Before I can even begin talking about make up or any other beauty product, I feel its important to address your skin! After all our skin is our largest organ and can tell the outside world a whole lot about your body and your lifestyle! Great skin isn't bought at a department or drug store, you can't find it online or even on sale, beautiful skin begins at a basic cellular level. This means making some minor lifestyle changes can make a HUGE difference! Adding a couple more hours of make up free sleep, a few extra glasses of water (not soda, girls, water!), 30 minutes of exercise, Taking a daily multivitamin, limiting your alcohol consumption, being mindful of what you eat and most importantly: STOP SMOKING! By doing all of these things, you are allowing your body to become healthy through it's natural skin cycle. Of course sleeping 8+ hours a night, drinking your body weight in pure water, and jogging 5 days a week won't give you flawless skin. I learned this lesson all too well!
I was very lucky as far as my genes. I have always had good skin. Besides your monthly zit here or there my skin has been consistently clear and even toned. I work out almost everyday, am well hydrated, eat properly and I've never smoked, so I thought I was free and clear of major skin issues! All that changed about 4 years ago. I was in college dealing with a stressful quarter; between classes and my sorority obligations I was being pulled in all directions. I began noticing my standard breakout was not only growing in size but they were really painful! I knew something wasn't right and I made an appointment with a dermatologist. She told me that although I have great skin, the recent stresses was causing my skin to hold in bacteria and was forming 3 areas of cystic acne! I was put on a round of Rx antibiotics (Minocycline), along with brevoxyl-4 creamy wash kit and a Clarisonic brush. At first I was reluctant to shell out $200+ on this product I wasn't sure would work. After hemming and hawing, I left the office with one (Pink, of course!) The first time I used it I remember thinking, this is just a giant Sonicare toothbrush. After giving the new system a full skin cycle (30 days), I was amazed by the results! My skin was clear even toned and I felt that the treatments, moisturizers and sunscreen was better absorbed. My dermatologist was also amazed at how quickly my skin cleared and how clear it has been since then. Every appointment she tells me how my skin glows and she even has my before and after shots up in the office! Although the antibiotic was a major contributor, I feel like my Clarisonic was the most amazing side kick and I will use this product until it stops working!
What exactly are the benefits of using the Clarisonic system?
- It leaves your skin 2x's cleaner than manual face washing.
- Removing a whopping 6s's more make up than manual face washing.
- Works on all skin types....no, really ALL skin types!
- Helps to reduce oily areas, dry patches and breakouts.
- Helps to reduce pore size...who wouldn't mind smaller pores?!
- Helps your products (cleansers, moisturizer or treatments) work better!
Don't believe all this is possible? Just check out this picture of a study completed on the Clarisonic's cleaning powers:
Pretty amazing stuff, right?! This system is really for everyone! Younger skin, more mature skin, acne concerns to dry skin, it will make your skin so clean, so soft and help any moisturizers, serums or treatments work better!
Here are the different brush head options for your skin type/needs:
Since I purchased my Pink Clarisonic Classic, several new products have been introduced!
Mia :
This was recently introduced as the smaller kid sister to the Classic. It's just was powerful and effective but smaller. This one is great for those who have limited space or do a lot of traveling. The Mia comes in 3 colors: Pink, White and Yellow. The Mia will be my next purchase to keep in the shower and to take on vacations!
Classic:
The first in the ground breaking sonic cleaning system! This system comes in 3 colors as well: Graphite Gray, Pink (partial proceeds of this color goes to Breast Cancer research), and White.
<-----My personal brush
Plus:
This brush in very similar to the Classic but with a new "body mode". Unlike the Mia and Classic, the only color option is white.
<----- My Mom was so impressed by my results, she bought the Plus for herself!
New additions:
There are a few additions that have been made as far a products/services that the company provides. One they that they offer now that wasn't available then was the "Beauty Mark" option. Like an iPod you can now have your Clarisonic personalized with your name or a cute little saying! I would have taken full advantage of this free service if it was an option then!
My next favorite addition is the body brush head:
This is much like the brush head that comes with your brush but it's bigger. This head is great for clearing up body breakout or a Pre-Sunless Tanning exfoliation!
I just can't say enough great things about this thing! I know this can be a big budget buster, brushes range from $149.00 usd for the Mia to $225.00 usd for the Plus and replacement brush heads run about $25 to $40 for a twin pack (I buy mine from my Dr. for $7 so you can get them cheaper); but I feel that it is well worth it and can even save you money in the long run by reducing the need for spot treatments, spa services or Derm visits and Rx. Like I always tell people, try it out! Give your self the 30 day skin cycle to see how your skin can look and feel. If your not impressed, or feel that it's still not worth the price tag, then you can move on. If you feel that you maybe one of those on the fence, buy it from Sephora they carry all of the brushes and have a great return policy!
If you are looking for more information on this system or any other products, you can visit the Clarisonic Website.
Until next time,
Lipstick Lush
Next Episode: Cleansers
