Sunday, December 22, 2024
ZENO Hot Spot Acne Clearing Device Review
Best Feature:
Convenient size for carrying around in your pocket or purse
Worst Feature:
Expensive and not much better than using a hot washcloth
Best Uses:
Quickly spot treating inflammatory blemishes
Pricing:
$40 (60-80 uses)
Overview
The ZENO Hot Spot is a portable, hand-held device that used gentle heat technology to kill bacteria causing acne and reduce the appearance of pimples. The Hot Spot has been approved by the FDA and is recommended by dermatologists as a safe and effective way to treat mild to moderate inflammatory acne. It is battery-operated and uses a built-in computer to provide the optimal level of heat to help clear or fade 90% of blemishes within 24 hours. It starts working in the first hour, so it is perfect to keep on hand for big dates, events, meetings, etc.
You can purchase the ZENO Hot Spot online at multiple retailers like drugstore.com or skinstore.com for $40.
Product Report Card Grade
We give Zeno’s Hot Spot Acne Clearing Device a B- because it is a handy little zit-zapper that you can keep in your pocket or purse to help clear up inflammatory blemishes while you are on the go. We deducted points because it doesn’t work on cystic acne and is a pretty expensive alternative to the traditional method of just holding a hot washcloth to a zit.
Date Reviewed
February 2012
April 2013
April 2013
Pros
quick and easy to use; won't irritate or dry skin; FDA-approved
enhances effectiveness of current acne treatment routine and is gentle on skin; convenient size for traveling; 100% natural; good for reducing redness and inflammation
inexpensive; effective treatment of mild acne and blackheads; 3-1 makes nightly routine easier
Cons
it doesn't work on blackheads, whiteheads or cystic acne; can't replace batteries so essentially disposable after 60-80 uses; relatively pricey
time-consuming; expensive (especially if you end up buying the "Power Pack")
won't fade acne scaring; fragrance and coloring agents may irritate sensitive skin; may be overly drying for some users
Active Ingredient or Technology
Device uses gentle heat technology.
Device uses phototherapy.
Gel contains 2% Salicylic Acid.
Skin Concern
Mild to moderate acne
Mild to moderate acne
Mild acne and blackheads
Skin Type
Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
Normal, Oily or Combination
Size
1.5" x 1.8" x 3" (L x W x H) and weighs 3.2 ounces
Device is 6.5" tall and the head is 1.25" in diameter. It weighs less than 8 ounces.
2 fluid ounces
Supply
Batteries last for 60-80 treatments.
Unlimited
Varies based on usage
How It Works
Device features ClearPoint™ technology, which sends the optimal level of heat to kill bacteria that causes blemishes to occur. Painless and gentle on skin, it starts working in the 1st hour and helps clear or fade 90% of blemishes within 24 hours.
Releases wavelengths of blue light that penetrate deep into your skin to kill acne-causing bacteria, P. acnes, and soothe inflammatory acne vulgaris. Basically, within P. acnes bacteria, there are small molecules known as porphyrins. When exposed to 420 nm and shorter wavelengths of light, porphyrins generate free radicals that attack and kill P. acnes bacteria.
Powerful MicroClear™ technology helps the key acne medicine, salicylic acid, unclog congested pores and penetrate deep under the surface of your skin to fight acne at its source. At the same time, the unique formula contains moisturizers to hydrate and soften skin, as well as calming ingredients to reduce redness and irritation.
Side Effects
Heat may cause temporary redness.
None
Increased dryness and peeling are possible side effects.
Warranty/Money Back Guarrantee
1-year for parts/labor
5-year warranty and 60-day money back guarantee
N/A
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Easy to use
- Doesn't dry out skin
- Doesn't use harsh chemicals
- FDA approved
Cons
- It does not work on blackheads, whiteheads or cystic acne
- Can't replace batteries so essentially disposable after 60-80 uses
- Relatively pricey
Key Features
How it works
As soon as you turn on the device, the power indicator will light up and you will hear a tone to indicate the treatment has started. Then, you hold the device on the tip of your blemish for 2 ½ minutes. A single beep will sound every 30 seconds to help you keep track of where you are in the cycle, and then there will be a multi-tone sound once the treatment is over.
Clinical Trial Results
ZENO conducted a 14-day randomized, controlled, double-blinded study assessing the safety and effectiveness of ZENO for treating acne that was reviewed by the FDA. The trial was conducted in a controlled professional setting and a home-use setting where some subjects received a ZENO Hot Spot and others received a placebo device. In that study:
- Within 24 hours, 90% of blemishes disappeared or faded
- Within 48 hours, 96% of blemishes disappeared or faded
- After 2 treatments, 84% of blemishes disappeared or faded
- Blemishes improved faster (approximately 30.8 hours or 1.3 days) when treated with the Hot Spot versus the placebo device.
- Blemishes cleared faster (on average 53.7 hours or 2.3 days) when treated with the Hot Spot versus the placebo device.
- Within 48 hours, ZENO users saw 96% of blemishes clear or improve versus only 63% of the placebo-treated blemishes.
- Within 72 hours, ZENO users saw 100% of blemishes clear or improve versus 75% of the placebo-treated blemishes.
Care Instructions
Only clean the device with soap and water
Product Dimensions
Not on manufacturer's site, but Amazon and Best Buy state that it is 1.5" x 1.8" x 3" (L x W X H) and weighs 3.2 ounces
Product Design
Comes in sky blue or watermelon pink and is small enough to fit in a pocket or purse
Side effects
Some people may experience temporary skin redness
Power Source
2 AA batteries are included that should last for 60 - 80 treatments. There is a battery level gauge that tracks how many treatments remain.
Warranty
1 year (parts and labor)
Reputation
The ZENO Hot Spot receives average/mixed reviews from customers on Amazon (3/5 out of 186 reviews), on Acne.org (3/5 out of 158 reviews) and on Ulta.com (2.9/5 out of 56 reviews). The main issue seems to be that it doesn't work on whiteheads or cystic acne, which are usually the types of blemishes that you would want to use it on. It doesn't sound like a miracle cure for acne, but, if you are willing to spend the money, it probably can't hurt to have one on hand. If not, I would just go the old-fashioned way and use a washcloth dampened with hot water.
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