Skincare devices can completely elevate your routine—giving you smoother texture, brighter tone, and results you normally only see in treatment rooms. But just like any powerful tool, using them incorrectly can lead to irritation, breakouts, or a weakened skin barrier. Whether you’re new to beauty gadgets or already obsessed with them, understanding the most common skincare device mistakes can save your skin (and your results).
Below, we’re breaking down how often to use these tools, how to avoid overdoing it, and the best practices for cleaning and storing your devices safely.
1. Using Your Device Too Often
One of the biggest skincare mistakes people make is assuming that more is better. With beauty devices, frequency matters.
Overusing exfoliating or resurfacing tools—especially something like the PMD Personal Microderm —can lead to:
-
Redness
-
Sensitivity
-
Inflamed skin
-
A compromised skin barrier
Since microdermabrasion is a deeper form of exfoliation, it should only be used once every 7 days. Tools like the PMD Clean sonic cleansing brush, however, are safe for daily use because they cleanse without stripping the skin.
If your skin starts feeling tight, shiny, or overly smooth (like there’s no grip when applying skincare), it’s a sign you’re overdoing it.
2. Not Letting Your Skin Recover Between Treatments
Your skin needs rest days.
People often stack too many active treatments—like microdermabrasion, exfoliating acids, and LED—without enough recovery time.
A healthy cadence looks like:
-
Microdermabrasion: 1x weekly with the PMD Personal Microderm
-
LED: 3–5x weekly, such as using the PMD Clean Redvolution (red light) or PMD Clean Acne (blue light)
-
Sonic cleansing: daily with the PMD Clean
Using devices in a balanced cycle allows your skin to rebuild instead of becoming reactive or sensitized.
3. Using the Wrong Device for Your Skin Concerns
Another common mistake is choosing a device just because it’s trendy instead of selecting what your skin actually needs.
Here’s a quick guide using PMD tools:
-
PMD Clean Redvolution → for fine lines, aging, and collagen support
-
PMD Clean Acne → for breakouts and congestion
-
PMD Personal Microderm → for texture, sun damage, dark spots, and dullness
-
PMD Clean → for deep cleansing, removing oil & impurities
-
PMD Wave Pro → for extractions and lifting
Using the wrong device won’t necessarily harm you, but it will slow your progress. Match the tool to your goal for the best outcome.
4. Pressing Too Hard or Using Incorrect Technique
Another major mistake is applying too much pressure—especially with devices designed to glide, not dig.
Microdermabrasion tools, like the PMD Personal Microderm, should gently skim the skin. Pressing too hard can lead to:
-
Redness
-
Sensitivity
-
Over-exfoliation
Similarly, with sonic devices like the PMD Clean, you don’t need to scrub. The 7,000 vibrations per minute do the work for you. Your role is to guide the brush, not push it.
5. Skipping Proper Cleaning (A Major No-No)
Dirty tools = irritated skin.
This is one of the most common skincare tool mistakes and also the easiest to avoid.
For your PMD devices:
-
Rinse the PMD Clean after each use and pat dry
-
Wipe the PMD Personal Microderm tips after treatments and replace caps when storing
-
Make sure LED surfaces (like on the PMD Clean Redvolution and PMD Clean Acne) stay free of product residue
Consistent cleaning prevents bacteria buildup and keeps your devices performing like new.
6. Storing Devices Incorrectly
Good storage habits help extend the life of your tools.
Avoid tossing devices into drawers or leaving them in steamy bathrooms. Instead:
-
Store the PMD Clean upright to let the silicone bristles dry
-
Keep microdermabrasion caps for the PMD Personal Microderm sealed and protected
-
Unplug charging devices when they’re fully charged
-
Keep LED tools like the Clean Redvolution and Acne in dry environments to preserve the light components
Proper storage = better long-term results.
7. Ignoring Signs That Your Routine Needs Adjustment
Your skin will always tell you when it’s overwhelmed.
Adjust your device usage if you notice:
-
New breakouts
-
Excess redness
-
A tight “squeaky clean” feeling
-
Stinging from products
-
Dull or irritated skin
If this happens, simplify your routine and focus on barrier repair with hydrating formulas before reintroducing tool-based treatments. (PMD’s Regenerate Anti-Aging Recovery Moisturizer is a great option for calming stressed skin.)
8. Forgetting SPF After Device Days
Whenever you use resurfacing tools like the PMD Personal Microderm, your skin becomes more vulnerable to UV damage. Skipping sunscreen the next day can undo your progress.
Make SPF the final step—no exceptions.
Final Thoughts
Skincare tools can truly transform your skin when used correctly. By avoiding these common mistakes and choosing PMD devices that align with your skin goals, you’ll get smoother texture, clearer pores, brighter tone, and healthier skin long-term.
