Zeno Hot Spot Blemish Clearing Device Revisited

I first featured the ZENO Hot Spot in 2010. I was impressed then, and I'm still impressed. In a recent discussion about skin care here, many of you mentioned the monthly hormonal blemish or troublesome breakouts. I had one last month, albeit small, and the ZENO banished it overnight. I decided it was a good time to publicize this little gizmo again.

When my face was breaking out occasionally, I spent a lot of money to go to the dermatologist and have cortisone injections to get rid of stubborn blemishes. When I needed to look good, the results were instantaneous. The ZENO HOT SPOT Blemish Clearing Device has become the ultimate New York Fashion Week accessory, used by models for blemish emergencies. It costs only $39.99 and is so small and light you can carry it in your handbag. I wish I had had one back then.

This hand-held blemish clearing device is revolutionary. It starts to work within an hour and makes 90% of blemishes disappear or fade within 24 hours. It uses gentle heat technology to destroy bacteria and has FDA approval - and you know how hard it can be to get that. ZENO is non-drying, 100% natural, and chemical free. These days, it comes with ZENO Heat Treat Blemish Prevention Treatment that contains salicylic acid. As a rule, I can't use SA, but this gel is so gentle, that it doesn't burn my skin. Used at the first sign of a small blemish, it often works without using the Hot Spot.

It's best to start using the HOT SPOT as soon as you feel or see a blemish start to erupt. How do you use it?

Step 1: Press the power button. The power indicator will light up, and you will hear a tone to signal the treatment has started.
Step 2: Place and hold the treatment tip on your blemish for the 2.5-minute treatment cycle. You will hear a single beep every 30 seconds.
Step 3: Remove HOT SPOT from the blemish when you hear a multi-toned sound, indicating the treatment is over.

How fast and easy is that? It's hot enough to get the job done, but not at all uncomfortable to the touch. It adjusts to your skin's temperature to deliver just the right amount of heat. The Zeno Hot Spot works by using the company's proprietary, thermal-based ClearPoint technology to kill the bacteria that causes blemishes to occur. New to the Zeno Hot Spot is a mechanism that enables the device to heat up within seconds to a comfortable temperature of approximately 118 degrees with the simple touch of a button. Unlike any other blemish-clearing device on the market, ZENO Hot Spot offers a high-tech personalization component: when the biocompatible tip is placed on the blemish, it adjusts its thermal energy output to each user's skin temperature, immediately delivering the perfect amount of heat to kill acne-causing bacteria.

You can repeat as necessary. Most blemishes need two to three 2.5-minute treatments to be completely eliminated, but in some cases, just one treatment can be enough to stop a blemish in its tracks. That's all it takes me. I spent more time than that in my dermatologist's waiting room. More money too, given that my health insurance company wouldn't pay for appearance emergencies.

I think the HOT SPOT is a must-have for anyone who suffers from regular or occasional acne and wants quick and painless blemish relief. Where can you buy one? You can purchase the HOT SPOT at SkinStore.com. I found one recently at Ulta. I've also seen them at warehouse stores and Target.

Photo courtesy of Skin Store

Coral Actives for Acne and More

Coral Actives, a relatively new line of skin care, was introduced as a safe and unusually effective cosmeceutical for people who suffer with acne. It's an exceptional line - small, but growing, according to co-founder Chris Billis of Ermis Labs.

Right now, the line has two products, the Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser ($22) and a Penetrating Acne Serum ($28). You can purchase the duo for $39.90. A Best Things in Beauty reader tested both products, and, additionally, I tested the cleanser. We have extraordinary results to report!

Let's focus on acne for a minute. Unfortunately, it's not just a teen issue. The sad truth is that adult acne can plague women until menopause (I'm not sure when men get rid of it). Adults don't normally suffer from weekly breakouts, but monthly, unsightly blemishes can be just as upsetting. I the "old days," when I would get one of those hormonal "undergrounders," I would go to the dermatologist (never an inexpensive trip, since insurance doesn't cover cosmetic procedures) to get it injected with cortisone. I wish I had had the Coral Actives Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser to keep my pores open.The Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser is comprised of three major ingredients.

• Encapsulated retinol that releases when cleansing
• Microbeads to help with exfoliation
• Sea Whip Coral Extract to help reduce inflammation

The Penetrating Acne Serum Gel is comprised of four major ingredients.

• 6% benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria
• Sea Whip Coral Extract to help reduce inflammation
• Humectants to attract water to the skin
• Emollients to retain moisture on the skin

Sea Whip Coral is what sets Ermis Labs apart from their many competitors. It's a soft coral found in the Caribbean, and it is a very potent, natural anti-inflammatory extract that is safe, effective, and environmentally friendly. Sea Whip Extract is also a completely renewable resource. “Colonies of Sea Whip Coral have been researched by independent scientists since before 1990 and consistently monitored since 1996. Their studies, as well as the records of the exclusive harvester, show that the coral extract has been collected in a sustainable manner that has consistently resulted in complete re-growth."

As someone who is concerned about over-harvesting of coral, I asked Chris about Sea Whip Coral. He told me that it's a coral from the Caribbean that is renewable. It comes from four fields underwater. The sole harvester snips the tips off, without killing the Sea Whip Coral, which is a stringy-looking coral that regrows in three years. The development focus of Ermis Labs was on a natural anti-inflammatory, and the founders became enamored with Sea Whip Extract because there was so much in-vitro testing showing its effectiveness. You can read more about it at this link. The two founders did their homework. I found Chris to be a soul mate when we talked about ingredients. He's a great resource.

The Coral Actives Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser is a low-foaming formula developed with sensitive skin in mind. That's why I wish I had had it in the days when my face would break out now and then. My skin was so sensitive, it reacted to everything my dermatologist tried with retinol in it. The cleanser has a clean, subtle cucumber scent. It is intended to be used once a day for twenty seconds while cleansing the face, but it can be used twice/day if needed. The Coral Actives Penetrating Acne Serum is a light serum that dries quickly. It's also designed to be applied topically once a day.

I found the cleanser to be extremely nice. I am very surprised that I am writing these words, since my skin reacts to retinol like Savannah reacted to Charlie the first time she saw him. It's not pretty. Chris convinced me to try the cleanser, explaining why it would be gentle and effective on my skin, and I was amazed that it didn't irritate at all. It was gentle, effective, and sweetly exfoliating without any side effects. I was impressed. Chris told me that the cleanser's retinol is encapsulated. It stays pure until you wash your face, and it has excellent penetration in the short time it takes to cleanse the skin.

Even more impressed was our tester, a young woman who reads Best Things in Beauty and has combination/oily, blemish-prone skin. Here, in her own words, is her review of both products.

Coral Actives Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser

Cleansers have always been a favorite part of my skin-care routine. I have combination acne-prone skin with a very oily T-zone during the summer. I also have some issues with larger pores and acne marks or scars. Therefore, I have very high expectations of cleansers because I have so many issues I want to correct. The first thing I noticed about the Coral Actives cleanser is that it contains retinol. I have never used any product with retinol before, so I was a bit worried, since many skin-care ingredients make me break out. This cleanser has a very pleasant texture and smell (very light fresh scent), and one pump is more than enough for my entire face and neck. I usually leave it on for a few seconds and rinse it off with warm water. Normally, I have used two types of cleansers - the ones that are gentle, but don't clean my face deep enough - and the "harsh," deep ones that dry and irritate my skin. I am very happy to report that the Coral Actives cleanser leaves my skin feeling very clean (my pores appear smaller, and my face and neck feel very smooth). My skin is not irritated, but is perfectly prepared for the next step in my skin-care routine. And I guess retinol is my new best friend now :)

Coral Actives Penetrating Acne Serum

The next step is a Penetrating Acne Serum. It contains 6% benzoyl peroxide, so this is some strong stuff. The first couple of times I used it, my face was pink and tingly for a couple of minutes, and then it calmed down. I personally do not mind the sensation, but I would recommend a patch test on a small area of your face if your skin is very sensitive. I also noticed that after I used this serum a few times, my skin did not get warm and tingly anymore, so I assume I got used to it. This serum truly does penetrate the skin because it absorbs momentarily. I just hate skin-care products that "sit" on my face because that usually means one thing: more acne for me. This serum leaves my skin so smooth and glowing! Yes, not shiny, but glowing. I have some light wrinkles on my forehead, but after I use the serum, the wrinkles are hardly noticeable at all. I had a couple of acne bumps on my cheek, and the serum made them smoother and a little lighter (after just a couple of weeks). Yes, the serum dries the skin a bit, but I can use it with other, more moisturizing products.

For the purposes of this experiment I refrained from using any other skin care - just the cleanser and the serum. So far I am a happy customer and would recommend the Coral Actives cleanser for any skin type, and I would definitely recommend the Coral Actives Penetrating Acne Serum for people with combination/oily skin who are affected by acne. Thank you so much, Coral Actives and Charlestongirl for this opportunity. These products really helped me to make my skin look better!

Back to my words...

Chris said that if you get dry while using the products, reduce the frequency of of use. For example, try using the cleanser every day and the serum every other day - or once every three days. They are moisturizing, but our skin types are different. Do what works for you. The company is working on a new moisturizer as I write. It will have a light feel, an SPF of 15, and, of course, the star of the show, Sea Whip Extract. Chris hopes to have it ready by February.

Coral Active products can be used by anyone of any age who has a need to keep those skin cells exfoliated and "out of the way." That's why Chris thought I would like the cleanser (even at my age!), and he was right. I use it a few times a week. It's so gentle.

Give Coral Actives a four-week trial, and you will see a difference in your skin. If you are not completely satisfied, the company will refund your money! The guys at Ermis Labs are the real deal - they mean that.

Ermis Labs is super-busy. In 2011, the company will introduce its CorallGen line of anti-aging products.

• NIGHTpHace Peptide Sequencer for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles
• DAYpHace Active Peptide with SPF 30 for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles
• Eye Complex for the treatment of dark circles and puffiness

I am ready to try the anti-aging products! I hope Chris doesn't forget me. He plans to move back to the Virginia area (his wife is from McLean). If you have any concerns with blemishes or would like to try exfoliating products, head over to the Ermis Labs Web site, where you can purchase this amazing skin care. With the custom-formulated combination of antibiotics, natural anti-inflammatories, and retinol (the ultimate doctor-recommended treatment to keep clear dead skin cells), Coral Actives skin care is simple, affordable, and effective.

You can visit the company on Facebook if you would like to read some "real-time" customer feedback.

Photos and skin care courtesy of Ermis Labs

TRIA Beauty's Skin Clarifying System

For acne sufferers, there's a new device on the market. TRIA Beauty, known for its TRIA Laser Hair Removal System, now offers an acne-clearing device for use at home. Using the same blue light technology used by dermatologists, the TRIA Skin Clarifying System is designed to clear acne breakouts and blemishes, prevent future breakouts, and improve the overall health of your skin. TRIA says you'll notice a difference in your skin in just seven days!

Do you know about TRIA? TRIA Beauty makes light-based skin-care treatments for use at home. All of TRIA Beauty's products are clinically proven and FDA-cleared. They guarantee that you'll get better results from TRIA Beauty products than any other leading treatment you'll find in stores, online, or even from a doctor - or you may return your purchase for a full refund.

In 1993, TRIA Beauty's scientists revolutionized the hair removal industry with the invention of the LightSheer. Using this same technology, these scientists developed the TRIA Hair Removal System, the only FDA-cleared at-home system able to deliver permanent results. I first learned about TRIA at Nordstorm, where its virtues were extolled at a Beauty Trends Show. Many audience members agreed that the TRIA Hair Removal System had been life-changing.

Given that the products are pricey, that guarantee is important. What's clear is that the TRIA Clarifying Blue Light device can save you money. Long-term use of prescription products and repeated visits to the dermatologist can be expensive. Blue light treatments in doctor's offices cost hundreds of dollars, and some health insurance plans do not cover them, treating them as "cosmetic" rather than medical treatments.

The brand new TRIA Skin Clarifying System is a three-step system that features advanced blue light therapy to clear and treat your skin in just minutes a day. The TRIA system's soothing Clarifying Blue Light penetrates deeply into the skin, where breakouts start, to eliminate the bacteria that cause them - effectively stopping the cycle of acne before it starts. The Clarifying Blue Light works with the TRIA system's skin-care essentials to restore the skin’s natural balance, accelerate skin cell renewal, and improve the overall health of the skin. Want to see some before and after photos? Go to this TRIA link.

With 8-10 times more blue light than other at-home blue light devices, TRIA advertises that their system has been clinically proven to clear acne breakouts and blemishes better than any other leading acne treatment. TRIA's system delivers results without the harsh side effects of traditional acne treatments (such as Tretinoin, which can be hard on sensitive skin). TRIA says that dermatologists prefer blue light treatment because it clears skin faster and more gently than prescription and over-the-counter acne treatments. I wish it had been available when I was struggling to use Retin-A, Renova, and other topical prescription products that were so harsh on my skin that my dermatologist finally surrendered and said, "Stop!" The treatment was worse than the monthly hormonal blemish. That's another (long) story, which, fortunately, had an end.

TRIA's Be Clear Starter Kit is $395, and it's currently the best value. At the heart of the Skin Clarifying System, the Be Clear Starter Kit includes all you need to get started, including TRIA's Clarifying Blue Light, Clarifying Foam Cleanser, Rebuilding Complex, and Clarifying Blue Light Treatment Cartridge (300 minutes). The system is designed to be used for a few minutes twice a day. If you don't want the skin care products and are only interested in the blue light device, you'll still spend $395.

The TRIA Skin Clarifying System is available at the TRIA Beauty Web site and will be available at Nordstorm, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s. New York residents and visitors will be able to visit a temporary storefront, located at 155 Fifth Avenue at Twenty-first Street, from April 7 through 13. The shop, dubbed The Blue Lounge, will allow customers to try the new device and receive free makeovers and hairstyles.

Word has it that their next introduction will target the signs of aging, including wrinkles. I can't wait! Can I have it now, please?

Photo courtesy of TRIA Beauty

ZENO Presents: A Weekend In the City

It's official – fresh faced starlet Whitney Port is the new face of the ZENO HOT SPOT. Whitney will appear in both print and TV ads and will serve as Zeno's spokesperson. Whitney is famous for her role on The Hills and starred in her own show, The City.

To launch their new relationship with Whitney Port as well as their TV ad campaign that began running this week, ZENO has kicked off a new contest – upload a video explaining why you love your ZENO HOT SPOT and enter to win a trip to New York City for two and meet Whitney Port! The winner and a guest will be flown to Manhattan for a three-night’s stay, where they will enjoy a “Spa Day” to be introduced to Whitney.

Enter via www.MyZENO.com/WeekendInTheCity anytime through April 12. If you don't have a video camera, find a friend who does. This could be your ticket to New York!

Photo courtesy of Zeno

ZENO HOT SPOT to Banish Blemishes

ZENO, where were you when my face was breaking out? When I spent all that money to go to the dermatologist and have cortisone injections to get rid of stubborn blemishes? When I needed to look good - pronto? The ZENO HOT SPOT Blemish Clearing Device has been the ultimate New York Fashion Week accessory, used by models for blemish emergencies. It costs only $39.99 and is so small and light you can carry it in your handbag.

This hand-held blemish clearing device is revolutionary! It starts to work within an hour and makes 90% of blemishes disappear or fade within 24 hours. It uses gentle heat technology to destroy bacteria and has FDA approval - and you know how hard it can be to get that! ZENO is non-drying, 100% natural, and chemical free.

It's best to start using the HOT SPOT as soon as you feel or see a blemish start to erupt. How do you use it?

Step 1: Press the power button. The power indicator will light up, and you will hear a tone to signal the treatment has started.

Step 2: Place and hold the treatment tip on your blemish for the 2.5-minute treatment cycle. You will hear a single beep every 30 seconds.

Step 3: Remove HOT SPOT from the blemish when you hear a multi-toned sound, indicating the treatment is over.

How fast and easy is that? It's hot enough to get the job done, but not at all uncomfortable to the touch. It adjusts to your skin's temperature to deliver just the right amount of heat.

You can repeat as necessary. Most blemishes need two to three 2.5-minute treatments to be completely eliminated, but in some cases, just one treatment can be enough to stop a blemish in its tracks. I spent more time than that in my dermatologist's waiting room! More money too, given that my health insurance company wouldn't pay for appearance emergencies.

I think the HOT SPOT is a must-have for anyone who suffers from regular or occasional acne and wants quick and painless blemish relief. Where can you buy one? You can purchase the HOT SPOT directly from ZENO or from many retail sites, including Amazon, Drugstore.com, Beauty.com, CVS, and SkinStore.com. Want to learn more? Check out the real stories at the ZENO HOT SPOT Web site.

Photo courtesy of ZENO