Lasers hit home

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Acne treatment

The two home-based acne devices on the market -- ThermaClear and Zeno -- are not meant to help prevent acne or improve chronic acne, but simply to treat existing blemishes. Both are based on laser technology used by dermatologists and use controlled bursts of heat.

"Unlike topical products, the heat device is able to penetrate the layers of the skin," says Peter Scocimara, chief executive of Therative, which makes ThermaClear. "This will not prevent the onset of new acne lesions. People still need comprehensive therapy."

Most dermatologists think the devices are handy for people who want to treat the occasional, untimely pimple. The burst of heat, which isn't painful, destroys the bacteria in the pimple and helps the skin heal faster.

Zeno, the first device to receive FDA clearance, in 2005, clears 90% of blemishes in 24 to 48 hours, according to its manufacturer, Houston-based Tyrell Inc. ThermaClear will heal acne two to four times faster than normal (normal varies among individuals) than if left untreated, according to its manufacturer, Therative in Livermore, Calif. The devices don't work on blackheads, whiteheads or cystic acne.

Both Zeno and ThermaClear cost about $150. No studies have been done comparing the devices with topical or oral acne treatments.

Beard says she uses ThermaClear about once a week to speed up the removal of a blemish or two. However, her teenage daughter Kelli has chronic acne and will see a dermatologist on a regular basis.

"I think this device is for those of us who don't have a severe case but still don't want to have to deal with acne," Beard says.

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Skin rejuvenation

RejuvaWand, which purports to soften facial wrinkles, sends red and infrared light into the skin in four-minute treatments. The device, which became available in February for $200, is designed to stimulate cellular production of collagen, plumping up wrinkles and thin skin.

RejuvaWand has not received FDA clearance although the manufacturer, Light Dimensions in Palo Alto, Calif., has applied for the designation.

The company recently announced the conclusions of its own clinical study of 36 women showing that 67% reported an overall average improvement of 13% in facial wrinkles and skin texture.

The improvements increased slightly after 60 days of use. The device must be used daily for 60 days and twice a week thereafter to maintain the effects.