Dr. Robb Akridge, the genius behind the sonic cleanser Clarisonic, shares 5 truths about your favourite cleansing device.

It’s not an exfoliator “People get confused. This brush is about sonic cleansing [pulses that help to move bacteria and dirt off skin]. It only removes the skin cells that need to come off for that day so you can use it twice that day if you want,” says Dr. Robb. “The water helps to flush out the pores so you’re not just cleaning the surface.”

READ MORE: 8 facial cleansing brushes you need to try

You need to use a lot of cleanser, but it doesn’t have to necessarily be Clarisonic cleanser “People want to just put a little drop of cleanser in the middle of the brush. You really should fill the whole top with cleanser and put a lot of water on your face and on the brushhead,” says Robb. You can use any cleanser you like, just avoid using scrubs. If you need to exfoliate your skin, do so after you use your Clarisionic.

You can use it on other parts of the body “Your neck and chest are exposed to all of the elements and pollution, so definitely use your Clarisonic for 60 seconds on neck and décolleté. You can also use it on the lips and hairline. In the shower, all you do is pucker up like you’re going to kiss somebody and go across the lips and you’re good to go. You can also go into the scalp. [That’s popular] because a lot of women use a lot of hairsprays or they have bangs [where product can build up].”

READ MORE: 12 moisturizing face masks to help you survive winter

You don’t have to apply pressure when using it “I tell people to let the weight of the brush do the work. So, I’m holding it with my fingers and letting [it hang down]. If you push real hard, the bristles aren’t moving, so it’s no longer really functioning. So just let it float on your skin.”

There’s anecdotal evidence it could help your skin absorb skincare products better “It makes skincare products go further, specially if you’re spending a lot of money on serums with actives [ingredients]. You get really quick absorption. Women tell me it’s like their face is drinking it up.”

clarisonic-MiaFitPink-R1.jpg

The Clarisonic Mia Fit ($199), is available at clarisonic.ca and other reatailers as of March 2016

READ MORE:
Why winter is the perfect time to up your skincare game

6 facials to try in Toronto
9 must-have beauty buys for the best sleep ever