This is the fifth week on exploring salon style treatments in your home, last week we looked at facial toning equipment, this week I thought I would look at brush cleansing for a deeper cleanse.

Brush cleansing units have been used in the beauty industry for many years and I remember having to learn how to use a professional brush cleansing unit during my beauty training 29 years ago!

Now there are so many brush cleansing kits for home use on the market to choose from.

I have to say I do have mixed feelings about brush cleansing, which I will go on to discuss later.

What is brush cleansing all about?

Brush cleansing tools for the skin are a hand-held tool generally designed with bristles made from a variety of bristles such as silicone to deep cleanse the skin on the face and the body.

You can use manual, electric, or battery-operated ones and each brush cleansing product should come with instructions for use.

Some systems are a simple brush to be used manually, while others are powered and use a spinning or vibrating action.

The advantages of brush cleansing

Brush cleansing provides the skin with a deep cleanse and it also increases your local circulation which can leave the skin looking clear and bright.

This deep cleansing method can also exfoliate the skin and allow your products to work better for you.

The brushes on the cleansing unit help to remove makeup and dirt from the environment effectively.

Brush cleansing gives a more effective cleanse than just manually cleansing with a cleansing product.

The skin can benefit with brush cleansing because of the exfoliating action, it can help to speed up cellular renewal leaving the complexion looking less lined and firmer over time.

With regular use brush cleansing can help to reduce black heads and unclog the pores.

The disadvantages of brush cleansing

Over use of the brush cleansing system can lead to sensitivity of the skin and breakouts.

Time needs to be taken to clean your brush cleansing system, and if the brush is not cleaned well and regularly, it can spread bacteria on the skin and cause problems such as congestion and breakouts.

How to brush cleanse your skin

Step 1: Ensure your brush is clean and charged.

Step 2: Make sure that your hair is secured away from the face using a headband, this will avoid the hair getting tangled in the brush. You will also be able to cleanse right up to the hairline.

Step 3: Remove your makeup with a cleansing wipe or do a superficial cleanse with your usual cleanser to remove makeup or the dirt from the environment.

Step 4: Apply a good quality cleansing product evenly to the face and neck (I like to use a cleansing cream) that suits your skin type and that you have tried before (if in doubt patch test).

Step 5: Start to use your brush cleansing unit over the face and neck. If it is a manual brush, use in gentle circular motions, if the brush is battery or electric powered then allow the brush to glide over the skin. Remember let the brush do the work, don’t apply too much pressure. Time according to manufacturers advice, I would say do not use for any longer than five minutes. For sensitive skin try using for just two minutes to begin with. Concentrate on problematic T Zones.

Step 6: Remove your cleanser using either damp cotton wool, or a warm clean damp flannel. Proceed to tone with your favourite toner. This is a good time to apply a soothing face mask.

Step 7: Clean your brush thoroughly according to manufacturer instructions and allowing it to dry before storing safely.

Top Tips for brush cleansing

  •  Maintain good hygiene and clean your brush according to manufacturer’s instructions. Never use a dirty cleansing brush.
  • Choose a cleanser that both works well with your cleansing brush and suits your skin.
  • Don’t use chemical exfoliators or facial scrubs when you are brush cleansing, as this can leave the skin feeling compromised.
  • Always use a light pressure when using a brush cleansing tool, do not be aggressive as this will make the skin red and sensitive, let the brush do the work.
  • If using a traditional bristle brush, find one with soft bristles that won’t scratch the skin.
  • When using an electric or battery-operated brush on the face, use low settings to avoid irritating the skin.
  • Use a silicone brush as a more hygienic option, they are easier to keep clean and last longer.
  • It is best to brush cleanse in the evening prior to going to bed, so that you are not putting any makeup on the skin and it gives your night time products a good chance to soak in and your skin time to calm and repair.
  • Never share your cleansing brush with another person. This will avoid sharing unwanted germs and bacteria.
  • Start by using your cleansing brush once a week, I would never recommend brush cleansing more than twice a week.

Avoid using a brush Cleanser if:

  • You have a hypersensitive skin
  • You are having microdermabrasion, microneedling or dermaplaning
  • You have eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, sunburn or skin infections or highly vascular skin. (skin with lots of broken capillaries or thread veins)

I have never been a fan of brush cleansing on my skin as I am so sensitive and prefer to use dermaplaning every month, which is enough exfoliation. I do have other friends that love brush cleansing for their skin and brush cleanse on a regular basis and it really suits their skin.

BEST BUYS

  • FOREOLUNA 3 – gently exfoliates and deep cleanses using silicone nubs which are non-abrasive, antibacterial, antimicrobial. There is a side that also uses a low frequency massage tool to massage and stimulate the skin.
  • Clarisonic Mia Smart – has six customisable modes and four custom app routines. Attachments include cleansing, anti-ageing, exfoliation and makeup.
  • CLSEVXY – waterproof facial cleansing spin brush set with seven exfoliating brush heads.

There are so many more cleansing brushes on the internet for you to research the best buy for your needs and price point.