By Ghada Abuhakmeh, Founder & CEO
Your LED facial device touches your face every single day, and your MYSKINBUDDY Boost is no exception. It cleanses, it glows, it goes everywhere with you. And at some point, almost everyone asks the same question: how do I actually clean this thing?
Here's what most people don't realize: the biggest risk isn't a dirty device, it's cleaning it with the wrong thing. A splash of nail polish remover, a bleach wipe, or a gritty scrub left sitting on the head can do more damage than skipping a day.
This guide covers what your Buddy is made of, exactly how to clean and disinfect it, what never to use, which skincare to wipe off right away, and how professionals clean it between clients.
Key takeaways
✓ Treat your MYSKINBUDDY like your cell phone: a damp cloth, never running water.
✓ Wipe after every use, dry it on its stand, and disinfect weekly with 70% alcohol on a cloth.
✓ Keep acetone, bleach, scrub pads, and lingering acids or salts off the device.
On this page
What it's made of · After each use · Disinfecting · UV-C sanitizers · Care schedule · Never use · Skincare to wipe off · For professionals · FAQs
What is your MYSKINBUDDY made of?
Your Buddy has three parts that each need a slightly different kind of care.
1. A stainless steel head. Stainless steel resists rust thanks to a thin, invisible protective layer on its surface. Chlorides (like bleach and salt), strong acids, and scratches can break through that layer and cause tiny pits, which is where corrosion starts, according to a 2023 review in Metals.
2. A plastic body. Plastic's weakness is solvents. Acetone, ketones, and strong alkaline cleaners are known to damage device plastics, according to Zebra's device care guidelines.
3. Electronics inside, protected by a stopper. MYSKINBUDDY isn't waterproof. The rubber stopper over the charging port keeps out splashes, not running water.
Treat it like your phone
Apple recommends cleaning iPhones with a soft, slightly damp cloth, keeping moisture out of openings, and never submerging the device, per Apple's cleaning guidelines. The same rules keep your Buddy working like new.
How do you clean your MYSKINBUDDY after each use?
It takes about 60 seconds. Do it every time, right after your treatment, so cleanser and serum never have a chance to dry on the head.
Step 1: Power off and seal
- Turn the device off and unplug it.
- Press the stopper firmly closed over the charging port.
Step 2: Wipe the head and body
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with warm water, wrung out until it's barely damp.
- Add a drop of gentle, fragrance-free soap to lift leftover cleanser or serum from the steel head.
- Wipe the body with the same cloth, keeping moisture away from the port and seams.
Step 3: Dry it on its stand
- Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth.
- Stand your Buddy upright on its holding stand so air reaches every surface.
- Wait until it's completely dry before putting the protective cover back on.
Step 4: Start with a clean cleanse
MYSKINBUDDY is made for your second cleanse. Remove makeup first with a balm or oil, then cleanse with your Buddy using a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. Heavy makeup and oil cleansers coat the head and seams, making cleanup harder.
Don't forget the covers and stand
- Protective cover. It has no electronics, so it can be washed. Rinse it in warm water with a drop of mild soap, then let it air-dry completely. A damp cover traps moisture against the steel head. Worn or lost? Get a Replacement Protective Cover.
- Cotton round attachment. Cotton rounds are single-use, so toss yours after every treatment. Wash the attachment like the cover once a week, or whenever toner splashes it. Replacement: Cotton Round Attachment.
- Stand. Wipe it down weekly so it stays a clean place to dry. Replacement: MYSKINBUDDY® Replacement Stand.
- Charging. Only charge when the port is completely dry, using your original cable or a genuine Replacement Charging Cable + Wall Adapter.
How do you disinfect your MYSKINBUDDY?
Once a week, or anytime someone else uses your device, give it a deeper reset.
- Lightly moisten a soft cloth or cotton pad with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Apply it to the cloth, never spray the device. Apple approves the same strength for iPhone surfaces, per its cleaning guidelines.
- Gently wipe the head and body. Keep it quick and don't let alcohol pool around the port.
- Follow with a cloth lightly dampened with plain water, then dry it on the stand.
Why only weekly? Some device brands, like Therabody, recommend alcohol-free wipes for daily cleaning, since frequent alcohol can dull plastic finishes over time. Water and mild soap handle the day-to-day.
Is a UV-C sanitizer safe for skincare tools?
Yes, as a bonus step. UV-C light damages the DNA of germs on the surfaces it reaches, with no liquid involved, which makes it a natural fit for a device that isn't waterproof. Zip your Buddy into the case, press one button, and the 2-minute cycle does the rest.
Clean first, then UV
UV-C only works where it can shine. Shadows and leftover product shield germs from the light, according to Henderson Engineers. Always wipe and dry your device first, and treat UV-C as a bonus, not a replacement for your weekly disinfect.
One cycle is plenty. Long, repeated UV-C exposure can gradually yellow plastics, per a scoping review of UV-C and materials, so there's no benefit to running back-to-back cycles.
The case isn't just for your Buddy. Use it for makeup brushes, tweezers, gua sha stones, toothbrushes, jewelry, earbuds, and keys. Let brushes and toothbrushes dry first, and keep washing them regularly, since UV light can't reach between tightly packed bristles.
Your device care schedule
| When | What to do | How |
|---|---|---|
| After every use | Wipe head and body, dry on the stand | Damp cloth + mild soap, stopper closed |
| After every use | Toss the cotton round | Single-use only |
| Weekly | Disinfect the device | 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, then a water wipe |
| Weekly | Wash the protective cover and cotton round attachment; wipe the stand | Warm water + mild soap, air-dry fully |
| Anytime (bonus) | UV-C cycle after cleaning | One 2-minute cycle in the Sanitize & Glow™ case |
| Shared device | Disinfect before each person | 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth |
The payoff: a device that stays hygienic, looks new, and keeps working beautifully for years, with less than a minute of care a day.
What should you never use to clean an LED device?
| Avoid | Why it's a problem | Use instead |
|---|---|---|
| Acetone or nail polish remover | A strong solvent that can dissolve and warp plastic | Damp cloth + mild soap |
| Bleach and chlorine cleaners | Chlorides break through stainless steel's protective layer and cause pitting | 70% isopropyl alcohol, weekly |
| Household solvents and degreasers | Ketones, strong ammonia, and alkaline cleaners can crack or cloud the body | Damp cloth + mild soap |
| Steel wool, scrub pads, magic erasers | Scratch the steel head, and scratches are where buildup and corrosion start | Soft, lint-free cloth |
| Running water, soaking, steam, dishwasher | The device isn't waterproof | A barely damp cloth |
Which skincare should you wipe off right away?
Most skincare is perfectly safe to use with your Buddy. Just don't let these sit on the head or body after your treatment:
- Exfoliating acids like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid, peel solutions, and strong L-ascorbic acid vitamin C. Low-pH residue is hard on metal finishes over time.
- Salt-based products like sea salt and Dead Sea scrubs or saline sprays. Salt is one of stainless steel's biggest enemies.
- Scrubs and grainy exfoliants. The particles scratch the head and work their way into seams.
- Clay and charcoal masks. They dry hard in crevices and around the stopper.
- Concentrated essential oils, especially citrus. Their natural solvents can soften or cloud plastic with repeated contact.
- Heavy makeup and oil cleansers. Remove makeup before your Buddy comes out.
How estheticians sanitize skincare devices between clients
In the treatment room, a weekly disinfect isn't enough. State boards treat devices like MYSKINBUDDY as electrical tools that must be cleaned and then disinfected before every client, and never immersed, per California's Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Follow your state board first
Sanitation rules vary by state. Always follow your state board's rules and your disinfectant's label. Estheticians at a medical office may also follow their practice's infection-control policy.
- Clean. With gloves on, power off and remove the cover and cotton round. Use one disinfectant wipe, such as a CaviWipe, to remove all product and debris. Disinfectant can't work through residue.
- Disinfect. With a fresh wipe, keep every surface visibly wet for the full contact time on the label: 2 minutes for CaviWipes 2.0, up to 3 minutes for original CaviWipes.
- Protect the port. Squeeze excess liquid from the wipe before going near the stopper and seams. Never spray disinfectant directly on the device.
- Air-dry and store clean. Let it dry on its stand, then store it in a clean, covered place. California also requires used tools to wait in a container labeled "Soiled."
- Disinfect the removable parts. The protective cover and cotton round attachment have no electronics, so clean them, then fully immerse them in an EPA-registered disinfectant. Toss cotton rounds after every client.
A few details matter:
- Choose the right wipe. Original CaviWipes and CaviWipes 2.0 are low-alcohol, quaternary ammonium formulas made with material compatibility in mind. Keep bleach-based wipes off the device.
- Alcohol alone isn't enough. Many states require an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant that's bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal, like Kentucky's sanitation rules.
- UV-C is a bonus, not a substitute. California does not recognize UV units as an approved disinfection method on their own, per its UV sterilizer bulletin. Use the UV-C case after board-required disinfection, never instead of it.
- Booked back to back? Keep two Buddies and spare covers in rotation, so one can finish its contact time and dry while you treat the next client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rinse my MYSKINBUDDY under the tap?
No. MYSKINBUDDY isn't waterproof. Use a barely damp cloth, keep the charging-port stopper closed, and dry it right away.
Is cleaning a handheld LED device different from cleaning an LED face mask?
The basics are the same: power off, wipe with a soft, damp cloth, never submerge it, and let it dry fully. The difference is contact. A handheld device like MYSKINBUDDY glides directly on your skin with a stainless steel head, so it picks up more cleanser and serum than a mask and needs a quick wipe after every use. Steel also has its own enemies, like bleach and salt, that a silicone mask doesn't.
How do I clean my MYSKINBUDDY Boost?
Power it off, close the port stopper, wipe the head and body with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry it on its stand. Disinfect weekly with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth.
Can I use alcohol wipes on my LED facial device?
Yes, once a week. A 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or cloth is a good weekly disinfectant. For daily cleaning, stick with water and mild soap, since frequent alcohol can dull plastic finishes.
Can I use Clorox or bleach wipes on it?
We don't recommend it. Bleach and other chlorine cleaners can pit stainless steel over time.
Is it safe to put my MYSKINBUDDY in a UV-C sanitizer?
Yes, as a bonus step after you've wiped and dried it. One 2-minute cycle in the Sanitize & Glow™ UV-C Case is plenty.
How often should I clean my LED facial device?
Wipe it after every use and disinfect it once a week. If you share it, disinfect it before each person's turn.
Why are there spots on my device head?
Usually it's dried product or water spots, which a damp cloth and mild soap will remove. If spots don't wipe away, check whether salt scrubs, bleach, or strong acids were left on the head, and email us at support@myskinbuddy.com.
How do I clean the protective cover and cotton round attachment?
Wash both with warm water and mild soap, and let them dry completely before reattaching. Cotton rounds are single-use.
Sources
- Cleaning your iPhone — Apple
- TheraFace PRO Microcurrent Ring care — Therabody
- Harmful ingredients for device plastics — Zebra Technologies
- Influence of organic acids on corrosion of stainless steel — Metals (2023)
- Stainless steel equipment care and cleaning — Glastender
- Impact of UV-C on material degradation: a scoping review — PMC
- UV disinfection: an engineering perspective — Henderson Engineers
- CaviWipes 2.0 clinical evaluation — Dental Advisor
- Article 12, Health and Safety — California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- Use of ultraviolet sterilizer units — California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- 201 KAR 12:100, Sanitation standards — Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
Continue your research
This article is for educational purposes and reflects published guidance as of October 2026. Always follow your MYSKINBUDDY user manual. Professionals should follow their state board's sanitation rules and their disinfectant's label directions.