When the device gets down to only a few uses left on the tip, the tip itself seems to quit heating up as effectively. I found that I was basically cheated out of my last 2 uses. Then it just quits and will not heat up at all. I took it off and put it back on to see it it would reset, and it did not. Basically, it appears to have a little chip in it that kills it after the set number of uses has run out.

I should also mention that even if I had found a way to re-use it, I would not recommend doing to. It really is best to follow the manufacturer’s directions on such things. Regardless, I couldn’t find a way to to cheat it.

Interested in acne treatment devices? Read my review of the Zeno and review of the ThermaClear.

Comparison shop for Zeno products

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I was fairly skeptical of the Zeno at first, but after some use, I do believe that it works pretty well in some instances. But that is the catch. In other instances it might not work as well as the buyer hopes. At $150 or more for the device, that could matter to some.

The Zeno claims that when used early in acne formation, it can clear up a lesion in as fast as 24 hours. The gadget works by delivering concentrated heat to the pimple over a period of two and 1/2 minutes. Zeno calls this a “heat shock response” in the bacteria that causes acne lesions, which causes the bacteria to “self destruct.” My first question about this was, where does that bacteria go when it “self destructs?” Surely it must go somewhere? For some instances I found out–it brings the pimple to a head.

That is what my first tries with the Zeno induced. Essentially the pimple would come to a head much quicker than it might otherwise, and then I would end up doing that thing we are all not supposed to do, yet often cannot stop ourselves –pop the pimple. I can’t really complain too much since the whole process with the Zeno still got rid of the acne quicker than normal. But it hardly met the advertised promise of making it go away in as fast as 24 hours and the price seems rather steep for nothing more than expediency in pimple popping.

HOWEVER, on several recent occasions, I managed to use the Zeno when the pimple was very new and very small. Both times, the pimple never became anything larger and indeed did disappear between 24 and 48 hours later. After those experiences, I think that if used early enough, this product can make a meaningful enough difference to warrant to price. To be fair, the product liturature does state that it is best when used early.

Something else that anyone contemplating a purchase should consider is that the Zeno does not claim to work on blackheads, whiteheads, or severe cystic acne. While the web site does not seem to clearly state that, the brochure that came with mine specifically said that it is not meant for those types. From my experience, it doesn’t do much at all for any kind of deep cyst-like acne, except perhaps bring them to a head a bit quicker.

Finally, the device tip only lasts for a set number of uses (mine is 90) and then the tip must be replaced. Replacements are available at Walgreens or online, and run around $25. That extra cost, while not hidden, is not widely advertised with the product and could be overlooked by some consumers. It is something else for a person considering a purchase to consider.

Comparison shop for Zeno products

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• Can You Reuse the Zeno Tip? No! (4)
• Starlite In-Home Laser Skin Care (4)
• Review: Thermaclear Acne Treatment Device (25)