Ultrasonic Skin Scrubbers: Everything You Need to Know

Ultrasonic skin scrubbers (also known as ultrasonic skin spatulas) are metal devices used to deeply unclog pores and cleanse the skin, leading to what many believe to be the purest possible complexion. But the question so many people are asking is: Do they really work?

Ahead, with the help of board-certified dermatologists Michele Green, MD, and Scott Paviol, MD, discover everything there is to know about ultrasonic skin scrubbers, including whether or not you should be using one to clarify your skin.

If you thought that an ultrasonic skin scrubber cleanses the skin using vibration, you’re right. the Ultrasonic scrubbers are made of metal and use high-frequency vibes via sound waves to transform skin from cell to cell.

“Cells start ‘talking’ to each other and your pores open wide, so dirt and debris are gently vibrated and scrubbed away,” Green explains. In removing dirt and debris, she says that these ultrasonic skin spatulas are able to gently exfoliate the skin, as well as collect what’s being sloughed off.

What Is an Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber?

Also commonly referred to as skin spatulas, ultrasonic skin scrubbers are devices that use high-frequency to collect dirt and oil from pores.

All in all, these scrubbers are just another way to exfoliate your skin. “Much the same way a Clarisonic brush utilizes vibrations with its brush mechanism, or the Foreo face brush (a silicone face brush) uses vibrations for deep cleansing as well, an ultrasonic skin scrubber/spatula does the same thing, only through ultrasonic soundwaves (essentially high-frequency vibrations),” Paviol explains.

The Benefits

• Deep cleanses skin

• Exfoliates skin

• Shrinks the appearance of pores

• Improves skin texture and tone

• Gentler than other forms of exfoliation

While pores can’t actually shrink in size—they’re genetically predetermined—Green says that using a deep-cleaning skin scrubber can dislodge even the most stubborn built-up dirt and debris, effectively making pores look less stretched.

Additionally, by removing all the build-up, treatment products are better able to penetrate the skin, which Green says helps to improve texture and tone, often leading to smoother, brighter skin overall.

Skin Type Considerations

One of the biggest benefits of an ultrasonic skin scrubber is that they’re one of the most gentle forms of exfoliation on the market. As such, Paviol says that they’re especially great for those who don’t respond well to other exfoliation methods, such as scrubs, brushes, or chemical peels. “The scrubber/spatula trend is a great treatment for those with sensitive, over-reactive, rosacea-prone, or acneic skin types,” he explains. “While microdermabrasion is a cult classic for deep exfoliation, it uses crystals or a diamond tip, plus negative pressure vacuum suction which can cause redness and can dilate or break capillaries depending on how sensitive someone’s skin is.”

The Final Takeaway

At the end of the day, ultrasonic skin scrubbers are spectacular for all skin types, especially those with highly reactive skin, as they’re just about as gentle as it gets when it comes to exfoliation. “The skin scrubber or spatula whichever you want to call it is a great investment if you’re just starting out using gadgets in your routine or if you’re a pro and using it in your treatment room,” Paviol says. “This device is great for all skin tones, textures, and colors, just make sure to read the instructions for the proper use of your specific skin scrubber so that you are using it safely and effectively to get the most out of your treatment.”