What are the benefits of using Clarisonic?

Clarisonic’s soft, gentle brush oscillates back and forth more than 300 times per second. It claims to cleanse so well that products are better absorbed, one recent study showed 61% better absorption of Vitamin C cream. Skin is softer, oily areas and dry patches are reduced and pores appear smaller, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. The Clarisonic can be used in the shower, bath or at the sink and there is a choice of different brush heads and speeds.

The Risk of Over Exfoliation

Basically though, we must understand that the Clarisonic is an exfoliating tool, that physically lifts off dry skin cells and, in the process, remove dirt, oil and make-up. My only concern with the Clarisonic is how often they recommend you use it. They say it is gentle enough to use twice daily, which in my professional opinion, may be too much for most people – especially as we are all most likely using other exfoliating products with AHA’s or BHA’s, enzymes, exfoliating scrubs or masks and retinol products. So you can see how easy it would be to seriously over exfoliate your skin, and in the process cause dryness and damage your skin’s lipid barrier. When you damage your skin’s barrier, you allow moisture to leak out of the cells more easily, causing skin dehydration and sensitivity, this can also cause chronic inflammation (you may not even see any signs) setting off a cascade of free radical damage which is a major cause of skin ageing.

However if used in moderation then it’s a very useful tool! We don’t want to exfoliate to the point where we damage healthy cells, but a little skin trauma is good occasionally as it triggers our skin to go into repair mode and stimulates cellular regeneration. I found the Clarisonic gives your skin a nice glow and the sonic massage feels really nice on your facial muscles, especially if you hold tension in your face/jaw. I am using mine about 2-3 times per week, as I am using Jan Marini’s skincare management system with glycolic acid, so it can be useful to lift off any dry dead cells that the glycolic products have dissolved.  Do remember with any exoliation, that we must bathe the freshly exposed skin cells with a hydrating serum/moisturiser and antioxidants and most importantly an SPF!!

Buy a Clarisonic Cleansing Brush Online

There are some wonderful lifestyle recommendations and recipes, all geared at your skin, some of them I have reproduced on my site with kind permission from Liz.

I hope you enjoy reading Skin Secretes as much as I have!

Listen to Liz talk about her book and what’s included.

Tua Viso is Italian for “Your Face” and claims to reduce the signs of ageing, gives you a more firmed, sculpted and radiant appearance. The Tua Viso is a hand held gadget and a non-invasive treatment for the facial muscles that works via Hydro electronic micro-current stimulation. It was developed by an Italian Dermatologist - Dr Andrea Paolorosso and brought to the UK by facialist “Tina Richards“.

Micro-current is a low level of electrical current that mirrors the body’s own natural current. It’s a proven and accepted method of Muscle Re-education. There are 32 different muscles of the face that are manipulated during the average micro-current skin treatment. Our facial skin is supported and anchored by a network of muscles, while we age the facial muscles start to lose their tone, volume and elasticity also the facial ligaments become loose that hold our muscles in place, this leads to a loss of facial contour and sagging. Although this is not the only reason for the visible signs of ageing, it will contribute to an aged appearance.

I have worked with some of the expensive salon “Non Surgical Facelift” machines and can conclude from using this myself that I have got far better results using this – This is my personal opinion and I am in no way connected to the company to sell or promote the Tua Viso. I am just interested in non-invasive treatments and gadgets that give results.

Here are some of the benefits of using a Micro-Current Machine

• Increased circulation for the blood and lymph – this I feel is a real plus point and will help detoxify the skin, reduce facial puffiness and under eye bags and improve the overall surface appearance of the skin. Skin is plump with an enhanced colour .
• Muscle re-education – you will prevent and correct the loss of facial tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Improves the firmness and tone of the cheeks, jaw line and neck for a more youthful appearance.
• Increased natural production of Collagen and Elastin
• Increased Protein sythesis
• Dispersion of hardened Collagen

Electrical stimulation for the facial muscles works the less used muscle fibres which is why this works much better than manual Facial Exercises (which may cause more wrinkles) and has many more benefits for your skin.

I feel that starting this earlier on will prevent more signs of ageing and keep your skin in great condition. I have been using it 3 – 4 times a week since the start of July and after the 2nd go I could notice results, especially around my eyes as the skin feels firmer and I look less tired. Admittedly I don’t have many fine lines yet, but I have noticed the deepening of my nasal folds either side of my mouth, and after a month of using my Tua Viso they have definitely improved. I actually hold a lot of tension in my facial muscles and since using the Tua Viso it has really helped alleviate it, especially around my jaw line.

Once you have been patient enough to learn how to use your Tua Viso and master the points on which to place it, then it really is very easy! No sticky pads that lose their sticky, no messy gels to apply, it just needs some water that you pour into the back  reservoirs that dampen the sponges which you press to your face. As for the feeling, well I wouldn’t say it was nice but you actually get used to it - and I am a bit of a wimp. You can start off with the intensity low and build up to higher level – the higher the level the better the results. The whole face can be done in about 30 – 40 minutes (watch some TV). I choose to focus on areas where I need it more and do a couple more minutes, like around my eyes.

This may not be for everyone and as with everything some people will love it and some wont! but I feel it is a very good option as a non-invasive Anti-Ageing treatment for long-term use – whilst being cost effective.

Botox and Micro-current do not mix – so steer clear if you have Botox injections.

You can buy the Tua Viso online from Tina Richards Website.

Why is Dermalogica so effective?

The Dermalogica ethos is grounded on the importance that products for a healthy skin regimen should be recommended by a professional skin therapist with the same care that a doctor would prescribe medication. Dermalogica’s product formulas have pioneered new standards for results based skin care. Using only the finest ingredients available, all products are non-comedogenic and contain no occlusive mineral oil or lanolin, no irritating colours or fragrance, and no drying S.D alcohol. Dermalogica is currently the most requested professional-use-only skin product in the world! The reason for this is – the products simply work! and deliver noticeable results – your skin is clearer, less congested and smoother! What more could you ask for?

View and buy all Dermalogica Products in our Skincare Shop.