Facial cleansing with a sonic brush—A review of the literature and current recommendations

Abstract

Summary Introduction Skin cleansing is important for removal of dirt, debris, and sebum and plays an important role in reduction of pollution‐induced skin aging. Cleansing is an established part of treatment recommendations and procedures in dermatology. Different methods for facial skin cleansing are established but recommendations on use of special devices are not fully integrated into clinical practice. Aim We review the current literature on sonic cleansing to demonstrate that a gentle and effective cleansing routine using a sonic brush followed by appropriate additional methods for rehydration and skin protection may improve both inflammatory conditions including acne vulgaris and skin damage associated with overexposure to exogenous light and pollution. Methods A working group of experienced clinicians managing facial inflammatory skin conditions convened for a meeting. The panel reviewed the literature surrounding sonic brush cleansing and discussed clinical questions aiming to optimize facial cleansing outcomes. Results The panel agreed there are increasing concerns over the rise of atmospheric pollution globally and its impact on health and skin aging and that cleansing in combination with nonspecific skin care is able to support physiological microenvironmental skin conditions including pH levels on the skin surface, barrier function, and hydration. Conclusion Cleansing poses a challenge in balancing debris removal while avoiding excess sebum removal, thereby maintaining an intact stratum corneum barrier. The sonic brush may offer a safe and effective treatment for various conditions.

Skin effect of facial cleansing combined with an electric sonic device

“…Facial cleansing is very important for personal care and elimination of dirt, dead cells, residual cosmetic products, and, mainly, excess oil. 3,15 However, the cleansing agents used in this process did not…”

“…21 According to the literature, the application of sonic technology combined with cleansing cosmetics offers a safe alternative that contributes to skin barrier integrity. 3 Then, these electrical devices, when used with proper frequency and amplitude, optimize the cleansing process by using the elastic properties of the skin, without irritating it or exceeding its physical limits. 3,6,17,18 The presence of dry skin is not necessarily related to an increase in transepidermal water loss, suggesting that low hydration values are not necessarily associated with significant damage to the barrier.…”

“…However, when excessive lipid is synthesized and excreted, dermatological problems may occur, such as seborrheic dermatitis and acne, in addition to aesthetically unwanted oily skin 2 . Removing excess oil and dirt from the skin with specific cosmetic products is a very important process that complements the treatment of various dermatological conditions 1,3 …”

“…2,4,5 For this process to be beneficial and maintain skin homeostasis, cosmetic products must ensure a proper balance between removing dirt and excess surface lipids and maintaining hydration of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. 1,3 Considering the growing concern about facial care, several physical mechanisms, such as sonic devices, have been developed to be combined with cosmetic products, promising to facilitate and improve the efficiency of the cleansing process. 3,6 Sonic brushes promote facial cleansing through oscillatory movements without exceeding the skin physical limits.…”

“…1,3 Considering the growing concern about facial care, several physical mechanisms, such as sonic devices, have been developed to be combined with cosmetic products, promising to facilitate and improve the efficiency of the cleansing process. 3,6 Sonic brushes promote facial cleansing through oscillatory movements without exceeding the skin physical limits. The repetition of these oscillatory movements in appropriate frequency and amplitude ranges results in a more efficient pores unblocking.…”