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Neutrogena Wave
Review
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The Wave is a
cleansing device by Neutrogena which aims to give your skin
a deeper, more effective wash than you would get with your
bare hands. It might sound like a gimmick, and I'm always
wary of claims that say things like "cleans 50x deeper!",
but this being Neutrogena, they've got some studies to back
up their marketing.
The concept
behind the Wave is that by using a gentle vibrating action
(and spinning in the case of the Wave Sonic) it stimulates
your pores to open, allowing the chemicals in the foaming
pads to penetrate deeper into your skin. The pads are also
textured, combining with the active ingredients for an
exfoliation effect. Like any good exfoliating scrub, this
will leave your skin feeling smoother and softer afterwards.
A variety of
cleansing pads are available with the Wave, the default
being based on salicylic acid. Some are harsher than others,
but most require you to follow with a moisturizer so as to
avoid leaving your pores vulnerable. The Wave itself is
inexpensive, but the textured, foaming pads are disposable
and you'll need to buy about 60 of them per month to keep
using it as directed. |
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Neutrogena Wave at a
glance
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+
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Cleanses and exfoliates better than washing
with your bare hands. |
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+
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Gentler than most granular exfoliation
scrubs – safer for daily use. |
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-
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Still just surface level – will not stop
deep pustules or cysts. |
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Some pads use harsh chemicals that will
irritate those with sensitive skin. |
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Initially inexpensive, but the cost of
replacement pads and moisturizers can add
up. |
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Key
Ingredients
Foaming Exfoliation Pads:
2%
Salicylic Acid |
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Who should try
the Neutrogena Wave
The main benefit
of the Wave is convenience, plain and simple. It might be
possible to get an equally good wash with your hands, but it
would take you a lot longer. The Wave combines the action of
a decent cleanser and an exfoliating scrub, and the textured
pads are gentle enough for everyday use (as far as their
physical texture goes, chemicals may be another story). So
basically, if you want a better wash in less time, this is a
good solution. It should prove particularly helpful in
combating surface-level acne such as whiteheads and
blackheads - anything caused by a stoppage in your pores
resulting from trapped dirt, bacteria or dead skin cells.
It's highly recommended to follow with a moisturizer for
your skin's protection, since your pores can be left open
and vulnerable after using the Wave.
Who should
not
try the Neutrogena Wave
Although the
Wave does a good job of opening your pores for a deeper
clean, acne that is caused deep down near your oil glands
may not be affected. Even a really good wash is still just a
wash, and acne cysts and pustules aren't typically caused
merely by plugs of sediment clogging your pores. For these
types of blemishes, while using the Wave won't hurt, it's
unlikely to be enough.
If you have
sensitive skin, you'll also want to be smart in choosing
which variety of foaming pads to purchase. Some of them,
like the standard exfoliating pads, include chemicals that
can harshly irritate your skin, especially when combined
with the Wave's scraping effect. And while the vibrating
action of the Wave is generally a good thing, there are
better cleansers out there as far as ingredients go.
Average Price
$15 to $20 for
the device, $10 to $20 per month for the foaming pads (+
moisturizer)
Alternatives
Cleansers based
on salicylic acid, medicated deep-pore cleansing pads or
wipes (Oxy Pads)
Have you tried
the Neutrogena Wave?
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