 Tames monthly outbreaks |
| Review Date: September 9, 2008 |
| Reviewer: J. Williamson, Maryland, USA |
As a teenager, I was never really bothered by acne. Fate, however, was having the last laugh by causing me to have monthly outbreaks that seem to have gotten worse as I've gotten older. If you are a woman in your 40s, you may be experiencing the same thing.
I wash my face at least twice a day with soap and water and I use a mild astringent or clarifying lotion about once a day. My outbreaks are cyclical, very much linked to monthly hormonal changes. Because my acne has been worsening, I asked my family physician for a referral to the dermatologist - and the soonest I can get an appointment is February 2009!
Last month, I was in the skin care section of my local drugstore, looking for something more powerful than the usual benzoyl peroxide cream, when I saw the store display of the Zeno mini. Given the price tag, I decided to go home and do some research before buying, and I recommend you do the same if you are considering this product. What I read encouraged me. I chose the Zeno mini because it costs a lot less than the Zeno Pro and it takes standard AAA batteries (included) instead of relying on a non-removable internal battery that can potentially go bad. Since I was just starting to recover from two bad blemishes and noticed another big one coming in, I decided to upgrade delivery to overnight (only $3.99 with Amazon Prime).
Here's what happened:
Day 1: Big blemish starting to appear on chin. Ordered Zeno mini for overnight delivery.
Day 2: The Zeno arrived by 9 am! I quickly inserted the included batteries and turned it on. It takes about 2 minutes to warm up. Read the instruction booklet. It advises you to wipe the metal tip of the Zeno with rubbing alcohol before every use. (Remember you are trying to kill bacteria, not spread it around with a dirty tip!) Once the Zeno was ready, it beeped and I applied it to the blemish. It beeps every 30 seconds during treatment to let you know it's working. Treatment lasts for 2.5 minutes. When I was done with the newest blemish, I cleaned the Zeno tip and used it on the two blemishes that were slowly improving, but still far from gone. The newest blemish flattened almost immediately.
Note: you can only use the Zeno for up to three back-to-back treatments at a time, then you have to give it a break.
I repeated the Zeno applications two more times on each of the three blemishes on Day 2. The heat causes a little localized redness. My complexion is very light and very sensitive, but the slight redness did not last long - perhaps 30 minutes.
Day 3: Two old blemishes are looking much improved - better in 24 hours than in over a week of benzoyl peroxide applications. After three treatments, newest blemish was almost gone. The old blemishes looked and felt much better. However, my work was not done, as a new blemish was coming in on my forehead. It was big, red and painful - and all it needed was ONE ZAP from the Zeno to put it completely to rest.
A month has gone by, and I have not had to use the Zeno in weeks. Usually, I would be getting a new blemish of the month by now - they tend to come back in the same places from month to month. Not this month! I did get one or two small whiteheads (gone quickly), and nothing in the usual trouble spots. This has been my best month in quite a long time. I can only conclude that this is because the Zeno dispatched the acne causing bacteria that had previously gain ground in those spots. The Zeno cost less than a visit to the dermatologist - and I didn't have to wait six months.
Please note that the Zeno does not dry your skin out. Benzoyl peroxide dries your skin out, and makes it red and flakey while you are getting over a pimple. Zeno heats your skin and underlying tissue sufficient to kill the p. acnes bacteria. Before Zeno, I used to try using a super-hot wet washcloth on my blemishes, but the cloth did not stay hot long enough and I was not able to really focus it on the specific areas that needed attention.
I am completely pleased with the Zeno Mini and the results it produced for me.
Edited on 2/9/2009 to add: When I purchased the Zeno Mini, I hoped that it would help me keep monthly outbreaks in check once they appeared. Little did I expect that it would actually STOP outbreaks from recurring. I'm happy to report that I've only had to use the Zeno Mini ONCE in the months since I originally posted this review. |
what a nice device!
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| Review Date: July 22, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Kula, USA |
This thing is amazing. When I got it I had 2 emerging pimples that I was hoping to zap (the only time I have EVER been excited to get a pimple). With both I only needed one treatment to see a difference. The area where I applied the Zeno seemed a little less sore afterwards but I didn't really notice anything until a few hours later - the pimples weren't there. I couldn't see them but I could feel them. After the second treatment they were gone and I didn't even need to do it a third time. The directions say to do a 2.5 min treatment then 4-12 hours do it again, and a third time 4-12 hours after that.
What I like about this device is that it beeps every 30 seconds during a treatment so you know exactly how long you have left.
The portability of this product is great too; it runs on 2 AAA batteries which it comes with - so no cords to worry about and you don't need to worry about if its charged or not.
Zeno is also easy to use, you turn it on and it takes about a minute to warm up. Then you apply it to your pimple and press the power button again and it begins counting down the 2.5 minutes. The metal tip does get sort of hot but nothing that is unbearable.
I will update this review once I have had the opportunity to use it a few more times, but so far it works really well and I really like it!
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Sleek, Fast, and Effective ... (I Could Not Ask for More!)
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| Review Date: September 8, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Erica J. Dymond, Bethlehem, PA USA |
I'm a thirty-something professional woman who occasionally (maybe once or twice a month) must contend with a blemish. So, take this demographic into account while reading.
Though the price-tag on the Zeno seems daunting, rest-assured, the product works!! In our instant-gratification society, this little wonder fits-in nicely. Blemishes subside rapidly and with no discomfort. (The tip of the Zeno becomes very warm but the sensation, for me, was not unpleasant). After two treatments (several hours apart), my blemish was virtually unnoticeable with the help of my mineral-foundation.
Now, it may interest you to know that I've used Renova for over six-years, so I was a little hesitant to use the Zeno (though I saw no contraindications in the booklet). (For those who are unacquainted with the product, it is a Vitamin-A derivative which must be prescribed by a physician or dermatologist ... while it encourages collagen growth, reduces fine-lines, and exfoliates, it also leaves your skin vulnerable to sunlight and various other elements.) I have used this product on two different occasions with no side-effects. (I am only speaking for myself, of course. So, be sure to take care if you are in a similar situation ... and if you have an adverse reaction, feel free to comment on this post so others can read it).
The Zeno is now a permanent part of my beauty "arsenal." Between the Renova, Bare Escentuals (as recommended by my dermatologist), and the Zeno, my skin is absolutely pristine and glowing. A minor miracle ... and, as one reviewer stated and I firmly agree, I wish this was available when I was a teenager!
Bottom-line: the Zeno is quick (two and half minutes per treatment), painless (for me), concentrated (it addresses just the area that requires healing), and really cute!! (Aesthetically speaking, it is super slick!!) In my opinion (and I am a tough critic!) the Zeno is entirely worth the investment! |
This thing does work!
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| Review Date: August 1, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Dana G., Texas, United States |
I am a life-long acne sufferer, and I'm a 41 year old woman. I have tried everything any dermatologist has ever thought was going to solve my dilemma. Honestly, nothing truly worked. I did two rounds of Accutane many years ago, and the acne came back within a year, just as bad as it was before. After having two babies, my skin did all of a sudden get clear, but lately, is breaking out again. Hormones are probably to blame.
I did purchase the pink Zeno 4 months ago, and it really does work. This smaller, less expensive unit that I was able to test, works pretty much the same way. Cost per treatment w/ this Zeno mini is $1.98, based on the $89 price, as there are 45 treatments in the removable & replaceable treatment tip. The typical price for the pink or teal unit is $159, so each treatment w/ that is $1.77. As mentioned in the product description, neither Zeno works on cystic acne or whiteheads.
When I feel a zit coming on, it's time to fire up the Zeno. It does take what seems to be a long time for a treatment, but I do feel that it is effective. I just sit at my bathroom counter, resting my elbow there so I don't slip the round Zeno tip from it's target. Some acne is more stubborn than others, so I treat it two times, at opposite ends of the day. I haven't had to treat any acne more than that, but of course, we are all different.
I went on a longer trip recently, and while I wanted to take my pink Zeno with me, I was afraid that I would either lose it, or somebody would steal it from my luggage. The pink Zeno is a bit heftier than the mini Zeno. I wound up not taking it, and hoping for the best. So if you are like me, maybe you would like to buy the Zeno mini instead.
One other difference between the pink Zeno and the mini is that the mini runs on 2 AAA batteries. The pink comes w/ a charger, which you won't need very often. Oh and also the pink comes w/ a black leather protective case, which is a little unnecessary, but might come in handy one day. |
So long pimples!
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| Review Date: July 27, 2008 |
| Reviewer: 1smileycat, Iowa, United States |
I was excited to try the Zeno Mini because, even though I am 37 years old, I still get the occasional pimple (or five). I would have loved to have had something like this when I was a teenager!!
The unit arrived just in time for my monthly breakout pattern. I used it as recommended (the literature that comes with it is a must read before use!- and describes very well how to use it and which pimples to use it on). While it seemed hot at first, after a few seconds that subsided and it just felt comfortable. It did leave a red circle behind, but that faded after about 2 hours. I waited 12 hours before using it again.
It works! The pimple was smaller and I knew I had found my cure!! While I will still do my regular skin care routine, this little Zeno is amazing!
I definitely recommend this for teenagers - but a word of caution - READ the manual!! Go into this knowing exactly what to look for and what to do. You'll be happier with your results knowing there are some pimples that it is not meant for.
- 1smileycat :-)
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Gets rid of pimples fast!
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| Review Date: August 19, 2008 |
| Reviewer: "Leo", Maryland |
| I got this device as a birthday gift and have used it several times so far. It works fast and it works well. On some of my break outs the device works with only one treatment, but with other breakouts it can take up to 3 or 4 treatments. I didn't know if this would really work, but I am impressed by the results. I still continue to use my acne creams as prescribed by my doctor, but this helps to rid your face of those ocassional breakouts. The product does get warm, but not hot. At times I have noticed that it becomes warmer than a previous treatment. It does not make any noise, as I read a review that indicated that the unit was noisy, but I don't hear anything while using it. |
Love my little Zeno Mini
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| Review Date: August 22, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Scarlet King, Slidell, LA |
My daughter and I have the regular Zeno and decided to try the Mini one.. I love the new smaller version and the one button touch is nice. It has always delivered results and I will continue to use it. A great product. I also read some of the lower star reviews in this site and I wonder if they are using the product correctly because you CANT burn yourself and if you are using it properly it works every time. |
Used Properly, Works like it claims
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| Review Date: September 2, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Hot to Trot, |
For reasons unknown, I recently experienced a "pimple crisis". Chalk it up to middle age hormones I guess. I was experiencing those deep pimples that REALLY hurt, and usually in the same spots. Enter Zeno. I had read about it in several magazines, but did it really work like it claimed? Well, for me it worked wonderfully. Continue your everyday skin washing still (that's pretty much common sense for most of us), but most importantly make sure you read the directions before using it. It says to use it on a pimple when it first forms, so if you wait more than a day or so, Zeno is not as effective. Once the pimple has blossomed or matured, the damage to your skin is already done...this means that if the pimple is already red and/or inflamed, then you probably "missed the boat" with Zeno so to speak. Whatever you do though, do not pick. My experience, as long as I followed the directions on new pimples, was very positive. I did try it once on an older pimple behind my ear and it did shorten its "stay", but it was nothing compared to the 12-24 hour turnaround I was getting on new pimples.
The very first medium sized pimple I used Zeno on only took one treatment and was no longer visibly noticeable the following day. My second pimple, a bigger deeper pimple that hurt to touch, took three treatments. But, the most amazing thing about the second pimple was that the swelling minimized almost right away for me and it also was no longer visibly noticeable the second day (this was really incredible to me, because a pimple this size would normally leave a small scar on my face, but that never thankfully happened). I will continue using Zeno because this is a HUGE plus for me (no scarring). If you get those type of pimples, you know what I'm talking about!
Anyways, Zeno is basically an uninterrupted 2 1/2 minute treatment that uses heat. It feels warm, but it does not hurt at all and it does not burn skin. I personally did not experience any "temporary redness" that it mentions in the manual, but I did read somewhere that Zeno is about 118 degrees Fahrenheit, so do expect that this can happen. In my earlier years, I used to use the "hot washcloth" technique like others. I really think it is neat that a company has finally harnessed this idea more efficiently and effectively than an unstable hot washcloth! However, I definitely would not recommend to use Zeno with any other acne products though, especially with ones (or even medicines) that can cause skin sensitivity. I also would not recommend Zeno if you have severe acne, the kind that is all over or blackheads (they actually say this in the manual).
Overall, my experiences have been very convincing that Zeno does indeed get the job done, thus living up to its claims. I will continue to use Zeno when I experience a "pimple crisis". It also says in the manual that the heat of this product kills the bacteria that is the cause of most pimples (called "p.acnes"). So, it is definitely worth giving it a try before you go to a doctor or put some chemical on your entire face for one small outbreak.
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what can i say,it works!
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| Review Date: July 30, 2008 |
| Reviewer: crown of indica, saint paul,mn,usa |
| tried it on a zit on my shoulder and it worked after 2 treatments!as long as you do as the instructions say it should work(don't use on black/whiteheads).cool! |
Portable and easy to use
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| Review Date: August 10, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Dancing Ganesha, Bangalore, India |
| This device is portable, easy to use, practical, and offers a new alternative to skin treatments. I think this product works better if an acne cream or medication is applied after using the Zeno Mini Acne Clearing device. I like the fact that bacteria are killed with heat, which makes perfect sense; however, do note that this product probably will not work, and should not be used either, on the more difficult cystic-type acne that is deep below the skin, in fact, it is clearly stated in the directions that the Zeno device is not for such severe cases (seek the help of a dermatologist instead). In sum, tried this device and found that my favourite aspect was its ease of use. |
Love it!!
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| Review Date: August 25, 2008 |
| Reviewer: John Yovanovic, Spring, TX USA |
| I just got the new zeno mini and I love it!! A friend of mine has the bigger one and she let me use it and I was hooked. When the mini came out, it was just the right price for my budget. This product is great for my monthly break-outs. My friend is so happy I won't be stealing hers anymore. I like to use my zeno in the evening prior to going to bed. It's a short 2.5 minute treatment. Not getting the zit is definetely worth it. I had a "big" one I could feel under the skin and it never surfaced!!! I did two 2.5 treatments and then another the next morning. Thank you Zeno!!! |
It's a lifesaver!
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| Review Date: August 26, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Tobias Fünke, Austin, TX |
| I've had this product for about 2 months now and it works great! I get breakouts about 2-5 times a week and its helped me out a lot. I noticed that it works best when i can notice that there is a small red bump under the skin or if it hurts a little bit. the heat does provide some relief initially. use it once in the morning and once in the afternoon when i have a pimple. i noticed i changed the batteries out with about 25 uses which is about a month for me. i wanted to write a review because i wish someone told me about this product sooner!! thanks |
Great for acne flare ups
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| Review Date: August 24, 2008 |
| Reviewer: mississippi ms, mississippi |
| My husband has occasional acne flare ups. He always travels with this so he will stop any out breaks before they become pronounced. We highly recommend the Zeno Mini because of its effectiveness & ease of use. |
Very effective and soothing
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| Review Date: August 26, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Mary, Oklahoma City, OK |
When I have the occasional break out, I use the Zeno and my skin clears up right away. I used it on new pimples and the next day they were gone! The heat is actually very soothing. I am definitely sold. Make sure you take the time to read the manual to learn how to effectively use it. To get the right results, you have to use it properly. Compared to all the other acne products I've used this is the BEST!
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Just as effective as the original
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| Review Date: August 22, 2008 |
| Reviewer: threekidstofeed, Lafayette CO |
| I have the original zeno and this one. (I keep the mini with me when I travel.) They both work extremely well! I have used many other devices and have yet to find anything as effective. My son is beginning to need to use it too and it works on his acne. I recommend this product to all my peers and my son is beginning to tell his friends about it! Thank you for making such a good product! |
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