Clarisonic knockoffs are a dime a dozen, but none have come close to being a viable alternative to the pioneering mechanical exfoliator until the recent launch of Luna. I used the Clarisonic for YEARS. Swore by it. But then I became hooked on Proactiv+ and ditched my trusty gadget. After a number of facialists and my dermatologist told me that the products may be doing more harm than good, however, I decided to get off the three-step program. It didn’t take long for me to break out, even though I replaced the trio of products with acne-fighting Murad products. What is it about Proactiv+ that is so uniquely effective?? I still don’t get it because their acne-fighting ingredients are industry standard ones. In any case, it seemed like the perfect time to turn back to the Clarisonic that helped clear up my skin – and keep it clear – for so many years.
The brand’s latest launch is the Mia Fit, which is a spin-off of their male-centric Mia Alpha
The Luna, for its part, is made from non-porous silicone (so it resists bacteria build-up; it’s said to be 35 times more hygienic than other cleansing brushes) and has an anti-aging mode (i.e. lower frequency pulsations via silicone waves to mitigate fine lines and wrinkles). Apply the cleanser to your face – versus onto the device, as you would with the Mia – and just brush away. I personally find this device to be equally effective, just not as comfortable to hold in my hand. It leaves my skin feeling super supple and with a squeaky-clean feeling. In the end, I think it’s a design preference when it comes to the two, or whether your main issue is blackheads/large pores (opt for Clarisonic) or anti-aging (opt for Luna). Luna, at Nordstrom for $169, and Mia Fit
I was curious what a dermatologist had to say, so I turned to Dr. Neal Schultz, NYC dermatologist, host of DermTV.com, and creator of BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz, and asked him for a medical prescriptive.
Why would someone choose one device over the other?
The real issue is whether or not you should choose either of these devices. Both of them are very effective and efficient cleansing tools for which many people justify their price by the experience of doing “something extra” for cleansing. If you are a fan of an electric toothbrush (i.e. enjoy the additional sensory experiences of the feel, touch, and sound of the device), you’ll like these cleansing gadgets (despite the fact that most people achieve adequate oral hygiene with a regular toothbrush and adequate cleansing without them).
There is little difference between them, but for the very few people with TRULY sensitive skin (rare!) then the Luna may be potentially less irritating than the Clarisonic. The reality is that most people with VERY sensitive skin wouldn’t let either near their face, though.
Who in theory can benefit from either device and why?
Anyone interested in facial hygiene and who can afford it can benefit from either but need neither! Neither can promise better results than conventional cleansing. It’s more about your cleansing technique than technology…it’s how thoroughly you clean, not the device you use.
Are tools like this good for anti-aging OR acne OR any other specific problem or concern?
Both are helpful for more effective exfoliation than regular cleansing, but the Clarisonic is probably superior as a mechanical exfoliant and therefore can be better for anti-aging and/or acne than the Luna.
While the Luna tells you to give up your bristles (referring to the Clarisonic and other brushes), that is disingenuous in my opinion because the silicone “touch points” on the Luna are just other forms of bristles.
Have you used either device? What are your thoughts? Share in the comments!