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The 6 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes For Acne Prone Skin

by Lisa Fogarty

When you're battling acne, every product and tool you use counts. Facial cleansing brushes for acne have been an oft-talked about tool for years now, but all brushes are not the same. The bristles and brush heads that work for dry skin types may not be ideal on acne-prone skin. At the same time, anything that is too harsh can aggravate acne, spread bacteria, or cause abrasions and create even more pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

The market for cleansing brushes might have been limited a few years ago, but it has expanded to the point where you can pick and choose among a wide range of brushes that address every skin concern and type under the sun. When choosing a cleansing brush for acne-prone skin, it's important to look for bristles that are specifically designed to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and deep clean pores in your T-zone, an area that tends to get oily and congested. A quality cleansing brush for oily skin and acne can do more to help clean your pores and heal and prevent pimples than your fingers and soap alone — provided you are selecting the right one and taking good care of it.

Remember to clean your brushes and disinfect them so that you don't spread old bacteria onto fresh, clean skin — and invest in a cleansing brush that's just right for acne-prone skin.

1

A Cleansing Brush From A Brand That Knows A Thing Or Two About Acne

Proactiv+ Deep Cleansing Brush, $33, Amazon

Give your skin a super thorough cleansing and feel confident when you use this deep cleansing brush by Proactiv that you're putting your trust in a brand known for delivering products that have serious acne-busting results. It has soft, tapered bristles that exfoliate without feeling too harsh on sensitive skin, a 360-degree rotating head, and two speed settings.

2

A Gentle Brush That's 6.5 Times More Effective At Removing Makeup

K-Skin Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush, $25, Amazon

This adorable facial cleansing brush vibrates 220 million times per second and comes with two brush heads that exfoliate, provide an at-home microdermabrasion treatment, and help slough dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. It promises to be 6.5 times more effective at removing makeup and dirt than ordinary soap and water and has a waterproof design. And, because each bristle is 1/10th the size of a human hair, it's also extremely gentle on sensitive skin.

3

A 2-In-1 Cleansing Systems For Oily Skin

Olay Advanced ProX Advanced Cleansing System With Facial Brush, $26, Amazon

Reviewers who say they suffered from breakouts marvel at how this cleansing system and facial brush provides an ultra-gentle exfoliating and cleansing solution with two speeds, an exfoliating cleanser, and water-proof technology so you can use it in the shower. It effectively removes every last stitch of makeup and oil so that your pores are less clogged and prone to breakouts and can help change the texture of skin and make it much smoother.

4

A Brush That's 600 Percent More Effective Than Traditional Washing

Lavo Giro Facial Cleansing Brush, $26, Amazon

If you're searching for a facial cleansing brush that's tough on acne and a whopping 600 percent more effective than cleaning with your hands and soap, look no further. This brush helps remove dirt and oil from clogged pores and from areas like the sides of your nose and T-zone — but it takes things one step further. With two speed controls and an ergonomic anti-slip silicone handle, it's comfy to use and provides a great massage that can help stimulate collagen production.

5

A Soft Clarisonic Cleansing Brush Head Made Specifically For Acne

Clarisonic Acne Facial Cleansing Brush Head Replacement, $23, Amazon

To be crystal clear: this acne facial cleansing brush head is a replacement to insert on your Clarisonic cleansing facial brush — and it's one lots of folks with acne rave about. The brush head features plush, super soft bristles that won't aggravate your skin and it takes just 60 seconds to give skin a thorough deep cleansing. It fits on all Clarisonic brush models and lasts about three months before you should replace it.

6

An Under $20-Brush That Comes With Seven Heads

Pixnor P2017, $14, Amazon

If you're someone who appreciates having options when it comes to skincare, this facial cleansing brush provides seven brush heads that address the skin on your face and your body and help prevent and treat acne and clogged pores. There's a brush for removing makeup, a latex sponge attachment for cleansing and hydrating, a short-bristle brush for cleansing pores, a longer, fine brush for mild exfoliation, an exfoliating brush, pumice pad for removing calluses, and a rolling massage head to increase circulation.

And did I mention reviewers say this brush pulls dirt out of their skin and helps treat acne? Options and an effective system equals a quality cleansing brush.

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