(UPDATE Aug 30th – scroll for details) The Zeno MD Acne Clearing Device has been widely promoted as a powerful tool against acne blemishes. In October I decided to take the plunge and pay the $200 for the Zeno MD. The primary reason I decided to give it a try was that my skin was an absolute mess and I was desperate to clear it up without further damaging it by using irritating products like Retin-A or Benzoyl Peroxide. My hormones were out of whack again (I’ll spare you the female problem side of this story) and toward the end of September and the beginning of October my skin freaked out in a big way. I had awful, really awful clusters of two to three blemishes. Some where little pimples, others were the terribly painful cystic acne variety and they were popping up everywhere.
I was quickly getting depressed because no matter what I did the acne wasn’t going away and it just kept getting worse. No sooner had one cluster resolved itself then another mini-cluster erupted nearby. I wanted to just hide from the world because I felt hideous. By the time I ordered the Zeno MD my skin was in pretty bad shape and by the time it arrived a few days later I had even more flare-ups. So that’s the condition my skin was in when I started reviewing the efficacy of the Zeno MD.
After receiving the Zeno MD and reading the instructional guide I set it aside to charge. When the Zeno MD was ready for use I first used it on three (of 15 ) of the acne blemishes present on my skin at that time. The blemishes themselves varied from cystic (deep, painful ones), newly emerging pimple and an older pimple that had shown itself to have an un-canning staying ability. The instructions recommend keeping the heated tip gently on top of the blemish for two and a half minutes. The tip didn’t feel hot at all when I touched it to the inside of my hand however when I touched the Zeno tip on the cystic bump it was quite uncomfortable for a few seconds and then after the first treatment beep I no longer felt the heat. I cycled through the two and a half minute treatment time – which does feel like a very long time as you are holding the device steady on the offending blemish.
At the end of the treatment cycle the Zeno MD beeps to tell you it is done and ready for the the next treatment area. Upon removing the tip away from my skin I noticed a small round pinkish red spot left behind by the Zeno tip. It was much larger in diameter than the cyst but I was already prepared for the “after-effect” because I had read many reviews before I decided to buy the Zeno MD. I repeated the same process for the two other offending blemishes for a total treatment time of seven and a half minutes. I followed the same treatment process two more times that day.
After a twenty-four hour period of using the Zeno MD I still hadn’t seen any miraculous eradication of the blemishes and I was seriously considering packaging the Zeno back for a refund. I knew going in that Zeno MD wasn’t indicated for use with cystic acne but I figured I’d give it a try anyways – at the very least it was supposed to be very effective against emerging and newly formed regular pimples but my skin wasn’t improving, the blemishes weren’t resolving. If anything my skin looked worse because I was sporting little pink polka-dots over the blemishes. I decided against sending the device back right away. I had at least two more weeks in which I could safely test the Zeno MD and still be able to return it within the “money-back guarantee” period if it didn’t work.
I continued regular treatments with the Zeno MD on the existing cystic acne and the new pimples that were taking up residence next to it and within a week of using the Zeno MD I started noticing the slow down in the development of new blemishes, the cystic acne bump was slowly resolving itself and had shrunk considerably in size compared to the other cystic acne bumps that emerged at that same time it did except those cystic blemishes weren’t being treated. Seeing the the Zeno MD was working to reduce the recurring breakouts I decided to keep it but I wasn’t ready just yet to report that the Zeno MD is a definite buy – I wanted to further test the product before giving it the Ms. Distressed Derma seal of approval.
Over the next four weeks I created ( 
Required Disclaimer: completely non-scientific) two test environments for the use of the Zeno MD. The first was using the Zeno MD with a regular skin care regimen that included gentle cleansing, twice weekly exfoliation and oil control. Under those conditions my skin continued to break-out albeit with less frequency than before I started using the Zeno MD tool. The Zeno MD tool worked quite well if I was able to catch the offending blemish before it “emerged”. However I saw dramatic results in my second test using the Zeno MD to zap the offending blemishes in combination with a skin care regimen that included daily cleansing with a gentle Alpha/Beta Hydroxy cleanser, daily exfoliation with a continuous release serum containing 12% Glycolic Acid, daily use of an Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Complex Acne treatment, three times a week 10% Glycolic Acid Peel and of course managing the oil/sebum production with a very effective oil absorbing lotion. The results as I wrote earlier were incredible. I have been following that skin care regimen since mid November and my skin has cleared up tremendously. I haven’t had any new cystic type blemishes or regular pimples in over four weeks. As soon as I feel an irregular bump under the skin out comes the Zeno MD and within twenty four hours there is no sign of a blemish.
The Zeno MD has worked for both my cystic acne and my regular pimples but I think it’s worked so well because it’s an addition to what has been proven (in my case) to be a very effective blemish busting skin care regimen that also takes into account my skin aging concerns. By using the Zeno MD to eliminate blemishes I have spared my skin the drying and irritating effects of using Retin-A and Benzoyl Peroxide. As such I recommend the Zeno MD to those who are battling acne and wrinkles as well as to any one who is just dealing with acne by itself. However don’t expect the Zeno MD to be a cure-all by itself it needs to be used as a complement to your skin care program. The key factor is to determine what combination of products works best for you – as I did.
If you decide that Zeno MD is for you then you should also know that the Zeno MD which costs $200 comes with a 150 treatments cartridge tip and that you will need to buy additional cartridges for future use. Those cartridges are retailing for about $55. It can get pricey but in the long run I figured it still cost me less than suffering with the ugly blemishes and raw skin that I had from using Retin-A and Benzoyl Peroxide products. Having healthier looking skin is priceless – specially if you’ve suffered with terrible skin for a long period of time.
Available at DermaDoctor.com
ZENO MD Acne Clearing Device
Ms. Distressed Derma rates this product:
Disclaimer: All opinions and reviews at DistressedDerma.com are based on my experience. Your experiences may vary. This is not a medical opinion and unless explicitly stated all products reviewed have been purchased by distressedderma.com (aka ms. distressedderma).
UPDATE: Aug 30, 2007- Several readers have asked me what the difference is between the Zeno MD and the Zeno Pro. After some research I’ve learned that mechanically they are the same the difference is in the tips. The Zeno MD ($200) comes with a 150 treatments tip while the Zeno Pro ($185.00)comes with a 90 treatments tip head and the Zeno Original ($150) comes with a 60 treatment tip. The Zeno MD turns out to be the best buy cost-wise because you get 60 more treatments for just $15 more. That’s a great deal considering the replacement tips for 60 treatments is $25. Hope this information helps. Please feel free to email me at msdistressedderma@distressedderma.com if you have any questions.
Submitted by Ms. distressedDERMA on Thursday, 30 August 2007
August 31st, 2007 at 6:01 am
Thanks for the info! I will probably get a Zeno eventually, but am hoping it will come down in price. And I’m glad that you’ve been able to find a skin care routine that finally works! I don’t know if you’ve tried Differin, but it’s a retinoid, and it’s the only one I’ve used that doesn’t dry my skin out. It doesn’t dry it out or make it oily. I don’t know how well it works, since I use more than one product every day. But I also like it since it combats both acne and wrinkles!
August 31st, 2007 at 12:01 pm
[...] Zeno MD Acne Clearing Device [...]
August 31st, 2007 at 12:03 pm
[...] my skin was in when I started reviewing the efficacy of the Zeno MD. (read more of this review: Zeno MD Acne Clearing Device) Technorati Tags: Adult Acne, [...]
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:21 am
[...] most I’ve ever spent (on a single non-professional product**) was $200 on the Zeno MD (review here), followed by the Clarisonic Brush (review here) at $195. **I’m too embarrassed to discuss [...]
September 21st, 2007 at 12:28 pm
[...] are now under control and for the occasional pimple if necessary – I try to zap pimples with the Zeno before they erupt – but if I’m too late then it’s time for MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus [...]
September 26th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
[...] Joe B. writes: Your problems sound very similar to mine. I see you wrote: “However I saw dramatic results in my second test using the Zeno MD to zap the offending blemishes in combination with a skin care regimen that included daily cleansing with a gentle Alpha/Beta Hydroxy cleanser, daily exfoliation with a continuous release serum containing 12% Glycolic Acid, daily use of an Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Complex Acne treatment, three times a week 10% Glycolic Acid Peel and of course managing the oil/sebum production with a very effective oil absorbing lotion. The results as I wrote earlier were incredible.”( from Ms. distressedDERMA’s Zeno MD review) [...]
November 12th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
[...] Sephora -no!no! Hair Removal DeviceCalm, Cool and Corrected, DERMAdoctorZeno MD Acne Clearing Device [...]
November 13th, 2007 at 2:30 am
I received Zeno as a gift and should be more diligent since I get a range of adult acne from tiny breakouts to deep cysts. Thanks for the review.
November 29th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
I bought a Zeno Original and I love it. The only thing I would point out is that the Zeno Original is actually a better value than the Zeno Pro or Zeno MD. I paid $150 for my Original at Walgreens. For $50 more, I could buy a Zeno MD with 150 treatments, OR I can buy two replacement tips with 120 extra treatments. So for $200 ($150 for the Original device and $50 for two replacement tips) I get 180 treatments, versus 150 treatments for the same $200 with Zeno MD.
December 5th, 2007 at 2:00 am
[...] Zeno MD Acne Clearing Device | distressedDERMA … 30th – scroll for details) The Zeno MD Acne Clearing Device has been widely … going in that Zeno MD wasn’t indicated for use with cystic acne but I figured … [...]
December 10th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Hi Morghan,
I apologize for the late reply. Somehow the comment got buried and I didn’t see it until today.
Thank you so much for your review. I love the Zeno too.
I just commented on another Zeno post that I can’t imagine life without my Zeno. It has changed my life in such a positive manner.
Thanks also for your money saving tips. The zeno is pricey and anything to get it for less is definitely useful. I suggest that anyone looking to buy the Zeno take Morghan’s advice so you get more bang for your buck. Also look online for great promos. Subscribe to DERMAdoctor.com as they have special promotional deals for subscribers. I think drugstore.com does too.
December 18th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
[...] Sephora -no!no! Hair Removal DeviceCalm, Cool and Corrected, DERMAdoctorZeno MD Acne Clearing Device [...]
January 30th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
[...] Zeno MD Acne Clearing Device | distressedDERMA UPDATE Aug 30th – scroll for details) The Zeno MD Acne Clearing Device has been widely promoted as a powerful tool against acne blemishes. In [...]
February 3rd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Good information, but you should avoid comma splices and run-on sentences to be a more effective technical writer.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:03 am
[...] Sephora -no!no! Hair Removal DeviceCalm, Cool and Corrected, DERMAdoctorZeno MD Acne Clearing Device [...]
March 30th, 2008 at 8:02 am
you wrote
“…skin care regimen that included daily cleansing with a gentle Alpha/Beta Hydroxy cleanser, daily exfoliation with a continuous release serum containing 12% Glycolic Acid, daily use of an Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Complex Acne treatment, three times a week 10% Glycolic Acid Peel and of course managing the oil/sebum production with a very effective oil absorbing lotion. ”
what are the names of the products you use/recommend?
March 31st, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Hi Flo,
When my skin was breaking out quite badly, prior to buying the Zeno I used an Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Complex Acne treatment daily. Now that the cystic acne is under control I only use the treatment on the occasional spot. Mostly I focus my efforts on zapping the cystic acne or regular pimples with the Zeno since it is so very effective.
Here’s an overview of my acne healing and prevention skincare routine – product names are also included.
I hope this helps.
May 3rd, 2008 at 12:54 am
[...] Zeno MD Acne Clearing Device is a revolutionary tool in the war against acne. I love this product. My only regret is that it [...]
May 11th, 2008 at 3:24 am
I think I’ve been basically doing this with the side of my flat iron on cystic acne. Most of the time it works. (Knock on wood.) Definitely better than popping, which causes these mostrousities to just get huger and huger and spread. Incidentally I’ve seen Zenos for a lot less on ebay.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
[...] Zeno MD Review [...]
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:57 am
My friend used it and it workeh for her, I’ll borrow it first and try it. Then I’ll decide if it is worth buying. Seems a bit expensive but so are some other acne treatment products out there.
September 25th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
My cousin had tried this for a week and it successfully removed the pimples but leaved some blemishes on her face, I think she had a sensitive skin that’s why her skin got blemishes after using the Zeno MD. The Zeno MD is good only for Acne and Pimples and when your skin is not sensitive.
Thanks for this wonderful info.
November 15th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I found that the zeno device doesn’t work on severe forms of acne as stated but it worked wonders for my mild to moderate acne.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:03 am
Hi Per your skin care regiman that you outlined, would you mind please responding with the exact name brand of the items you are using so I can be certain that I am buying the correct items you are using. It seems our skin sounds identical. I would greatly appreciate your help. Thanks
December 21st, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Hi,
I found out about Zeno while reading your excellent, comprehensive posts on the no!no! Thank you for your hard work and continued posts – it’s all extremely helpful.
After reading what you wrote, I bought the Zeno Mini today at Target for $89. It comes with 35 treatments. (Note – Rite Aid has a $10 coupon for the $150 model between 12/21/08 and 12/27/08 and, on their website, if you enter your cash register receipt number for a purchase of over $100, they will send you a $20 gift card).
I tried it a few hours ago in several areas, and I can already see changes for the better in some of them. I’m really amazed. It’s reversing the “zit process”. This is great.
I note that on Amazon and in some other reviews, people have complained that it does not work on cystic acne, blackheads and whiteheads, but the manual stated that it’s not meant to work on those problems, so I wouldn’t hold that against the Zeno. Also, some people have complained about skin redness lasting long after the treatment. In the manual, it says to just touch the Zeno to the area, and not press it, as pressing it will not make the treatment more effective but will increase redness. Same with overuse (which is tempting) as using more than 3 times on one area in 24 hours can cause burns or injury. Also, light skin may show more redness (I have very light skin, but did not have a problem with redness lasting too long) – the key is *not* to press it into the area.
Thanks again for all of your advice!
December 21st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Hi r,
Glad I could help.
I know how hard it is to deal with skin blemishes and I want to help others suffering with acne.
I love my Zeno and wish I had it years ago. I think you will love it as much as I do.
Best and Happy Holidays!
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Wow! You did more than help. It’s been 2 days and the results are great… and after seeing your review on the Clairsonic, I ordered one of those too! I’ve neglected my skin for a long time, and it’s time to make up for it. (It helped that the Clairsonic website is offering 4 payments over 4 months!)
Thanks again. You Rock!!
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
PS: I did the math on the cost of Zeno treatments based on the size of the cartridges – the 150 treatment tip comes to about 37 cents per treatment. The 45 treatment tip for the Zeno Mini comes in at 42 cents per treatment. The other sizes fall within this range.
Bottom line: for people who want a Zeno but are stopped by the pricing of the larger models, the Zeno Mini at $89 is a great alternative, as it’s a lower up-front price and treatments are only 5 cents more each – an extra $5 for 100 treatments. Also, at $19 per refill for the Zeno Mini tips, it makes the refills more affordable than having to drop $35 or $55 for a larger refill tip.
Also, I bought rechargeable batteries for my Zeno Mini. Definitely a cost saving, as they do run down after several treatments.
December 24th, 2008 at 12:57 am
Hi r,
Breaking down the Zeno treatments by costs per treatment is a really good idea. When my skin was a real mess I was willing to pay whatever just to have the blemishes go away. So when I saw your cost break-down I was floored – what an inexpensive cost to clear skin!
I love my clarisonic a lot – it’s really good at keeping pores clean. Do take care using it on areas with active acne lesions. My experience was that the pimples would spread if I used it on areas with cystic acne lesions. I also recommend using the sensitive skin brush first and if your skin can handle that you can move up to the regular brush.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – and best wishes for a new year of beautiful skin
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
A word of advice,the batteries don’t run down on the zeno mini if you take them out between uses. Rechargeable batteries really aren’t necessary.
Zeno mini is pretty powerful stuff because just one or two uses and my pimples are no more. It has even worked on cystic pimples for me that nothing else would work on.
I totally love it!
January 29th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
I got one a few months ago, and I look like a totally different person. I think it works great and i tell all my buddies about it.
good info! thanks for the post.
February 14th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Well, I would love to try this one myself, but it is quite expensive and I have been told that it doesn’t ‘live’ long
June 15th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
You can completely cure yourself of acne problems without resorting to yet another monthly bill for treatments.
Treat yourself free and in your own home by avoiding the foods that have been proven to cause acne, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep. Once you do that, hormones will start to go back to normal levels and your acne will go away by itself
September 6th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Thanks for the info!
And I’m glad that you’ve been able to find a skin care routine that finally works!I will probably get a Zeno eventually, but am hoping it will come down in price.But I also like it since it combats both acne and wrinkles!I don’t know if you’ve tried Differin, but it’s a retinoid, and it’s the only one I’ve used that doesn’t dry my skin out.