My Husband and I Both Love the Dermapore Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser

Hard truth: Not all skincare yields fast results. Take retinol, for example: If your goal is to reduce acne lesions, you'll likely have to wait at least three months to see results. And if you're using retinol to target fine lines and wrinkles, you may not notice a marked difference until the six-month point. Patience is a virtue with many products, which can feel frustrating and discouraging, especially in a fast-paced world where consumers want results now. So when a unicorn product comes along that serves up instant gratification, you can bet we're going to sing its praises from the rooftops.

One product in particular that deserves an encore tune is Dermaflash's Dermapore Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser. The brand's known for the Dermaflash Luxe+, which promises to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz to not only smooth skin, but also help forthcoming skincare penetrate deeper as any barrier-forming buildup has been removed. I'd heard team Byrdie rave about that tool so much that when I'd gotten word that the brand would be launching the Dermapore, I excitedly RSVPd to the launch party.

The Dermapore tool uses ultrasonic waves meant to clear pores and deeply infuse skincare ingredients. Basically, anyone with pores could benefit from using this device since it's made to physically extract all the gunk that lives inside. Compact and easy to use, the tool provides seemingly instant gratification and can be used as often as every other day.

Read on for everything there is to know about the Dermapore+ Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser.

The Design

The Dermapore is incredibly lightweight and sits comfortably in my hand, making it effortless to use. It's fairly quiet as well, emitting only a slight buzzing sound as it works over my skin.

The Feel: No discomfort with proper use

Since I always splash my skin with water before using the Dermapore, I don't feel any unpleasant sensation when the tool glides over my skin. But some reviewers have noted it hurts to use on dry skin, so be sure to thoroughly wet your skin before using.

How to Use

At the event, I had the pleasure of getting "'Pored" so I could feel (and see) the magic of the product in action. After misting my clean face with water, the brand rep placed the metal spatula at a 45-degree angle against my skin (bent-side up) and slowly ran it across, particularly in areas of congestion along my nose and chin. After a few passes, she showed me the surface of the spatula, which had a satisfying amount of gunk along its edge. The claims is that by working on a wet surface, the sonic current of the device pushes water into the pores, which is then shot out like a geyser as you slide the spatula along. This, along with the pressure you apply—in tandem with the ultrasonic waves—is meant to push dirt, gunk, and oil out of pores.

But wait—there's more: Flip the tool around and give the power button another press, and this side of the spatula can be used to push your skincare deeper into your skin: Rather than a constant "buzz" that's emitted in "extract" mode, the "infuse" mode lets off a series of short, quick pulsations meant to break down your serums and essences into nanoparticles and drive them deep into the epidermis.

Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, of Schweiger Dermatology recommends gently cleansing with Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar ($9), before use. Dermatologist David E. Bank, MD, FAAD of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery suggests Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser ($34). After rinsing, use the spatula on wet skin. Then, Bank suggests applying a product such as Environ Focus Care Alpha Hydroxy Night Cream ($65) to further assist with gentle exfoliation of the skin while moisturizing.

For hydration in "infuse" mode, try a serum with sodium hyaluronate (which is smaller than hyaluronic acid and, therefore, better able to penetrate the skin) like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel or other actives like niacinamide (for its hydrating, brightening, and antioxidant properties) or squalane, an emollient that also prevents UV damage.

The time each session takes varies depending on the level of congestion. To give you an idea, focusing on my nose and chin areas takes about five minutes in total. If you have significant congestion, it may take additional time to fully clean each area.

"The device works by applying physical pressure along the skin and pushing the sebum or oil out of our pores; it also has a sonic vibration that enhances penetration of ingredients in products such as serums and creams," says Nazarian.

There is slight redness at first from applying pressure, but it's important not to press too hard to try to avoid damaging the skin.

Sensitivity: Be gentle

You'll want to do a test area first to see how your skin responds. If your skin is quite dry and prone to irritation, this product may only exacerbate those issues. If you're at all concerned about sensitivity, use the lightest pressure possible, gliding the Dermapore ever so gently over your skin.

The fact that I can physically see the product working renders it effective in my eyes, but I wondered what dermatologists thought of using a product at home that licensed skincare professionals also offer in-office. Is it safe? Are there any drawbacks?

"It’s safe to use in the right hands, but there’s a lot of room for user error. With too much pressure, the skin can break and tear, pores can permanently enlarge, and small blood vessels can break," Nazarian says. She also warns that if your goal is to deeply remove blackheads, this tool is better used as a physical exfoliator for the surface of the skin and should only be used once or twice a week so that the skin has time to heal and regenerate.

Bank also recommends proceeding with caution but is a bit more lenient about use frequency. "As long as sonic spatulas are not used too frequently (no more than every other day) and light pressure rather than heavy pressure is applied, they are generally safe to use," he says. "They also improve the absorption of products, as the pores are more open after exfoliating the top layer of skin."

The Results: Decongested pores, glowing skin

In addition to visibly pulling buildup out of my pores, the duality of the product is the one-two punch I need for clean, dewy skin; after just one use, I was hooked. In fact, after raving about it to my husband (who could care less about skincare and considers a routine putting body lotion on his face once a year), I caught him using it multiple times.

I've continued to use it over time and found that it is still is a great extraction tool that doesn't damage my skin or cause irritation.

The Science: Do ultrasonic waves clear pores?

As Nazarian notes, there is some evidence that supports the company's claim that ultrasonic waves can help topical ingredients permeate into the skin.

"This is a generally safe and effective way to enhance your skincare regimen—applying the waves to the skin allows the skin barrier to temporarily decrease, and allows better penetration of serums and other skincare products," Nazarian says.

In terms of treating blackheads, Nazarian adds that the gentle lateral pressure may help pull out the mix of oil and keratin that fill pores, removing blackheads. But she does stress that topical ingredients need to be used to prevent more blackheads from forming.

The Value: Very fair

For under $100, this tool cleans out my pores and gives me an overall more radiant complexion—that's a bargain in my book. A single trip to an aesthetician will likely cost more than that, and although the Dermapore may not deliver the same results you would expect to get from a professional pore-cleaning, it's close for an at-home product. I've been using this tool for over a year and it's still going strong.

It also comes with a one-year warranty.

Battery Life: Easy to charge

The Dermapore comes with a USB charging cord so you can keep it charged. Once it's fully powered, it should last for multiple sessions—about two weeks of regular use.

Similar Products

Foreo Luna Mini 3: This device also cleanses using gentle vibrations to remove dirt and oil. Reviewers say it leaves their skin feeling soft and smooth, but without as heavy-duty of a cleanse as the Dermapore. It's also solely meant for cleansing and exfoliating, and can't push serums deeper into the skin like Dermapore.

Our Verdict: Worth it for large pores

The Dermapore is a great investment if you have oily skin with enlarged pores or blackheads and congestion. It's easy to use and clears pores without any discomfort, as long as you properly saturate your skin. Over time, it makes skin glow and appear clearer.

Dermaflash Dermaflash Luxe+ $199.00 $139.30

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