Facial Flex ($29.94, QVC.com) is a facial exerciser device designed to help restore muscle tone in the face. One of QVC’s current best-sellers, the kit “makes the face appear noticeably tighter and smoother…[and] promotes circulation for a healthy-looking glow,” in just four minutes a day (i.e., two minutes, two times per day). Yet, what do scientific studies and reviews of Facial Flex say about the efficacy of the product?
May alleviate lip tightness after augmentation or surgery
According to a 2000 study in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, use of the Facial Flex helps to alleviate the tightness in the lips experienced after lip augmentation or reconstruction for large defects. The physicians who author the study mention advising Facial Flex usage to patients in these situations.
May improve muscle strength or contraction length
A 2002 study in the International Journal of Orofacial Myology “warrants some caution in drawing conclusions on changes in the oro-motor system” from using the device. Before and after an eight-week trial period, four subjects had their upper and lower lip muscle activity and movements recorded at two baseline sessions (separated by 1 week) and immediately following the eight-week trial period. Only one subject showed the expected significant increase in facial muscle activity. Regarding the other three subjects, one subject showed no systematic training effect at all, whereas the remaining two subjects showed a significant increase in facial movement duration.
May improve speech control
It has been suggested in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, amongst other sources, that facial exercises may improve facial and speech control after surgery, although the Facial Flex device was not used in this study.
One study shows anti-aging effects
One study, which is said to be published in the Journal of Geriatric Dermatology (I couldn’t find it) reports that eight weeks’ use of Facial Flex increases muscle strength by 250%, skin tone/firmness by 32.5% and blood flow by 10%. Unfortunately, without the actual study, it is impossible to evaluate the importance of these results, as we do not know the number of subjects, how long after the device was used these parameters were measured, etc. At any rate, the product has received 3 excellent reviews regarding anti-aging effects from users on Amazon.com.
Don’t believe everything you hear about facial exercises
There does not appear to be a lot of scientific research on the use of facial exercises for cosmetic purposes. As a result, a lot of opinions, both positive and negative, are currently circulating on the web. Cosmetics Cop Paula Begoun is opposed to facial exercises, saying that “muscle sagging is due to the loosening of facial ligaments that hold the muscles in place.” But muscles and ligaments do not work like that. First of all, ligaments are at joints, and it is tendons that hold the muscles in place. Further, although ligaments are elastic and can lengthen to support a wide range of movements, lengthening a ligament in the face would not cause a facial muscle to droop. In short, there are a lot of opinions and not a lot of research on the anti-aging effects of Facial Flex, so take caution and go by your own opinions if you decide to use it.
As a result…
Based on current research, Facial Flex appears to alleviate lip tightness, and may improve muscle contraction, muscle strength, and speech control. I have not personally used this device. However, if I did, I would be careful to watch that the muscles in my face were not getting overly developed from using the device, as muscular jaws, cheekbones, and stronger lower faces are generally associated with masculine faces, according to a 2004 study in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of the Biological Sciences. At any rate, there little research out there has been lukewarm-to-positive, and 83% of reviews on QVC.com have been good, so I would say to use the Facial Flex with care. Feel free to comment if you have something to add! 
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February 22nd, 2008
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According to Sephora, the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush ($195.00, Sephora.com) is one of the company’s best-sellers. Designed with a sonic frequency that moves more than 300 times per second, the brush claims to “remove six times more make-up” and “clear your pores, loosening dirt, make-up, and oil” when used twice per day. Yet how effective does the scientific literature say the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush is at achieving these aims? Let’s take a look…
How was the brush developed?
According to an eMedicine.com review by dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos, the brush was developed by Clarisonic/Pacific Biosciences Laboratories, the same team of engineers and researchers that developed the Phillips Sonicare Toothbrush. The device runs on a rechargeable battery attached to a miniaturized motor that creates an oscillatory motion of the brush head. While the oscillatory sonic motion was originally developed to remove more plaque from the teeth than ordinary brushes, a revision of the enlarged brush head with soft, tufted bristles was developed for cleansing the face.
Effective at loosening debris from the pores
The company’s claims are valid: According to the aforementioned eMedicine.com review by dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos, “the sonic motion of the brush aids in dislodging facial debris, much like the sonic surgical-instrument cleansers that are used to clean liposuction cannulas and reusable injection needles.” In addition, Draelos adds, “the bristles of the face brush are designed to traverse facial dermatoglyphics, pores, and scars,” so the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush may be suitable for patients with acne, as unclogging the pores is a common goal of treatment.
May lessen breakouts
According to a 2006 study in the journal Cosmetic Dermatology, the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush may oscillate at sonic speed in such a way that inelastic comedones (pimples) become loosened and detached from the infundibular wall, and are then cleared from the acroinfundibulum of the skin.
Not harmful for your skin
The 2006 study in the journal Cosmetic Dermatology states that the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush is a “gentle” means of cleansing and prevents the skin from being compromised by acute or chronic infections resulting from inadequate cleansing of the skin.
Do you need a special cleanser with the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush?
According to the Clarisonic website, “any non-abrasive cleanser can be used.” However, Clarisonic further recommends “optimized” use of the Clarisonic Skin Care Brushwith one of their three cleansers.
Of the three cleansers, my favorite is the Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Cleanser ($25.00, Clarisonic.com) for normal to sensitive skin. The cleanser contains a fairly high concentration of antioxidant vitamin E, and keeps drying low-molecular weight alcohols to a minimum. My second favorite is Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser for normal to oily skin, which contains natural moisturizing factor hyaluronic acid, and fair concentrations of antioxidants grape seed, green tea, and ubiquinone. My least favorite of the three is Clarisonic Nourishing Care Cleanser for normal to dry skin, which contains olive oil, sodium hyaluronate, and a low concentration of antioxidant green tea.
How often do the brush heads need to be replaced?
According to the user’s guide, the brush heads should be replaced every 90 days when being used at the recommended frequency of two times per day. Brush heads are $25.00 each, and are available from Clarisonic for normal, sensitive, and delicate skin here.
As A Result…
I can’t wait to try it! I love the new technology and the idea of “deep cleansing” skin without being harsh or abrasive. The only unfortunate part is the high price tag. Product Rating: 9/10 (Ingredients with substantive research backing in high concentration: not applicable, New technology: 3/3, Value for the money: 2/3, Sunscreen: not applicable).
For more information, visit the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush site here.
For 18+ customer reviews, visit Amazon.com here.
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February 22nd, 2008
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futurederm |
Acne Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Best Skincare Gifts, General Cosmetic Dermatology, Product Reviews |
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