Discover our best tips, tricks and advice for how to get rid of breakouts, blackheads and acne for good
Anyone who’s ever been on a quest to achieve a perfectly poreless complexion knows that reaching your skincare goals is a journey. However, scrolling through Instagram looking at post after post of clear skin can make you feel like you’re on the journey alone. Rarely, if ever, do we get the chance to take a look behind the scenes to see just what it take to maintain the skin you deserve. Which is why we partnered with Her Campus and challenged 20 people to take the My Clarisonic Journey. To put the My Clarisonic Journey to the test, we gifted 20 eager men and women around the country with Clarisonic Mia Smart devices and challenged them to cleanse their faces twice a day, every day for 30 days. The best part is, they don’t have to change anything about their current skincare routine but continue to use the cleansers they love, just with the Mia Smart device. Before the journey started, all 20 men and women were excited to see how the Clarisonic Mia Smart could help them tackle a wide range of skin concerns from uneven skin texture to hyperpigmentation. To track their progress, individuals submitted an unretouched, filter and makeup-free photo of themselves each week of the month-long challenge and documented whether the Mia Smart device helped them reach their skin care goals. After 30 days, the Clarisonic Mia Smart device completely changed the skin of those on the journey. Don’t believe us? We’re highlighting three incredible My Clarisonic Journeys below. Tiffany V. Before Tiffany began on her My Clarisonic Journey, she dealt with dry acne prone skin, skin sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation. Like many people her age, Tiffany considered skincare to be important to her but hadn’t really found a routine that left her with the clear and even skin tone she hoped for. “I’m extremely excited to start using the Clarisonic,” she said before using the Clarisonic Mia Smart for the first time. “I have heard so many good reviews from people that I know. My skin would really benefit from a new skincare routine. I hope to get clearer skin and better skincare habits out of this project. I recently have had more acne than usual and dry skin. I have been trying out different products but haven’t found one that works for me. Hopefully, the Clarisonic can help with that!”Despite not changing anything about her skincare routine except for cleansing with Clarisonic’s Mia Smart twice a day, Tiffany saw results in just two weeks! As you can see in her before and after pictures, the blemishes on the right side of her face cleared drastically, and her skin looks brighter and more even. “I love the product,” she declared at her two-week check-in. “It takes off all my makeup.”By the third week of the challenge, Tiffany was hooked. After just three weeks of using the Clarisonic Mia Device, she couldn’t imagine her skincare routine without it.My skin quality has been improving. I still have minor breakouts, but the Clarisonic has been helping me clean my skin before adding any products. It has easily become one of my daily essentials during my skincare routine.”As the weeks progressed and Tiffany reached the end of the 30-day challenge, her skin continued to improve, and by the end of her journey, she was rewarded with clearer, brighter, smoother skin. “I still have active acne, but I definitely feel the improvement of my skin, especially the texture from using the Clarisonic,” she explained. “With continuing my daily use, I will see even more progress.” Jared K. If you rely on countless blotting papers to get your oily T-zone through the day, you can probably relate to Jared. “My skin tends to be free from blemishes, but its oiliness and dryness are in constant flux. I'm hoping that with the Clarisonic Mia Smart I can minimize oil buildup (and consequent blackheads) around my nose and maximize moisturization around all the edges where the climate in which I live tends to drastically dry me out,” Jared said. “The device customization options and the daily reminder system all built into the Clarisonic app should help me stay consistent with my routine and give my face the dedicated attention it deserves!”“I’m ready to give my skin the best solutions available in order to best equip myself to start each day with confidence in my appearance,” he said. After just a few days, Jared loved the new addition to his new skincare routine. “Since I began using the device, the edges of my face feel less dry, and I feel like my skin shows more consistent appearance even after oil has begun to accumulate through the course of the day,” he said. “More than anything I'm happy to have a skincare routine that is impeccably consistent. Because the device gives prompts to tell me when to move from forehead to nose to cheeks, I know that each time I wash my face I'm giving equal and consistent treatment.” In just three weeks, the consistency started to pay off and Jared was rewarded with balanced, healthy skin. “Another week of use has amplified the results of the week prior—my skin feels balanced, and the consistency of the care that I'm giving my face makes me feel great as I start and end each day!”After just 30 days, Jared’s skin was clearer, brighter, significantly less oily, and without any dry skin patches in sight! “My Clarisonic device has become an integral part of my care routine—just as necessary to my morning as brushing my teeth! I love the consistency it's provided me in addressing the concerns specific to my skin and the ease with which I've been able to use the device to address these needs,” Jared said. “The skin across my forehead is noticeably softer than it was when I began to use the device, which is perfectly in line with the goal I set at the start of this campaign to minimize dryness!” Nicole R. As a self-described avid skincare lover, Nicole Rosario couldn’t wait to start her My Clarisonic Journey with the hopes of tackling her oily, textured skin and hyperpigmentation. “I’m excited to use my Clarisonic device to help me out with my uneven skin tone. I’m looking forward to the results,” Nicole said before using the Clarisonic Mia Smart for the first time. Nicole didn’t have to wait long to see the results she coveted. After just two weeks, she saw much smoother skin texture.“The device was really easy to use, and made my skin feel really soft. I also did notice my skin looks brighter with a healthy glow,” she said. After three weeks of consistent use, Nicole began to see results she didn’t even know were possible. “My skin feels so smooth and brighter also, I notice how my acne scars are less visible,” she said. “The number of blackheads has also diminished.”As her My Clarisonic Journey came to an end, Nicole credited the Mia Smart device for changing her skin completely and vowed to never go without her Clarisonic ever again. “My acne scars are barely visible, and I can’t go back without my Clarisonic,” she said. “My skin feels baby soft, and my makeup applies so much better!” Whether you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine or tackle some of your biggest skin concerns, the My Clarisonic Journey is the perfect way to introduce a Clarisonic device into your skincare routine. You’re only 30 days away from the flawless skin of your dreams!
Anyone who has dealt with acne knows that breakouts can be unpredictable and confusing. We answer six frequently-asked questions about acne—from the best products to how to get rid of acne at home—and their answers. Acne Q1: How Do I Get Rid of Acne at Home? To get rid of acne at home, you’ll want to combine a strong acne-fighting skin care routine with good skin habits. Cleanse & Tone When you’re dealing with acne, tailor your cleansing routine to target blemishes. You’ll want to strike the perfect balance with your cleansing routine; if you cleanse too infrequently, you risk dirt and grime building up in your pores, and if you cleanse too often, you risk irritating your skin and causing it to dry out. Toners are just as important to your skincare routine. The key to treating existing acne and preventing new blemishes from forming is to keep the skin’s surface as clean as possible. That means cleansing up to twice per day and following with a gentle toner to remove any lingering traces of dirt and makeup. Saturate a cotton pad with an alcohol-free, clarifying facial toner and sweep it over your entire face. Spot Treatment Whether you’re dealing with a full-fledged breakout or just a few stray pimples, a spot treatment such as pimple patches can help reduce the appearance and intensity of acne. Look for one that’s formulated with an acne-fighting ingredient like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur. Follow with an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Acne Q2: What Is the Best Cleanser for Acne? The best cleansers for acne are formulated with powerful acne-fighting ingredients, cleanse the skin gently yet effectively, and don’t cause irritation or excessive dryness. Be sure to do research to make sure that you have enough information about ingredients or products that help reduce acne when choosing your cleanser. Need a recommendation? Try the Clarisonic Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser. It’s a 2 percent salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid facial wash that can help clear existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming, all without over-drying the skin or causing discomfort. Acne Q3: What Products Help Acne? There are spot cleansers, toners, serums, essences, moisturizers, masks, and more available formulated specifically to target breakouts. All of these products can help your fight against acne, but they’re not all created equal. It’s important to scan the labels beforehand to know exactly what is being put on your skin. Look for words like ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘oil-free’ to help reduce the risk of clogged pores, and make sure the products are formulated with at least one acne-fighting Our dermatologist consultant, Dr. Anita Saluja of For Your Best Self in Melbourne, FD shares her favorites for acne. • Clarisonic Pore and Blemish Gel Cleanser • SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel • La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment • Clarisonic Acne Cleansing Brush Acne Q4: Are Facial Brushes Good for Acne? Yes. Incorporating a facial brush to your routine can help address “the root cause of acne which is abnormal skin shedding and inflammation within the hair follicle-oil gland unit,” says Dr. Melanie Palm at Art of Skin in San Diego, CA. When in the search for your facial brush, be sure to purchase a brush with an oscillating brush as opposed to a rotating brush. Spinning and rotating brushes can be abrasive as they twist and tug on delicate skin. Clarisonic Mia Smart is an oscillating brush that gently glides back and forth with water, creating a vacuum effect to remove first and oil and makeup from the skin’s surface and pores. Dr. Melanie Palm says “Clarisonic is a highly effective cleansing tool that assists in the process of skin renewal and normal turnover. Part of an effective acne treatment is consistent cleansing, and Clarisonic offers the most effective means of removing dirt, oil, skin cells, and even bacteria to provide cleaner, clearer, less inflamed skin.” Acne Q5: Can Facial Brushes Cause Breakouts? If you’re a first timer facial brush user, you may experience a temporary uptick in breakouts. “This reaction is called skin purging, and it isn’t a cause for concern. Skin purging, when the skin experiences more breakouts temporarily after a change in skincare routine, can occur with over-exfoliation or irritation,” Dr. Anita Saluja says. Dr. Saluja’s advice? “Start using your Clarisonic once every three days, then every other day,” she says. “Take your time to build up to regular daily use. Also, try a few brush heads to see which suits your skin best and keep your Clarisonic brush head clean.” Rinse your brush head after every use and replace it every three months. Acne Q6: How Can I Get Clear Skin Overnight? Great skin takes time to achieve, and there’s no such thing as short cuts. Breakouts take time to heal, and you shouldn’t try to rush the process since it could promote scarring. You probably won’t be able to get rid of your breakouts overnight, but you could help reduce their appearance by applying a spot treatment before bed.
For most people dealing with acne, the number one goal is to get rid of blemishes—and fast. However, oftentimes breakouts leave behind acne scars. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an acne scar occurs when the breakout deeply penetrates the skin, damaging the skin and tissue beneath the surface. As the body tries to repair the damaged blemish, it can produce too much or too little collagen, leaving behind a scar. There are different types of acne scars—depressed acne scars (atrophic scars) and raised acne scars (hypertrophic scars)—and the treatment plan is specific to each one. Below, we’re explaining the differences between each type of acne scar and what causes them to form. What Causes Acne Scars? We’re told never to pick or squeeze our pimples because it can increase the risk of acne scar formation, and that’s good advice to follow. According to AAD, picking at the skin increases inflammation and in turn, heightens the risk of scarring. But that’s not the only cause of acne scars. Acne scar formation has a lot to do with collagen production, the fiber that gives the skin its support, bounce, and youthfulness. If the body produces too little collagen as the skin heals from a severe breakout, a depressed acne scar can form, including icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars. If the body produces too much collagen while healing, raised acne scars, like keloids, can form. Ice Pick Scars An icepick scar is a depressed acne scar, also known as an atrophic scar. Icepick scars look like narrow and deep pits as if an ice pick were repeatedly poked into the skin. Boxcar Scars A boxcar scar is also a depressed acne scar. According to a study published to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), boxcar scars are round or oval depressions in the skin with vertical edges. They have a wider surface than icepick scars and can be shallow or deep. Rolling Scars Rolling scars, also categorized as depressed acne scars, get their name from their appearance as tiny depressions that slope across the skin. According to the NCBI, rolling scars are usually wider than 4 to 5 mm. Keloid Scars A keloid scar is a raised acne scar or hypertrophic scar, which looks like a dark red or purple bump on the skin, often larger than the original size of the blemish. Because of their raised appearance and size, keloid scars are usually quite noticeable and harder to conceal with makeup. According to the NCBI, keloid scars are more common in dark-skinned individuals. Hyperpigmentation Sometimes when acne disappears, it leaves behind a dark spot or area of discoloration typically ranging in colors from pink to red or brown to black known as hyperpigmentation. It is caused by a post-inflammatory skin response. Hyperpigmentation is not exactly an acne scar (as it is not raised or pitted) but rather a reaction that causes the body to produce too much melanin which leaves behind a dark mark. In some cases, hyperpigmentation will clear on its own, but alpha hydroxy acids and other skin-brightening ingredients can help fade its appearance. How to Prevent Acne Scars There are several treatments available to help get rid of acne scars, including soft-tissue fillers and laser resurfacing, according to the Mayo Clinic. How well you take care of your active breakouts is often a good indicator of whether or not you can prevent acne scars. Here are some helpful steps to follow to prevent acne scars. 1. Be Gentle with Your Skin Care Routine Excessive rubbing and scrubbing is never a good idea for your skin, especially while you’re dealing with an active breakout. To help reduce the risk of acne scar formation, the AAD recommends gentle skin care practices. Instead of scrubbing your skin with a face scrub or other harsh exfoliator (which can worsen acne), cleanse your skin gently with a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush, like Mia Prima, paired with our Acne Cleansing Brush Head. Ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin, the brush head gently removes pore-clogging debris from the skin, so it’s left feeling soft, smooth, and clean. 2. Avoid Squeezing Pimples There’s no benefit to squeezing pimples. It causes the skin around the blemish to swell and turn red, drawing more attention to pimples. What’s more, you can push dirt and debris deeper into your skin and any dirt or bacteria on your fingertips can enter the blemish and cause your acne to worsen. To give your acne the best chance of healing the right way, keep your hands off your face. 3. Treat Pimples Before They Scar Spot treat your pimples with spot treatment creams and pimple patches. Spot treatments can help speed along the pimple healing process with ingredients like salicylic acid. Furthermore, spot treatments like pimple patches can help mask your blemishes without clogging your pores.
Anyone who’s ever suffered from acne knows the never-ending saga of trying to find the perfect products for your acne prone skin. As much as you try to remain optimistic, sometimes it can feel like all you’re left with is a vanity full of products that don’t work, an empty wallet, and acne that won’t budge. Everyone’s acne journey is unique, but people with acne-prone skin types can take solace in knowing that the options to treat acne are seemingly endless. If you’re still searching for the perfect products for your acne prone skin, allow us to suggest some of our favorites. Oil Cleansers Oily skin types are usually no strangers to breakouts. When excess oil pools on your skin’s surface, it can mix with dead cells and dirt and form a clogged pore which—with exposure to bacteria—can transform into a red, juicy pimple. So the idea of adding more oil onto the skin when washing acne-prone skin of all things may seem like a cruel joke, but it’s actually not. The proof is in the science: oil attracts oil. Instead of using water (which repels oil) to break down pore-clogging grease and makeup on the skin’s surface, you should use a lightweight oil cleanser instead. Once you’ve found the right oil cleanser for your skin, apply a few pumps into the palms of your hand and massage it into dry skin. Add water onto your skin and use a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush, like Mia Smart, to emulsify the oil cleanser for up to one minute and give your skin a deep clean up to six times better than your hands alone. Editor’s note: Unless the oil cleanser used is formulated with an acne-fighting ingredients, it likely won’t reduce the appearance of blemishes. But by helping to eliminate excess sebum before it has a chance to clog pores, you can help prevent new blemishes from forming. Furthermore, oil cleansers are often much gentler than their foaming counterparts, making them a great option for anyone with sensitive acne skin. Sulfur Products You’ve probably heard of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to treat mild to severe acne blemishes, but there’s another acne-fighting ingredient that fewer people have heard of: sulfur. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it can eliminate acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface and unclog pores. You can find sulfur formulated into a handful of targeted skin care products for acne, including face masks and spot treatments. Editor’s note: As with any skin care product, if you’re introducing a new ingredient into your skin care routine be sure to test it out on the upper part of your inner arm before applying it to your face. This will allow you to make sure your skin doesn’t have any adverse reactions before applying it to your face. Retinoid Creams You may have heard of retinoid creams to combat aging and pimples, but that’s not all you can use it for. Dermatologists often recommend retinoid creams to deal with acne. Retinoid is the term used to describe products formulated with retinol. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A that’s available over the counter and by prescription, can help unclog pores, according to the AAD, making it a useful ingredient in the fight against comedonal acne (whiteheads and blackheads). For more severe acne, retinol may be recommended in conjunction with other acne-fighting products. Editor’s note: Retinoids are incredibly powerful and should only be used as directed. Due to increased sun sensitivity, apply retinoid products at night only and wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on all exposed areas of skin during the daytime. If excess irritation or peeling occurs, discontinue use and consult your dermatologist.
When it comes to skincare advice, dermatologists are chock-full of helpful tips and tricks. Dermatologists have the intel you need to address your concerns and achieve your skincare goals. Naturally, we asked the brain of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anita Saluja of For Your Best Self on all things acne. Here, she shares five of the best skincare tips to both prevent and treat acne. Grab a notebook and prepare to take notes! Acne Tip 1: Acne-Fighting Products Are Key There is no one-size-fits-all skincare routine for people with acne prone skin. What works for you may not work for your best friend. If you’re not sure where to start, consider investing in a Clarisonic Mia Smart or Mia Prima to cleanse the skin. If you have products you already love, the Mia Smart or Mia Prima can help them cleanse your skin more effectively. The devices also pair excellently with our Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser. If you’re looking for more recommendation for products formulated with the top ingredients for acne, check out some of Dr. Saluja’s favorites: Serum: “SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel is great for helping to calm inflamed acne after cleansing,” she says. Sunscreen: All skin types need to protect their skin against UV damage. Since some sunscreens can cause breakouts, you’ll want to find one feels lightweight and silky and dries to a comfortable finish. “SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 is one of my favorite sunscreens for acne-prone skin,” Dr. Saluja says. Spot Treatment: No acne skincare routine is complete without a spot treatment. Reach for one that’s formulated with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur. Dr. Saluja is particularly fond of La Roche Posay’s fan-favorite spot treatment Effaclar Duo. Acne Tip 2: Be Picky with Your Cleanser If you’re invested in targeting your acne, you should take your cleansing routine seriously, and part of that includes using the best cleanser for acne. “Look for a skin cleanser with salicylic acid, a tried and true ingredient, that improves abnormal shedding of skin cells and helps unclog pores,” Dr. Saluja says. “In turn, this action helps prevent new acne from forming.” Since preventing acne is equally as important as treating it, this is great advice to follow. In addition to salicylic acid, Dr. Saluja recommends scanning cleanser labels for lipohydroxy acid (LHA). “LHA is also quite tolerable, so it's less likely to irritate sensitive skin,” she says. The Clarisonic Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser is formulated with 2 percent salicylic acid and an exclusive micro-exfoliating LHA to help clear and prevent acne breakouts without over-drying the skin. With continued use, expect to see skin that looks clearer and feels more comfortable, as well as a reduced appearance of pores. Acne Tip 3: Cleanse With a Clarisonic Cleansing your skin is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine, but it’s particularly important for people with acne prone skin. Acne feeds on bacteria and clogged pores and maintaining a regular cleansing schedule can help to keep those irritants at bay. “A Clarisonic has patented technology to work gently to clean the skin more effectively than anything else, including your hands,” she says. “By removing makeup, dirt, environmental pollutants, and whatever else that is trapped in pores, your skin looks smoother and feels softer. I see this in my patients.” While a Clarisonic can help you achieve clearer, brighter skin, you may not want to use it every time you cleanse your skin. Dr. Saluja urges everyone to use their best judgment. Overall, everyone can benefit from cleansing with a Clarisonic if they customize their own routine with the right brush head(s) and frequency. “Most people do best with daily Clarisonic cleansing, but some might do better with using it three times a week,” Dr. Saluja says. “As with all routines, experiment and practice until you find what works best for you.” Acne Tip 4: Curb Poor Lifestyle Habits Your acne-fighting cleansing routine may be next to perfect, but that’s only one part of the journey towards clearer-looking skin. Your lifestyle habits matter too, and if they’re not up to snuff you risk ruining all of hard work and dedication. So, in addition to following a self-care routine that works for you, eat a healthy diet of fresh vegetables and fruits. “Avoid processed or sugary foods,” Dr. Saluja recommends. Exercise regularly to get your blood pumping, even if it’s a brisk walk for 30 minutes each day. “And, don't forget to get your beauty sleep,” Dr. Saluja says. “Resting for 7 to 8 hours a night helps our bodies and our skin reset.” Acne Tip 5: Don’t Let Skin Purging Ruin Your Momentum Introducing a new product to your skincare routine can sometimes be frustrating if you have acne prone skin. For example, using a new device like a Clarisonic, for the first time is definitely exciting—if you experience positive results, that is. But if on your quest to eliminate breakouts you experience more of them as a result of introducing a Clarisonic in your routine, you may be tempted to give up on the tool altogether. This reaction is called skin purging, and it isn’t a cause for concern. “Skin purging, when the skin experiences more breakouts temporarily after a change in a skincare routine, can occur with over-exfoliation or irritation,” Dr. Saluja says. Since Clarisonic facial cleansing brushes are so efficient at deep cleaning the skin, the stimulating effect can in some cases make the skin look worse before it starts to look better. Dr. Saluja’s advice? Stick with your Clarisonic cleansing routine, but be gentle until your skin settles down. “Start using your Clarisonic once every three days, then every other day,” she says. “Take your time to build up to regular daily use. Also, try a few brush heads to see which suits your skin best and keep your Clarisonic brush head clean.” Rinse your brush head after every use and replace it every three months. Skin purging is a small hurdle on the way towards the best skin of your life!
Anyone who knows anything about skincare knows that exfoliating is an essential part of any skincare routine. It can eliminate a rough skin texture, help even the skin’s tone, improve clarity, and also reduce the risk of clogged pores and breakouts. As crucial as exfoliating is, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information out there for the people who need it most: people with acne prone skin. If you’ve been searching high and low for information on exfoliating acne prone skin, your search ends here. Exfoliation involves removing the topmost layer of skin to reveal the softer, smoother, brighter cells underneath. There are two types of exfoliation, physical—which involves manually scrubbing away dead cells—and chemical—which involves dissolving dead cells with a skin care acid—to choose from and there’s been much debate over which one is better. That answer won’t be the same for everyone, and will largely depend on your skin type and tolerance levels. Whether physical or chemical, choosing an exfoliator is not a decision you want to make in haste. Above all else, consider your skin type to ensure you don’t cause unnecessary damage or irritation with your exfoliation routine. Can You Exfoliate on Acne-Prone Skin? The answer is yes, you can exfoliate on acne-prone skin. In fact, regular exfoliation on acne-prone skin can help reduce the likelihood of breakouts! But wait, there’s a catch. You want to make sure you follow the proper exfoliation routine for acne-prone skin, especially if you are dealing with an active breakout. How to Exfoliate Acne Prone Skin If you’re looking to exfoliate on acne-prone skin, follow these tips to help ensure the best results. Tip 1: Be Gentle The key to successful exfoliation, regardless of your skin type, is being gentle. Many exfoliators already have chemical exfoliants, tiny beads, or sonic technology that already does the action for you. Scrubbing rigorously or forcefully won’t help you achieve better results; in fact, it could set your progress back tremendously. If you are exfoliating with the Clarisonic Sonic Exfoliator, let the exfoliating brush glide over your facial contours with ease. Don’t add any extra pressure. If you have an acne breakout that is sensitive to the touch, it is okay to skip that sensitive area. Once the inflammation has calmed, exfoliate the area to help boost cell turnover. Tip 2: Read Your Labels Chemical exfoliants can sometimes be harsh on the skin and if you’re already using acne-fighting products with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in them, applying more chemicals to your face may wreak havoc on your skin. If you decide to use a chemical exfoliant, be sure to read the ingredients to ensure they won’t adversely react to the products you are already using on your face. Tip 3: Choose Your Exfoliation Tool Wisely Instead of using a harsh scrub which can aggravate acne, exfoliate your acne-prone skin with the Sonic Exfoliator, our gentle exfoliating brush. It can act as a 60-second scrub replacement to help you achieve soft, smooth, and radiant-looking skin without damage. Pair it with our glycolic acid peel cleanser, Skin Renewing Peel Treatment, for results comparable to a professional glycolic acid peel, including decongested pores, improved skin clarity, polished skin, a boost in cell turnover, and better absorption of subsequent skin care products. It’s gentle enough for all skin types to use, including sensitive and acne-prone! Tip 4: Don’t Overdo It How often one should exfoliate is an ongoing debate amongst industry professionals. Some experts agree that once per week is sufficient for most skin types, while others recommend a more frequent routine of 2-3 times per week. Follow an exfoliation routine that works with your skin’s tolerance levels to avoid over-exfoliation, which manifests as uncomfortable, dry, and irritated skin. Tip 5: Moisturize Afterwards All skin types must moisturize after exfoliating. As long as you don’t over-exfoliate, exfoliating shouldn’t make your face feel dry. But because you must wash your face before exfoliating, you should always complete your skincare routine with a moisturizer. For acne-prone skin, we recommend a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic face cream to reintroduce any lost moisture. Bonus points if it’s formulated with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target existing blemishes.
So, you have acne. You’re not alone—acne is actually one of the most common skin concerns, amongst teens and adults alike. But taking care of acne-prone skin isn’t always the easiest task. You might be wondering what the best way to wash your face is when you have acne—and if that’s the case, then you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn how to wash your face when you have acne, along with recommendations for our best face wash for acne and best acne facial brush. Buh-bye, breakouts! Step 1: Choose the Best Facial Cleansing Brush Head and Cleanser for Your Skin Using a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush is a great option for washing your face, especially when you have acne. That’s because it’s 6x more effective than washing your face with hands alone, meaning it’s great at removing makeup, dirt, and oils that can clog pores, allows skin care products to absorb better, and leaves your face with a refreshed feel. So, choose a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush, such as the Mia 2, then pick the right brush head to put on the cleansing brush. For acne-prone skin, try the Acne Cleansing brush head. This brush head is designed for sensitive, acne-prone skin, and it gently removes trouble-causing debris from your pores and leaves skin softer, smoother, and comfortably clean. To make the most of your morning and evening cleanse, use the Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser, which gently exfoliates without drying skin. Step 2: Turn the Sink to Lukewarm Super-hot water might feel good on your skin, but it’s actually not the best choice for your face washing routine. It can strip your skin of essential oils, leaving your skin overly dry. When your skin becomes dehydrated, it can start producing extra oil to make up for what’s been lost. All that extra oil can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. So, stick with lukewarm water when you wash your face. Step 3: Be Gentle But Thorough It’s all about finding a happy medium when washing your face, as you want to apply enough pressure to deeply unclog pores. Let your facial cleansing brush do the work for you. By turning your brush on and gently grazing it across your face, you’ll be able to remove any traces of buildup without causing any irritation to your sensitive, acne-prone skin. Step 4: Follow Up with Toner Depending on how oily or acne-prone your skin is, you may find that you need to take an additional step to rid your skin of all impurities. If that’s the case, then reach for a toner to help cleanse your skin further. Look for one that’s alcohol-free, as alcohol can be overly drying. Simply soak a cotton pad with the toner and wipe it across your face to remove any excess oil, makeup, or pore-clogging debris that may still remain on your face. Once you’ve done that, work your way through the rest of your skin care routine, and you’re good to go! Make sure to follow this face-washing routine morning and night to help maintain clear skin and get rid of acne.
Acne of any kind can be difficult to face in the mirror, but when those breakouts sit front and center on your forehead, this can take on a whole other level of annoyance. Since nobody deserves to feel stressed when they look into the mirror, we’re all about finding ways to manage breakouts and get rid of forehead acne once and for all. If you feel like you’ve already tried everything, take a deep breath and understand that it’s best to take a multi-faceted approach to your skin care routine. If you’re unsure what skin care steps you should, in fact, be considering when exploring ways to get rid of your forehead acne, keep reading—we’re outlining it all below. Are you ready to get rid of forehead acne? Follow these skin care tips to give your acne-prone skin the TLC it deserves. 1. Double Cleanse Your Skin to Rid It of Impurities When you have forehead acne, it’s best to double-cleanse your skin to help ensure that no oil, dirt, or debris stays built up on the surface of your skin. Start by using a no-rinse cleansing option, such as a micellar water formulated for oily skin, to remove initial oil and makeup from your skin. To use micellar water, all you have to do is pour some out onto a cotton pad and wipe the pad across your face. Oil cleansers are also a great option for the first step in your double cleansing routine. Make sure to choose an oil that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Then, reach for a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush and pop an Acne Cleansing brush head on it to deep cleanse trouble-causing debris from pores. Pair it with the Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser, which helps clear and prevent acne breakouts. 2. Be Mindful of the Hair Styling Products You Use If you have bangs, or if you regularly spray your hair front and center, your forehead breakouts could be thanks to product buildup along with excess sebum. What’s more, if you don’t wash your hair every day, especially if your hair lays over your forehead, you could be setting yourself up for forehead acne. The best thing you can do is wash your bangs regularly (and try to minimize the amount of product you use). That way product won’t be able to build up and cause forehead breakouts. 3. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face This one’s simple! Don’t touch your forehead! Think about all the germs your hands come into contact with during the day—when you touch your forehead, you’ll transfer these germs to your face, and this can lead to breakouts. Be mindful of your behavior and try your best to keep your hands off your face. 4. Skip Wearing Hats Hats can make a great accessory—especially if you’re looking to hide frizz—but ones that cover your forehead can actually lead to forehead acne. Here’s why: Impurities can build up on the hat and then be transferred to your forehead when you wear it. If you just can’t part with your hat, be sure to clean it regularly to avoid this buildup being transferred to your forehead and causing breakouts. 5. Change Your Pillowcases Regularly Did you know that your pillowcases could be contributing to your forehead acne? It’s true! Dirty pillowcases and sheets can actually have a whole host of dirt and impurities lurking on them—and they can be transferred to your forehead if you sleep on your face. Consider washing your pillowcases once or twice a week to prevent them from giving you forehead breakouts. 6. Spot Treat at Night At the end of your day, take your skin care routine a step further by applying a spot treatment post-cleansing. It’s best to look for spot treatments formulated with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as these are the two most effective ingredients at fighting acne.
Picture this: Just when you think you’ve outgrown the blemishes associated with youth, you take a peek in the mirror only to be greeted by a lovely little breakout. It turns out that plenty of women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s experience acne—and there are a few different causes of adult acne. Below, find three common causes of adult acne along with tips on treating adult acne so you can find clearer skin days ahead. Adult Acne Cause #1: Your Hormones Are Fluctuating Your hormones change when you get your period, are pregnant, or go through menopause, and these hormonal fluctuations can lead to adult acne. Adult acne caused by hormonal shifts often appears on the cheeks and jaws. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to an increase in oil production and acne-causing bacteria. Adult Acne Cause #2: You’re Stressed Out Stress gets the best of all of us every now and again. When you’re stressed, your body produces more of a hormone that stimulates your oil glands, and this can lead to adult acne breakouts. Adult Acne Cause #3: You’re Genetically Predisposed Take a peek at your mom, dad, sister, or brother—do they have acne on their faces? Well, if they do, that could explain why you have adult acne. Some people may be genetically predisposed to adult acne, and if any of your close family members experience adult acne, you might as well. Adult Acne Cause #4: You’re Using Pore-Clogging Skin Care and Hair Products When your skin is prone to breakouts, it’s important to check the label of any beauty products before using them, because certain products can clog pores. And it’s not just moisturizers you have to think about—buildup from hair products can transfer to your face, leading to breakouts as well. Look for skin care that are non-comedogenic and oil-free because they won’t clog pores. When it comes to your hair, make sure to shampoo and condition before cleaning the rest of your body—that way you can wash off any residue and prevent it from clogging your pores. When styling your hair, do so before applying your makeup—and wash your hands to get rid of any hairstyling product buildup that could be transferred to your skin. Cover your face before spritzing on hairspray, and do your best to keep your hair out of your face when you can by wearing a headband or putting your hair into a ponytail or bun. How to Treat Adult Acne Keeping a consistent skin care routine is key when it comes to managing adult acne. That being said, treating adult acne is slightly different than treating teen acne. In your teen years, your skin was likely oilier. But skin loses moisture as you age, so you want to make sure that you’re caring for it gently and not over-drying your complexion. Use a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush with an Acne Cleansing brush head to gently rid the surface of your skin of pore-clogging impurities. Washing your face with a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush is 6x more effective than hands alone and it’s a gentle cleansing method that works even for sensitive skin. If you find that nothing you do gets rid of your adult acne, head to your dermatologist, as in-office treatments might be an option for you. Blue light treatment can help mitigate excess oil production and kill acne-causing bacteria. Prescription retinoids can also be effective, as they unclog oil glands and can also offer anti-aging benefits such as smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (keep in mind that it may take 2-3 months to see results). Finally, an in-office chemical peel can help to get rid of adult acne. Peels utilize acids, such as salicylic or glycolic, which can help break down buildup and keep your pores clear.
Why does it sometimes feel like no matter what you do, you can’t get rid of your acne? This can especially be frustrating when you’re a teen! With all the selfies you snap, you likely want your complexion to look as healthy—and pimple-free—as possible. To truly put together a targeted skin care routine that’ll help you achieve clearer skin, it’s important to get to the root of the issue and understand what causes acne in the first place. You probably already know that excessive oiliness and the buildup of dirt and makeup in your pores can lead to breakouts, but what about some of the more unexpected reasons why you have acne? Here are three surprising causes of acne you may not have given much thought to before. 1. You’re On Your Cell Phone All the Time Do you start chatting on the phone as soon as you get home from school or work? Well, your cell phone could be to blame for your breakout. Think about it: Your cell phone is probably pretty dirty. Throughout the day, makeup, dirt, oils, and bacteria can build up on the screen as you text and call your BFFs—and this can all be transferred to your face and clog your pores, leading to breakouts. Make sure to stash a screen-cleansing towelette in your bag so that you can wipe down your phone’s screen on the go before placing a call. 2. Your Shampoo and Conditioner Are Clogging Your Pores You may not give all that much thought to how you shower, but it turns out that your shampoo and conditioner could be clogging your pores and leading to acne. These hair care products are often formulated with ingredients such as silicones and moisturizers that can clog your pores. When you wash them out of your hair, they likely slide down your chest and back before they reach the drain, and this can leave you with body acne. The products can get onto your face, too, when you rinse them out. The next time you wash your hair, try to tilt your head so that when you rinse out your shampoo and conditioner, it doesn’t land on your face, chest, or back. 3. You Keep Picking at Your Pimples We know, it’s tempting to squeeze or pop pimples to make them go away immediately—but this can actually do more harm than good in the long run. For starters, your hands pick up germs as you go about your day, and when you touch a pimple, those germs can be transferred to your face—and this can lead to more acne. Popping pimples can also lead to scars. It’s best to keep your hands off and let a zit heal in its own time. You can use spot treatments to help speed up the process or visit a derm for a professional treatment if at-home acne-clearing methods aren’t working for you. At home, make sure to wash your face morning and night—but no more often than that, because over-cleansing can lead to irritation. Pair a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush with an Acne Cleansing brush head to gently remove trouble-causing debris from your pores and set a clean canvas for better product absorption.
" Just like the breakouts that caused them, acne scars come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some acne scars are dark spots on the skin’s surface while others appear as indented areas on the complexion. While getting rid of acne scars can feel like an uphill battle, there are steps you can take to help to diminish their appearance over time. Step 1: Practice a Proper Cleansing Routine A proper cleansing routine can help to increase cell turnover and fade the appearance of acne scars. Use a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush with the Acne Cleansing Brush Head. The brush head is ideal for acne-prone, sensitive skin and can give you the best clean skin to help fight acne and acne scars. Expert Tip: Don’t Pick If you do experience breakouts while you’re trying to get rid of existing acne scars, don’t pick. Picking is often what causes acne scars to form in the first place. Instead, follow steps to get rid of acne and keep your hands off. Step 2: Reach for Brightening Products For acne scars that have left dark marks on your complexion, reach for products that can help to brighten their appearance. Brightening serums and face masks formulated with vitamin C are a great choice. Step 3: Exfoliate 1-3 Times a Week Exfoliation is another way to help brighten the look of the skin. Whether you chose to exfoliate with scrubs or with alpha-hydroxy acids, exfoliation removes any buildup of dead skin cells to reveal newer skin cells underneath. If your scars are surface-level, this can be an excellent tool in helping to fade their appearance. Step 4: Wear Broad-Spectrum SPF The sun’s UV rays can cause existing scarring to worsen so be sure to protect your complexion with broad-spectrum SPF. Look for daily moisturizers that are formulated with SPF to help to keep your skin hydrated and protected while you are trying to get rid of acne scars. Step 5: Conceal Acne Scars with Foundation Since getting rid of acne scars doesn’t happen overnight, you can opt to conceal any existing scars while you wait with concealer and foundation. The Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Makeup Brush helps to give you an airbrushed look by seamlessly blending cream, stick, and liquid foundation to cover blemish and acne scars better than you can with your hands alone. Step 6: See a Dermatologist Many acne scars—especially those left after cystic pimples—need an expert’s touch. If you have significant scarring from past blemishes, make an appointment to consult with a dermatologist. These skincare experts can help to create a personalized action plan to help you soften the look of deep scars and remove any surface-level scarring over time.
Ah, acne. If you’ve ever experienced breakouts, then you know how frustrating the quest for clearer skin can be. But it turns out there are a quite a few acne myths—like that you can use toothpaste on pimples to get rid of them—that could be standing in the way of you and a blemish-free complexion. Keep reading for common acne myths you should stop believing and strategies to effectively manage acne-prone skin. Acne Myth #1: Toothpaste Can Get Rid of Pimples Perhaps the biggest acne myth of all is that toothpaste can be used to get rid of blemishes. The truth is that toothpaste can dry out and shrink pimples—but it can actually be pretty irritating to put it on your skin. So if you have a pimple, look for a spot treatment formulated with an effective acne-fighting ingredient, like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide instead. Acne Myth #2: You Have to Skip Makeup if You Have Acne You might think that you can’t wear makeup if you have acne-prone skin, but it’s really about finding products that are suitable for your skin type. Look for a foundation that’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, or an oil-free formula if your skin tends to look shiny or greasy by midday. Avoid applying foundation with your fingers, as you could transfer pore-clogging dirt from your hands to your face. Instead, apply liquid or cream foundation with a Sonic Foundation Makeup Brush for an airbrushed finish. Acne Myth #3: Popping Pimples Is a Good Way to Get Rid of Them Do not, we repeat, do not squeeze that zit! While popping a blemish might be tempting, this can do more harm than good. That’s because when you do this, you risk the chance of being left with an acne scar. Keep your hands off and follow a consistent skin care routine for acne-prone skin, including cleansing and moisturizing with an oil-free lotion as well as spot treating with salicylic acid or benozyl peroxide. Acne Myth #4: You Have to Wash Your Face Frequently Cleansing your skin twice a day can help keep it clear of dirt, oils, and impurities that can clog pores—but it’s an acne myth that you need to wash your face any more than that. Over-cleansing your skin can actually backfire, as it can lead to dryness and irritation. It’s key to deep clean your skin without stripping your skin of essential oils You can ensure you get a 6 times better cleanse with a facial cleansing brush like Mia 2. Pair it with a gentle Acne Cleansing Brush Head and an acne facial cleanser like our Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser, which helps clear and prevent acne breakouts. Acne Myth #5: Spending Time in the Sun Can Clear Up Acne Don’t believe this acne myth. Spending time in the sun can’t clear up acne. In fact, when you’re out in the sun for prolonged periods of time without wearing sun protection, this can lead to visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and dark spots, making their presence known years down the road. Whenever you know you’ll be in the sun, it’s best to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher as directed. If you have acne-prone skin, look for a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic.