Review of Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser

About a month ago a new product by Neutrogena caught my eye. A commercial nonetheless. I usually never pay much mind to commercials. I thank Tivo for the lack of these annoying commericlas.

Anyhow, Hayden Panettiere was endorsing the new Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser. In the commercial she waved this itty pink hand held device across her face. As she rubbed this device on her skin, foam or soap began to develop. Oh cooool!

According to Miss Hayden, the new Neutrogena Wave vibrates on your face which will allow the soap to clean deeper, and remove surface residue, and makeup better then other facial cleansing soaps.

The Waves vibrating action supposedly will stimulate the skins surface, and open up pores, to allow this deeper cleansing action.

It sounded sweet. It did however resemble this stupid exfoliating wand I bought a few months ago as well. Only smaller.

Gimmick or not; I wanted it!!!

Although the commercial didn't quite convince me that this mini vibrator would do much, I still wanted to try it. It was new, it looked cool, and even though Hayden (who we all already know has flawless skin) was endorsing The Wave... I still NEEDED it.


I found the Wave at my local Walmart. I truly didn't think Walmart would carry the Wave, seeing how it was so new...but low and behold, there is was, in all it's princess pink glory.

When I first noticed that the last one was sitting there waiting for me to grab it, I assumed it would be anywhere from $20.00 to $30.00. The cool part was, it only came to $11.96. Way less than what I was first willing to pay for it.

Accesories:

Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser comes with the Wave hand held power cleanser, 14 cleansing pads, and an AA battery. Everything you need to get it started.

After ripping the box open I immediately had it figured out without having to use directions.

From the looks of the Power Cleanser, it appeared that the place that you would rub on your face had little grooves on it which would allow the pads to be placed on. Sort of like velcro, only plastic.

The 14 pads came in 2 separate white plastic bags. I was surprised at just how small the pads were, and even more surprised at how asinine the packaging was.

The moment I opened the bag, I noticed that each pad was wet, and stacked one on top of the other. What annoyed me was the fact that once the package was open, I could not re-seal it. Without being able to re-seal the package, I knew that the other pads would dry out if I didn't place them in a ziploc, which was annoying. You'd think they'd come in a re-sealable bag. Hmph!

Anyhow, I took one small pad out and stuck it onto the Power Cleanser head. It stuck with no issues, which was surprising. I imagined though that while cleansing my face with it, it would fall off. It was so small, and even though it stuck on precisely, it was still a little loose.

My Use:

After applying the pad, I then ran the it under some water, as instructed. I later on found that it is easier to lightly wet my face, and then use the Wave on my dampened skin.

I clicked the button on the Power Cleanser, and rubbed the pad around my face. The vibration from the device was a bit weak in my opinion, and it took quite awhile for any foam to develop on my skin. After about a minute or so I had a decent amount of lather, but nothing like Hayden had on the commercial. Her face was surrounded with lovely silky looking bubbles.

For me, the foam that released from the pad had the same texture as shaving cream. It was different, but pleasant all the same. I would of liked more lather though, more bubbles.

The scent was what I liked most of all. It had a very citrusy and fresh minty fragrance going on, which was quite different, and nice at the same time.


Visual Difference?

Before using The Wave Power Cleanser I rinsed my makeup off with my usual facial wash. The Wave was a test... I basically wanted to see if it would pick up any dirt or residue that my usual cleanser had left behind.

After rubbing the device around on my face for a bit, I stopped to check and see what the white pad looked like. I

I was surprised to see that a lot of nasties were left behind on my skin. I immediately noticed that there was some left over makeup that I swore I had gotten off completely when I rinsed. There was also some flecks of what looked like dry skin. I was quite disgusted with myself, but glad at the same time, that the Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser had gotten the left over grossness that was left behind on my skins surface. No wonder I get small breakouts!

Once I had a decent amount of lather on my face, I allowed the small device to do its job by rubbing it into my skin gently. I figured the longer I went at it, the more my pores would open for better deep cleansing.

When I felt satisfied with the time I had spent using the Wave, I then rinsed off.

The first rinse my skin felt a little greasy/slimy, and I was not happy, and I figured it would cause break outs. I went at my face with more water, and rinsed till the nasty greasy texture felt like it was gone.

I then towel dried my face. My skin felt fantastic. Thoroughly cleansed, tingly, and had a nice citrus mint scent left behind that was uplifting and rejuvenating.

Pros:

-I absolutely love how Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser makes my skin feel after rinsing


-Nice scent


-Picks up left over dirt and dry skin


-The Power Cleanser fits palm of hand perfectly


-Lightweight


-Refill pads are very cheap and affordable

- My skin looks and feels better, softer, and has not had any signs of new breakouts.

Cons:

-There are similar products available


-Pads package cannot be re-sealed


-Claims that there is a 2 week pad supply. In reality there are 14, which is correct if you only wash your face once a day! I wash twice, therefore there is in reality, only a one week supply.

-The Wave does add an additional 2 or 3 minutes to my usual facial cleansing ritual in the morning.

-Vibration is not very powerful

Overall:

Even with the cons, I still enjoy using the Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser. It picks up those small bits of dirt, makeup, and dry skin, that my usual cleanser misses.

Although I have not noticed a huge significant difference in my skin, I do notice that their are subtle difference, and my skin is much softer.

Recommended?

I would highly recommend it, because it does improve the look and feel of your skin over time. Although the changes are subtle, you will notice it.

Where To Buy:


-You can find Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser at local super stores and drug stores. Prices will vary. You can order the kit online as well for even lower prices

Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads

The main reason I purchased Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating,was because I suffer from dry areas on my skin. I got annoyed with non stop plucking at my dead skin areas with a tweezer, so I figured an exfoliating cleanser would do the same job, in less time.

Neutrogena's Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating is designed to gently exfoliate skin, remove excess dirt, and leave skin feeling soft.

The package comes in a pack of 24 pads, which is enough to get you by for most of the month.

The pads are made of soft cotton, and have 2 sides, with 2 different uses. One side of the pad contains exfoliation dots, which give the pad a more rough rugged texture, while the other side is softer for polishing the face.

In the middle of the pad there is a slit for you to slip in your fingers for a better hold on the pad. I liked this feature, and not many facial cleansing pads available are made like this.

After I slipped the pad onto my fingers I then ran it under some water as directed. I then began to scrub my face with the textured exfoliation side of the pad.

Small bubbles began to form on my face the more I scrubbed. What I ddn't like though was that the foam had a very greasy slime like texture it left behind as I scrubbed.

Besides the nasty greasy texture, I was also not to impressed with the texture of the pad itself. It was too soft on my face. When I exfoliate, I expect some sort of rough texture. This ensures a flawless cleaning. Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating, though was soft, and did not make my skin feel like it had the best possible cleaning.

I flipped the pad and used the softer side to polish. This side sucked as well. It barely felt as if it were doing anything for my face; besides leaving behind oil slicks.

Overall:

Even after washing my face it felt greasy. I had to rinse twice just to rid the horrid texture off of my skin.

Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating, also did not leave my skin feeling as clean as other products do. All in all, I am disappointed in Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads, Illuminating. I'm packing them up, and getting my $6.00 back.

Those with sensitive skin may like them; however they are so weak when it comes to exfoliation....and they leave behind a nasty oily residue.

Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At Home Microdermabrasion System

I was sick and tired of waking up every morning with a new growth on my face. This was primarily the main reason for my $30 purchase of Neutrogena’s Advances Solutions At Home MicroDermabrasion System.

I ran into this kit at Costco’s, and with a $5 off coupon, I figured I might as well give it a try. My kit came with extras seeing how I bought it at Costco’s. Everything is the same, and the price is much cheaper.

A standard $30 kit comes with Micro- Oxide Crystallized Cream. 2.6oz. A system applicator, 2 soft sponge heads, 2 AA batteries, and a stand to place the wand in when not in use. Costco’s handy kit came with 2 jars of cream and 4 sponge heads.

You will need to buy refills of the cream, and refills on the sponge heads if you do not clean them properly.

After reading the promises on the outside of the box, I placed it into my cart without so much as thinking that I was getting ripped off.

Directions On Box:

Day 1: Immediately enhances surface cell turnover for visibly fresher, smoother, baby soft skin.

Week 1: Boosts skin clarity for visibly brighter skin that glows with youthful radiance.

Week 4: Diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage.

When I got home to put the system to use I figured this was pretty simple to use. You clip one of the sponge heads onto the wand, insert the batteries, dip the sponge head into the cream, and dab it onto problem areas before turning the wand on.

After that’s all said and done, you may now turn the wand on. There are two settings on it. You can put it on a high speed for a real good scrubbin’, or low speed for a softer scrub.

After you choose your setting you simply massage the cream into your skin using the wands sponge head.
I thought at first that it was going to hurt seeing how the cream was slightly abrasive. However even at my high speed, the only sensation I got was a tickling feeling.

If you apply too much cream it gathers onto the sides of the sponge and will fall to your shirt or floor, so honestly you don’t need to use giant globs of it on your problem areas, just a small quarter sized amount on each area will do just fine.

You are to massage this into your problem areas for 5 minutes.

This is where I had a problem with directions. Did they want me to massage each problem area for 5 minutes, or massage my entire face for 5 minutes? I choose the most obvious and massaged each individual problem area for 5 minutes, turning this exfoliation session into a grueling 20 minutes. My nose, my cheeks, my forehead, and my chin each got a 5-minute massage.

Next you simply rinse off. I figured once I rinsed off my face would be really red from the gritty cream, but after rinsing off it actually looked more like a slight beginning of a sun burn. My face felt cool and relaxed afterwards.

You also rinse off the sponge applicator with warm water. Don’t use any soap. Next you simply let the sponge applicator air-dry. (I usually pat dry it on a towel, and nothing bad has happened to it.)

Not only that I could feel how smooth my skin was. It definitely was what the box promised. Baby soft. However this baby soft feeling was masked with something else I know all too well. I felt greasy.

Not overly greasy to the point where I had to wash my face again, but I could surely feel something else coating my skin other than my very own baby soft skin. Something was masking the truth. And I feared that perhaps whatever this greasy feeling was would make me break out. My face usually reacts badly with any lotion I apply, so I was very nervous about it.

I woke up however pimple free, but my face no longer felt baby soft. So this baby soft feeling wears off in about 4 hours.

After following the schedule that comes with the system, I could feel softer skin on my face there was no denying that. But that was it. I was expecting after using this for nearly 6 months to see smaller pores, and a healthy glow. The glow is only present temporarily until the cream is absorbed fully and then the glow goes away, and it’s right back to dull face.

SCHEDULES:

One thing I disliked about this kit is that I have to follow Neutrogena’s schedule. It is recommended that I use it for 5 days straight, every night, and then skip a week. After skipping the week I should then use the system 3 times a week.

Okay, easy enough. But should I do it 3 days in a row or is that bad? Do I skip a day in between?

The instructions are sort of vague, and I really do hate taking instructions from machines. I would like to use it whenever I want, but fear the outcome if I don’t follow instructions.

So like a diet and exercise plan, I’m now on a face plan as well. Bah!

Warnings:

If you experience irritation or discomfort, use less frequently. If irritation continues, consult your dermatologist.

Sheesh, that’s good to know… but I’m sure there are plenty of folks out there like me that don’t have a dermatologist.

But wait, that’s okay, Neutrogena gives you a number to call. How nice of them. 1-877-399-2525. I bet they’ll tell you to call a dermatologist, or discontinue use all together.

That would be the brightest of solutions. I don’t know why Neutrogena would recommend using it less frequently. Any normal person is going to either throw it or, or ask for a refund.

Overall:

The system does work; I’ll give it that. However the glowing soft results last for only about 4 hours, and does not give and long term permanent benefit to the skin. My fine lines are still just as visible as they were when I bought the machine, my pores are the exact same size…I know; I’ve been studying this big one I have like crazy!

Recmmendation:

If you don’t mind having only a 4-hour change then skip this one. It’s really a huge waste of time, and money.

STAR BREAK DOWN:

1 star for making my skin soft
2 stars for not making me break out

-1 for the temporary results
-1 for the mess it causes, even after using less cream
-1 for the crazy scheduling instructions

3 out of 5.