After a month of faithful use, my affection for the Clarisonic Mia has only grown. It is worth a spot on your Kwanzaa/Chanukah/X-mas list this year, especially if you have been struggling with skin flare-ups this fall.
Different brands offer different brushes. I can’t speak to the efficacy of any other model than the Mia. As far as it is concerned, the device feels substantial and well built. The charging mechanism is space conscious and travel friendly. As for Clarisonic’s claim that regular use of the Mia improves the absorption of skin care products? Without any empirical proof, I concur. 
The Mia turns twice a day face cleaning into a mini-spa experience. Addictive and effective, after a month with the Mia my face is better for it and yours will be too. 
In this week’s quest for clearer skin, I bring you iS Clinical Active Serum, a product that – GASP and clutch your anus – actually delivers results. 
Made of extracts of sugar cane (glycolic), bilberry (lactic), willow bark (salicylic) , and mushroom (kojic) with a kick of menthol for tingle, not sure exactly what it is about this serum, but I saw dramatic improvements in skin texture after a few uses. It reduces inflammation, fades healing spots, and brightens overall. The cooling effect makes me a little nostalgic for Sea Breeze. 
Three weeks into the Clarisonic experiment, I can really see the difference in my skin. The Mia is truly justifying the investment. My troublesome skin is beginning to clear when nothing else seemed to help. I credit this device.
Regarding my skeeves, Annie recommended spritzing alcohol on the brush head to freshen it. For more major cleanings, the brush head should be removed and left to dry. 
Don’t forget to spend some time along the neck and hairline; these often neglected areas need attention. You can even give the ears a once around. 
For the past fourteen days I’ve faithfully used the Clarisonic Mia twice a day. I’ve experimented with different face washes with decent results. I particularly like the way the vibrating brush converts non-foamy cleansers into more effective make-up removers.
The Clarisonic Mia runs through a minute cycle and automatically shuts off. One interval isn’t enough, and I almost always go twice around. 
After struggling with persistent skin issues recently, a trustworthy and glowy-faced friend recommended the Clarisonic face brush. Having owned the “Classic” and “Mia,” she recommended the less expensive and more portable Mia, arguing the expanded features of the Classic cannot justify the added cost.
A week ago, I received my very own Mia. Clarisonic claims the vibrating and rotating brush removes six times more makeup than traditional cleansing. I concur with this claim; my face passes the white towel test after using the Clarisonic. Without question, skin is cleaner and makeup is thoroughly and gently eradicated. The mild humming exfoliation feels like a mini facial massage. The brush works with virtually any cleanser and the waterproof design makes it shower-friendly.
After the first few uses, smoother skin emerges and texture noticeably improves. Makeup glides on skin. Breakouts have improved, but this isn’t a magic machine.
Consider the following drawbacks. The initial investment is around $120. The replacement heads are pricey (2/$40). And who needs another gadget that requires an outlet to charge? It is easy to over do it and cause irritation. Twice a day might be too much for some, even with the sensitive brush.
Went to the high priestess of skincare again today and realized I’ve been over-exfoliating. I attributed the downturn in my skin’s appearance to tremendous stress. A demanding life taxes the skin for sure, but I shoulder partial blame as a result of my over zealous exfoliation routine. 
Too frequent or vigorous exfoliation can cause inflammation and over-active oil glands. This extra oil paired with extra stress results in extra unhappy skin. 
I get a lot of sunscreen inquiries, but haven’t loved any one product enough to drop a full-on endorsement on my faithful DC readers. Either the SPF isn’t high enough, the finish is too greasy, or the product rubs off and burns my eyes. For example, I really wanted to like this Alba Organics SPF 30, but in addition to causing eye irritation, it migrates and you end up tasting it. This creates a grossly unpleasant and uncomfortable experience, especially during any kind of physical activity.
In response to dissatisfaction with all the obvious big players (Neutrogena, Coppertone, Aveeno), the pendulum swung way to the other end of the spectrum, and I invested in this Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30. The plastic end houses peachy colored powder that dispenses through the brush. First off, when the product arrived it was difficult to tell if any actual powder trickled down through the bristles. I pulled off the end and dumped half the product on the floor. At around $30 bucks (on clearance now as low as $12), $15 was wasted by this careless accident – super annoying for sure! Can’t really blame PTR, but the mistake soured my overall impression. 
The powder formulation skirts the typical perils of cream or oil sunscreen as mentioned above. It doesn’t run into the eyes or mouth. Instant mineral isn’t greasy, and it doubles as a loose powder by providing a matte finish. The main drawback is it is difficult to tell if you’ve achieved adequate coverage. Furthermore, like most other sunscreens, it sweats off. I don’t hate this product, but it is most useful as a scalp sunscreen. It doubles as a dry shampoo and crown protector. Sun-roof and convertible babies, this one is for you. 
Of all the sunscreens tested (far more than discussed here), Ocean Potion Face SPF45 Clear Zinc Oxide is my favorite. Unlike many carcinogenic sunscreen ingredients readily absorbed into the blood stream and linked to hormone disruption, zinc oxide is an inorganic compound which provides complete UVB/UVA protection, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is considered a safe sunscreen ingredient. It is also about the only sunblock approved by the FDA for children under 6 months of age. This particular light weight cream absorbs easily and does NOT leave that weird white film many of us associate with standard zinc oxide sunscreens. The best part? This stuff is very reasonably priced. Find this one ounce jar widely available for less than $2, and with a little research, bargain hunters can track it down for only $.67! 
Awhile back RHNY‘s Alex enjoyed dermaplaning (and a chastising) and it looked really interesting. Basically dermaplaning is an intense glamour shave with a sharp razorblade. The process removes fine hairs, dead skin cells, and excess oil on the skin’s surface.
A local spa I’ve been meaning to try had a special on a dermaplaning facial. Why not, right?
Many of you will love, love, love dermaplaning. It has been around forever. The simple procedure is safe and noninvasive. The visible results are better than anything you’ll find in a bottle.
The dermaplaning removed all kinds of gross stuff that daily exfoliators can’t reach. Less expensive, noisy, and dusty than microdermabrasion, dermaplaning is superior for immediately improving skin texture and appearance.
After the dermaplaning, the esthetician applied a series of treatments including a customized peel. The word “peel” especially when combined with “chemical” sounds dramatic, but there several acids of various intensities such as salicylic, glycolic, and lactic which can be costumized into a buffered cocktail. She finished up with a standard facial routine, steaming, extractions, and the layering of several delicious products to seal in goodness. She also sent me home with some excellent samples from IS Clinical.
Four to five days out, distressed areas are still gently flaking and uncovering renewed skin. Texture continues to improve; discoloration and lines are less evident. Makeup glides on and less is needed overall.
I’m converted. For less than $100, I saw far more dramatic results with this one visit than I ever have using an entire bottle of $100 cream consistently everyday. I’m pro DIY whenever possible, but sometimes a professional’s touch warrants the investment.
If you are interested but intimidated by professional treatments, dermaplaning is a great place to start. The service is relatively affordable, relaxing, and delivers pretty dramatic results with no downtime.
StriVectin was one of the first medico-prestige brands to hit the scene about eight years ago, but I never really got on board because frankly the word “StriVectin” sounds too much like a herpes treatment. 
In the service of finding an effective product to combat hyperpigmentation, enter StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum. StriVectin claims this serum “gently and effectively resurfaces the skin with results starting in as little as a week while promoting visibly healthier skin, with a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles within 28 days.”
Pinkish clear and lightly fragranced, this serum dries quickly and leaves the skin feeling tight. Only those with the oiliest of skin would find this product adequately moisterizing on its own. Most serums are not intended as all-in-one products, so best not to go in with that expectation. 
This product is at best mediocre and not worth the nearly sixty dollar asking price. The best thing about it is the packaging. The glass bottle and dropper are both high quality, as demonstrated by the precise control the user has over the amount of product dispensed. Other companies should take note – product waste resulting from poor package design is extremely frustrating and unforgivable. 