The short answer is that there is insufficient evidence at the moment either to promote or to discourage the use of facial cleansing devices as their evidence in improving acne is mixed.
Proponents of facial cleansing devices theorize that the use of ultrasonic skincare brushes which oscillate at sonic speed results in loosening of comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) from the pores (1). Since clogged pores are one of the main features of acne and acne-prone skin, these devices are such able to help with acne. A Korean study showed that facial cleansing by a cleansing device with a rotating brush was shown to cleanse better than manual cleansing. In addition, the number of black heads, skin brightness, desquamation index, sebum and the number of enlarged pores were also improved (2).
However, there are no head-to-head comparisons with facial cleansing (with a suitable cleanser and manual washing) vs. use of these facial cleansing devices. A suitable exfoliating cleanser will also be able to unclog pores of blackheads and whiteheads. As such, some doctors may regard washcloths and hand-held cleansing devices as unnecessarily and possibly even irritating to the skin, especially for patients with very sensitive skin.
Do let your doctor check your skin to determine the best option for you.
Regards,
Dr. Joanna Chan
1. Development of sonic technology for the daily cleansing of the skin.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2006 Jun;5(2):181-3.
2.Yeo, In Kwon et al. (2013) "Effects of Cleansing Device Using Rotating Brush," Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea. Korea Society of Cosmetic Scientists, 39 (2), pp. 97-103. doi: 10.15230 / SCS.2013.39.2.097.
