The age of cleansing tools is here. For those with sensitive and acne-prone skin, however, approaching a cleansing device may seem a little daunting, because the idea of having a brush or a cloth scrub against our skin aggressively doesn’t exactly sound like the best way to get clearer skin. In fact, it might do the opposite. Fear not, for there are milder options to consider. Here, we’ve selected the tools that will go easy on your skin and boost your routine by giving you a fresh canvas to make the rest of your products work better.
Clarisonic Mia 2
Yup, it’s the OG brand of cleansing tools that sparked an innovative trend all across the skincare industry. The Clarisonic Mia 2 is still touted as a bathroom essential for those who have felt and seen the benefits of using a machine-powered device for a deeper clean, even for those with sensitive skin. Compared to their advanced four-speed Smart Profile and their newer Smart Profile Uplift, this one offers two foolproof speeds for varying levels of intensity and customisation. If this is your first foray into the Clarisonic range, however, we’d suggest getting the Mia 2 and start with either the Delicate Brush Head or the Sensitive Brush Head to minimise the risk of skin irritation.
$220, available at Sephora and on clarisonic.com.sg.
Foreo LUNA play plus
Often compared to Clarisonic’s brushes, Foreo’s take on the battery-powered cleansing tool may be much gentler on the skin, but it’s just as formidable. Not to mention, if the thought of wet, bacteria-filled bristles disgust you, then you’ll probably find the Foreo Luna Play Plus and its silicone composition better for your germaphobe tendencies. As with other facial brushes in the Foreo family, the Luna Play Plus uses both sonic pulsations to dislodge impurities and unclog pores; and lower-frequency pulsations to reduce the signs of aging. Since it’s made of soft silicone, you can use it for a couple minutes day and night with any cleanser – perfect for sensitive skin. This one’s a larger version of the Luna Play, equipped with a longer battery life and longer bristles for a deeper clean.
$79, available at Sephora.
Sephora Collection Exfoliating Face Disc
If Foreo’s battery-operated variety seems a little out of your budget, then this straightforward silicone facial pad should do the trick. Its tiny bristles work to massage daily grime out of those pores, while the bumps on the bottom work to exfoliate and soften the skin. Similar to Foreo’s, you won’t need to replace any brush heads or worry about the hygiene factor. However, this one’s cheap, travel-friendly, and you won’t need to replace or recharge any batteries. Pretty much the best one for lazy folks like you and I. Zero hassle, zero complaints.
$10, available at Sephora.
The Konjac Sponge Company Konjac Sponge Puff with French Pink Clay
These trendy squishy sponges are made from food grade Konjac (Konnyaku), a plant root that’s native to Asian countries. Its fibrous structure is able to absorb impurities and buff away debris, and since it’s got such a soft netted texture, it’s gentle enough to be used around the eye area as well. Give your skin a nice little massage with it to stimulate blood flow and exfoliate your skin. Don’t expect your complexion to change dramatically in one use, though – it takes about a week of continued use to see results. And it doesn’t matter what ingredient the sponge is infused with since it all gets washed off within a few uses, but the pretty shade of coral makes for a lovely visual reminder, doesn’t it? Also, don’t be alarmed when you leave your Konjac sponge out to dry the first time – it hasn’t died, it just shrinks and hardens when it’s dehydrated. Simply run it under some water before you use it next time.
$18, available at Sephora.
Eve Lom Muslin Cloth
Again, if you’re iffy about cleansing brushes, there are other forms to turn to, such as this muslin cloth by Eve Lom. Muslin cloths offer a gentler and more hygienic approach to exfoliating as they dry much faster and their texture isn’t as abrasive. You can place a dollop of facial cleanser onto a warm, wet muslin cloth and massage that onto your skin in circular motions to take the day off. A simple addition like that can turn your evening skincare routine into a therapeutic spa-like session, so go ahead and light a scented candle before you begin.
$35 for a set of 3, available at Sephora.
Main image: @foreo
You must be logged in to post a comment.