Is Sonic Cleaning Better Than Traditional Methods?

It’s not unusual to finish washing your face and think, “Did I really get all of my makeup off?” Proper cleansing is a key element in a healthy skin-care regimen—if you don’t remove the dirt, bacteria can build up in your pores and lead to acne, inflammation and maybe even infection. So, when it comes to getting a deep-down clean, is the old-school method of cleansing with your fingers still enough?

It may suffice for some, but according to New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD, sonic cleansing tools, used in moderation, are a great addition to your skin-care regimen. “Many sonic cleansing companies suggest using the device twice a day, but in my opinion, you should really only be using it once or twice a week at most, especially if you have sensitive skin,” she says. “If used too frequently, it can irritate your skin’s protective barrier. In my experience, the most effective way to unclog pores is to combine at-home sonic cleansing with in-office treatments like medical facials, which manually extract blackheads and whiteheads from the root, and skin-care products that reduce oil and pull out impurities.”