Follow-up: Olay Pro X Advanced Cleansing System!

About two weeks ago I posted about my newly purchased Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System (view post here). Since then, I've been using it daily - mostly once, but sometimes twice a day. 

Let me briefly go over what my skin is like and why I purchased this in the first place. My skin type for the most part is normal, but I like to call it combination because often times I tend to get a little oily in the t-zone. My skin is fairly sensitive and I am prone to breakouts. My complexion is pretty clear, with faint blemish scars on my cheeks as well as faint brown spots from past UV damage. I also at times struggle with enlarged pores and small blackheads.

Although I use products to fade my blemish scars such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) and use healing products such as Argan Oil, Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil, I wasn't satisfied with my progress and I knew I was lacking proper exfoliation of my skin to allow the products to really absorb into my skin.

So, with the claims of Olay Pro-X stating that it "cleans your skin 6x better than using your regular cleanser..", I was sold and out the door before you could say, "How much?" ($30, by the way.. ;))

Anyways, like I said, I've been using it daily. I use it with a few different cleansers. At night, I usually use it with the Olay Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleaner, which is the slightest bit grainy to further exfoliate the skin or Cetaphil Normal to Oily Skin Cleanser - which is actually a little harsh & sometimes drying for my skin, but works great with a good moisturizer. I feel that at night, my skin needs a bit more to remove all of my makeup and clean my skin well. After I rinse and dry my face, I sometimes use a BHA product, such as Stridex Pads (alcohol free) to deep clean my pores. Then, I apply my moisturizer.. usually Olay Night of Olay Firming Cream or Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion with two drops of Josie Maran Argan Oil. In the morning, I use the Pro-X again to clean my face, because many nights I apply self tanner after my moisturizer. I usually use my BareMinerals Purifying Facial Cleanser because it's really gentle on my skin and makes my skin feel great. Then, I apply a little Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion and apply my makeup for the day.

What I've noticed since I've been using this, is my skin feels so much smoother, I have no visible blackheads and my pores are almost invisible. I've also noticed that my blemish scars are fading faster than they would have without using the Pro-X - that may be the Argan Oil working it's magic, but the exfoliation is helping it work better. I used Argan Oil prior to purchasing the Olay Pro-X, but I wasn't noticing as fast of results. I'm so happy I purchased this product and I'm kicking myself that I didn't purchase it sooner. I have a lot of faith in this product that it's going to help me reach my goal of having (as close to) perfect skin with continued use in conjunction with my skincare products. Also, it hasn't at all irritated or dried out my skin & it doesn't feel at all harsh or scratchy while in use.

I highly recommend this product, and I'll have more updates in the weeks to come.

Trying out the Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System!

"Designed by a team of dermatologists along with Olay, the Advanced Cleansing System is as effective as a system sold by skin professionals for nearly $200.* Professionally and clinically designed to cleanse 6 times better**, the Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System also sets your skin up for supersonic anti-aging moisturization." (www.olayprofessional.com)

So, this system supposedly cleans your skin 6x better than using your regular cleanser alone. And because it exfoliates your skin, all of your skincare products will be more effective on your skin. You may notice your everyday cleanser working better, your moisturizer doing a better job moisturizing, etc.

  The Advanced Cleansing System ($30) contains a 2-speed cleansing brush and an exfoliating cleanser (.68 oz). The cleansing brush is battery operated (no plug) and includes (2) AA batteries. The cleansing brush is detachable, and once your brush becomes old, you can purchase the cleansing brushes separately for around $10 for a pack of two.

 There are two buttons, an on/off button and a button that controls the speed at which the brush will rotate. 

I've been really interested in trying the Clarisonic for the past couple of years now, but ranging from $149-$225, they aren't exactly affordable. So, I decided to try the Olay Pro-X as a less expensive alternative. I purchased mine from Target for $29.77. It's about a dollar less at Walmart, and about $5-6 more expensive at CVS and Walgreens. If you're lucky enough, you might have a P&G coupon that will take a few dollars off the total price.

So far, I've only used this twice and I really like it. What's different with this and the Clarisonic is, that the Clarisonic vibrates, whereas the Olay Pro-X actually rotates. Do I think it makes a difference? Personally, I don't think so. I love that it's Water resistant, so I can use it in the shower and I love how gentle the brush is. I was a little nervous at first that it was going to be too scratchy and harsh on my skin, but it's not scratchy at all. It's actually very soft. I like using it on the higher speed, as I feel it does a better job. Also, I'm loving that it's fairly silent. It doesn't sound like I just started a lawn mower, like some of my electric shavers.. Lol. 

So far so good, and I'm very excited to use this as a part of my daily skincare routine. I broke out terribly this past week, and I haven't introduced any new products to my skin - so I think my skin was lacking major exfoliation. 

I'll keep you updated within the next few weeks of my thoughts and overall opinions with this product. 

*Have you tried one of these or similar? I know several companies now have similar battery operated cleansing brushes.. I was going to purchase a Sun Labs one a while back that can be used on the face and body, but I never ended up getting it. The only similar thing I've tried in the past is the I-Skin Intelligent Microdermabrasion System, which worked great - but the head isn't a brush, it's a sponge.. and you can't purchase replacement sponges at Sally's. How dumb is that?? And I'm not going to purchase a whole set for $30, when I only need a new sponge.

Anyway, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!