How to Clean and Maintain Your Skincare Devices

Device maintenance is the least interesting part of owning one and the part that most affects whether it keeps working. An uncleaned head is the most common cause of breakouts people blame on the device itself, and dried conductive gel on the contacts is the most common cause of a device that "stopped working."

None of it takes long. Here's what actually matters.

How often should I clean my device?

Extraction devices are the non-negotiable one. You've just pulled sebum and debris into the head — using it again uncleaned puts all of that straight back into your skin.

How do I clean a device head properly?

Extraction heads — detach, rinse under warm running water, clean the inside with a soft brush or cotton bud, then wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Dry completely before reassembling. Trapped moisture breeds bacteria.

Metal contacts on RF, EMS and ultrasonic devices — wipe with a barely damp cloth immediately after use, before conductive gel dries. Dried gel forms an insulating film that reduces energy transfer, which is why a device can gradually feel weaker over months. Follow with a dry cloth.

LED masks — wipe the inner surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Never submerge, and don't use alcohol on the LED panel itself.

Steamers — empty the reservoir after every use. Standing water grows bacteria that you then aerosolise onto your face.

What should I never do?

• Never submerge a device unless it's explicitly rated waterproof. Detachable heads are usually washable; the body almost never is.
• Never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on metal contacts — scratches degrade conductivity permanently.
• Never store it damp. Dry fully before putting it away.
• Never leave conductive gel on overnight. It hardens and becomes considerably harder to remove.
• Never share extraction devices. Energy devices are fine to share; anything that touches pore contents is not.

When do I need to replace parts?

Extraction tips and filters — replace roughly every 3–6 months with regular use, or sooner if suction weakens or you can see discolouration you can't clean out.

Silicone rings and seals — replace when they lose flexibility or stop forming a proper seal. Weak suction is usually a seal problem, not a motor problem.

Batteries — most rechargeable devices hold good capacity for 2–3 years. If a full charge no longer lasts a session, that's normal ageing.

Devices bought from us include a 6-month replacement warranty — if something fails rather than wears out, get in touch.

How should I store my device?

• Somewhere dry. Bathrooms are humid; a bedroom drawer is better than a shower shelf.
• Out of direct sunlight. Heat degrades batteries and can discolour plastics.
• In its case if it came with one — mostly to protect contacts and tips from knocks.
• Charged, not empty. Lithium batteries degrade faster stored flat. Top up every couple of months if you're not using it.

Why does my device feel weaker than it used to?

Before assuming it's failing, work through these — it's nearly always one of them:

1. Residue on the contacts. The most common cause by a wide margin. Dried gel insulates. Clean thoroughly.
2. Battery not fully charged. Many devices reduce power at low charge without warning.
3. A worn seal or blocked filter on suction devices.
4. Acclimatisation. Sometimes the device is fine and you've simply adjusted to the sensation. If it's been on the same setting for months, try one level up.

Still not right? Our troubleshooting guide covers device faults in more detail.

What about conductive gel?

Use a proper ultrasonic conductive gel rather than substituting moisturiser or aloe. Substitutes conduct poorly, dry out mid-session, and leave residues that are harder to clean off the contacts.

Keep the bottle closed, store it at room temperature, and don't decant it into open containers where it can be contaminated.

New to devices? Start with our complete guide to at-home beauty devices, or browse the full range.

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