing Brushes The Same?
There are plenty of varieties of cleansing brushes to choose from, which means that every budget is accommodated. Anyone with sensitive skin or acne should opt for a product with variable speeds and lots of brush heads, particularly ones with long, soft bristles.
Interchangeable brush heads are important as you can use the cleanser for different skincare routines. Some are good for boosting collagen production whilst others help to get rid of blackheads and penetrate the pores.
Brush heads can be made from silicon, nylon, or even latex, and each of them can be used to help reduce the appearance of acne.