Over the years, I have gained a deeper understanding of skincare and realized that the foundation of all skincare benefits lies in cleansing. Only a clean face can fully benefit from subsequent skincare routines, which also explains why some skincare products are expensive.
After numerous trials and experiments, I have come to the conclusion that in addition to makeup removers and cleansers, cleansing beauty devices are also excellent additions.
Cleansing beauty devices are not essential products. If you have dry skin, no noticeable blackhead issues, and already have a good makeup removal and exfoliation routine, you may not need to invest in a beauty device to enhance your skincare ritual. However, if you have oily or combination skin, a beauty device can help deeply cleanse your pores and indirectly alleviate issues like blackheads and whiteheads caused by excess buildup.
In essence, a cleansing device is not mysterious at all. It is essentially an upgraded version of a toothbrush, consisting of a motor, battery, and brush head. It mainly cleanses the pores through physical means, effectively removing impurities. Therefore, the choice of the brush head is crucial. Early cleansing devices primarily used nylon brush heads with rotating modes, which were excellent for exfoliation and highly effective for oily skin. However, they might be too harsh for dry and sensitive skin. As a result, major brands introduced nylon and vibration modes to provide a gentler cleansing experience.
Today, the mainstream choice is silicone brush heads with vibration modes, which offer enhanced comfort and improved skin sensation. Major brands often use examples like jelly and raw egg yolk to demonstrate their softness, and they are generally safe for even those with delicate skin. However, silicone brush heads are less effective for exfoliation compared to nylon brush heads, which may be a drawback for those with very oily skin. Another type of cleansing device features a metal head, mainly based on the concept of ion cleansing.
Recently, there has been a trend of using technologies like sonic waves, ultrasonic waves, and ions. However, not all of them are true technological innovations. Firstly, most ultrasonic wave technologies fall short of the actual ultrasonic level (above 20,000 hertz), while the frequencies of cleansing devices on the market mostly range between 8,000 and 9,000 hertz, unable to reach the level of true ultrasonic waves. Of course, there are a few exceptions, such as the LG cleansing device mentioned later. Although sonic waves can effectively clean the skin when combined with vibration, they are more like a bunch of mini feather dusters gently patting your face. Given enough time, they can indeed produce results. However, I dislike exaggerated marketing claims. Sonic waves are just sonic waves and have their effects. There is no need to claim to be ultrasonic waves and set oneself up for potential disappointment.
The concept of ion export refers to the interaction of positive and negative currents, facilitating the removal of deep-seated impurities through charge flow for thorough cleansing of the skin. Regarding this concept, I believe it should not be overemphasized. After all, the cleansing process only takes a few seconds, and we cannot rely on ion movement, which requires complex operations, to solve the cleansing issue. We can consider it as an additional bonus feature.
Now, let's analyze in detail some popular cleansing devices available on the market:
This popular brand from Sweden offers a compact cleansing device at a slightly higher price. It comes in three different designs tailored for different skin types. Its main feature is the T-SONICTM vertical transdermal sonic pulsation technology, which enables deep cleansing at a rate of 8,000 vibrations per minute. It effectively removes residual oil and makeup. After cleansing, the face feels like it has been massaged, providing a pleasant sensation. The results are remarkable for those struggling with blackheads and strawberry noses, transforming strawberry-like pores into smooth skin. It's almost possible to bid farewell to the hassle of squeezing blackheads.
With a design similar to the Luna, this device is marketed as an alternative to the Luna with additional beauty functions. It features brush zones, with slightly coarser bristles at the top for cleaning the sides of the nose and finer bristles for deep cleansing of the cheeks. The new brush heads have also increased in length by 26%, indicating a trend in the industry. The vibration is very gentle and silent, allowing the pores to breathe freely, and providing an immediate feeling of liberation.
In addition to its cleansing function, this compact device has many additional features. The bottom of the device has a metal head with a hot and cold mode. The 42°C constant temperature mode is ideal for mask absorption, helping the skin absorb nutrients. The 9°C cool mode provides a soothing effect after sun exposure, enhancing repair. The curved massage bar on the back can be used for lifting massages. I have tested its softness, and it scores top marks. The heating and cooling functions are also rapid. The cooling function is especially useful, feeling like using a cooling patch. It is great for refreshing and awakening the mind in summer. The heating function is similar to a heat pack, but be careful not to leave it on the face for too long, as it can become slightly hot.
This device's design resembles a slender version of a razor. It is a multi-functional beauty device that combines cleansing, lifting massage and eye massage functions. Although it comes at a slightly higher price, it offers various functions that are acceptable. It is equipped with 32,000 anti-sensitive, soft bristles and dual rotation functions. The lifting massage head has five rolling balls, providing a soothing and comfortable experience akin to a professional masseur's fingers. The eye massage head is made of metal and offers a cooling effect to reduce puffiness. With an intelligent setting of 30 seconds, it can replace fingertip massage and help eye cream absorption, resulting in smoother skin with reduced wrinkles. However, it should be noted that the rotating cleansing function is more powerful compared to vibration, making it more suitable for those with oily skin. Additionally, the brush heads need to be replaced every three months, which can be a strain on the wallet.
Panasonic devices are typically designed with user-friendliness in mind, which deserves high praise. For example, the bristles are incredibly soft, and it only takes 5 seconds to generate rich foam, eliminating the need for manual foaming. The only small drawback is that the bristles are not densely packed, but skin sensation is more important, and the other aspects are not as significant.
Similar to Philips, it also offers replaceable massage heads and small brush heads, totaling four options: large brush head, small brush head, massage head, and exfoliating head. The most outstanding feature is the warm makeup removal function, which offers two temperature settings and quickly melts away makeup. The heating head allows heating makeup remover, thoroughly removing even lip stains and waterproof eyeliners. It is gentler than roughly wiping the skin with a cotton pad, resulting in visible clarity and transparency.
The semi-spherical design of this device provides a comfortable grip. It offers three different modes for cleansing intensity, catering to various skin types. After use, the face feels clean and refreshed, free from any tightness or discomfort. Moreover, it functions more like a beauty instrument, providing three different color therapy options: red, green, and blue. Red light activates cells, infusing vitality into the skin; green light improves the appearance and soothes irritation; blue light calms the skin and fights acne. While cleansing the face, it can also address various skin concerns.
The unique dual brush head design allows the thicker brush head to quickly cleanse areas prone to oil accumulation, such as the nose and T-zone, while the finer brush head gently cleanses sensitive and delicate areas. The 3D sonic wave technology enables the brush head to oscillate horizontally by 1.1 millimeters and rotate 5° clockwise and counterclockwise. The high-frequency vibrations effectively remove deep-seated dirt and oil from the pores.
