Clarisonic/cleanser question

[#1]

I had these annoying little blemish-like bumps on my forehead, so I recently began using the AcneFree 3-step system, and it has worked wonders for my skin. However, prior to using AcneFree, I used to use my Clarisonic Mia every night. Now, I haven't used my Clarisonic in a month or so, because the AcneFree cleanser has little micro exfoliating beads in it, and I don't want to over exfoliate or cut my skin. I'm afraid to go back to using my Clarisonic for that reason, and because my skin went through a really bad purging phase when I first began using the Clairsonic. However, my skin doesn't feel like it's getting quite as clean as it did with the Clarisonic. Without changing my skincare, do you think I could incorporate the Clarisonic with the exfoliating cleanser I use, or maybe in the morning with a mild cleanser? I've heard the Philosophy Purity one is great.

[#2]

Hey nattygirl, I'm glad that you've found success with this new product line, that's such a relief, isn't it? I can understand what you're talking about. I think you need to alternate, shake things up a bit. Maybe you can use the Mia every other day and use the other product on off days. You should definitely not use your Clarisonic with something abrasive or that provides extra exfoliating. Others may disagree, everyone's skin is different and can tolerate different things, but I think it was wise of you to ask this question.

 I was also glad when I saw you mention Philosopjy Purity Made Simple cleanser, that was going to be my suggestion, I Love it! Sometimes I feel like I need to rinse a little more thoroughly. I don't start putting makeup on right away so if it feels funny I can just go in and rinse a little more and then I'm good to go. That might just be me though, your skin changes and so does the water, so that could be part of a problem too. I don't think we think of our water enough, that could be to blame for a lot of things that we blame on our products, who knows?

I've not used that acne line of products, I've used a lot of other products though. When you mentioned that you didn't want to over exfoliate or cut you skin I had 2 thoughts. 1- you're right to be concerned about over exfoliating. 2- does the scrub/beads in this product ever leave you feeling scratchy or cut up? Because Exfoliation with or without the Clarisonic should never do that, if it does, get rid of it.(or you could keep it and use it on other areas of your body with tougher skin, places skin can use a little harsher exfoliant, like elbows, feet, places like that
An Excellend facial exfoliator is Philosophy Micro-delivery Exfoliating Daily Face Wash, you don't really need to use it every day - and just use it with a nice soft washcloth, go gently (especially at first) and then rinse Thoroughly. Never with your Mia either.

You can also get different brush heads for your Mia. I think there's Normal, Sensitive, Deep pore cleansing, Acne, Sleepy, Doc, no, seriously, I think there's a 5th just can't think of it's name. I hope this helps you out and I also  hope you'll come back and let us know how this all works out for you

[#3]

Hi nattygirl,

I'm a relatively new Clarisonic user myself. I was using mine once a day and found that it was too much for my skin. I would recommend using yours every other day with a cleanser that doesn't have exfoliants (using the clarisonic with an exfoliator could result in extreme irritation). I typically like to use mine before bed, but you're welcome to use yours in the AM too. Try using your clarisonic in conjunction with a mild/acne cleanser like Purity . Using a sensitive skin brush will also help in keeping your skin from breaking out.

On days that you aren't using your Mia feel free to just was your face traditionally with an exfoliant based cleanser.

 

[#4]

I've not tried it yet, but on the clarisonic blog they've said that you can use microbead exfliators with the clarisonic.  You can't use rought exfoliators with it, though.  So it sounds like you should be fine using your cleanser with your mia as long as your skin can handle it.  If it's too much for you, you could try using your cleanser in the morning and then your mia at night to remove all the crud that's landed on yoru face during the day.