Home based laser acne treatments, ThermaClear and Zeno, have been gaining popularity. These acne treatments use heat to penetrate the layers of the skin, killing the Bactria and heal the lesion faster. So how do these devices really pan out?

Both Zeno and ThermaClear cost about $150 and in the market of home acne treatments that does lean towards the higher end treatments. These laser acne treatments have not been compared against other acne treatments so there is no proven fact that they work better. Although the FDA approved the devices, stating that they clear 90 percent of blemishes in 24 to 48 hour, it is not effective blackheads, whiteheads or cystic acne. So what does it work on then?

These devices are only meant for people that have clear skin that get the occasional single red blemish. These manufacturers, such as Houston-based Tyrell Inc. and Therative in Livermore, Calif , realizing they wasted money making devices that really don’t help acne sufferers, put it out on the market anyway knowing that if they put what it really does in the fine print it is the consumers fault for buying it. These acne treatments give false hope to acne sufferers.

It is better to keep the $150 and go to a dermatologist. Find out what triggers your breakouts and get the right acne treatment and regiment that will actually clear your acne. Clearing and controlling acne takes time and there is no “miracle cure.” Maybe someday there will be a good home laser treatment and these devices may be the stepping stone to that but until then I wouldn’t recommend these devices.

The new acne medicine Differin Gel, 0.3% provides physicians with a more potent formulation of adapalene. It is efficacious enough to treat moderate to moderately-severe acne while still providing an acceptable side effects. Acne sufferers don’t have to wait long either since this acne medicine will be available by prescription as early as July 2007.

Differin Gel is a clear gel that is odorless, oil-free and alcohol- free. This acne medicine is applied directly to the face or affected area and works deep inside the pores to control the buildup that leads to the formation of acne. Differin Gel normalizes the improper accumulation of skin cells that plug the pores and effectively keeps them clear. Pores then begin to function normally again. This acne medicine not only helps to prevent the formation new acne breakouts, but also helps heal and clear any existing acne.

Since the Differin gel contains a higher concentration of adapalene gel it provides dermatologists with a n acne medicine to help patients with difficult or severe acne. The Differin Gel, 0.3% is available by prescription only and as with any acne medication it has a list of side effects but nothing that is intolerable.

During the first few weeks of treatment, itching, dryness, redness, burning or peeling may occur. Exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, should be minimized during the use of Differin Gel. As with other acne medicine the use of sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure cannot be avoided. As with other acne medications, overexposure to extreme wind or cold, or use of irritating skin care products may aggravate the skin. This for the most part is the same as with any acne medication and it does result in clear skin.