Ask the questions you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask.

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  Q: What can I do to prevent shine on my face?

  A:   To prevent shine, use a light toner and alternate with glycolic acid lotion and Retin-A (you will need to see your dermatologist to get this). More things you can do:avoid processed foods and fatty foods. If shine is excessive consider regular light fruit acid peels or see your dermatologist for a TRIAD (a combination of microdermabrasion, laser toning and a light fruit acid peel). Also, try drinking more water!

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  Q: What is the cause of “chicken skin,” like permanent goosebumps on face, arms, and legs? What can be used to treat this condition?

  A:  Chicken skin is actually “keratosis pilaris,” a condition where small blunted follilcles form on the arms and legs. One can use “intensify discs” to smooth them.   These are discs with embedded microdermabarasion sheaths and lactic acid to smooth the bumps. You would use these, then layer over a glycolic acid serum. See a dermatologist for these products and to treat this condition.

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  Q: What is the best treatment for hormonal breakouts?

  A:  Hormonal breakouts are best treated by a dermatologist. For new onset blemishes use the ZENO HOT SPOT from the get-go!if hormones are out of balance a hormonal profile is necessary and sometime one would need a birth control pill or another type of medication that regulated the hormones. For a quick fix the HOT SPOT and some topical retin-a or sulfur can help!

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  Q: Is it true that if you rub cold ice over your face constantly it will close up or tighten your pores?

  A:  Ice will temporarily minimize pores by causing a contraction of mini muscle fibers in the skin. It’s probably not a great idea to ice your face in the long term, but it’s ok for a quick fix (like if you’re going out).

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  Q: I am diabetic and have breakouts. Is the ZENO HOT SPOT safe to use?

  A:  Yes, the ZENO HOT SPOT is safe to use on simple acne, even if you’re diabetic. However, it is not meant to treat any other aspect of diabetes.

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  Q: What’s the difference between the “mild to moderate acne” treated by the ZENO HOT SPOT and whiteheads/blackheads? If I can’t use the HOT SPOT on them, what’s the best thing to use?

  A:   Blackheads and whiteheads are respectively known as open and closed comedones. In this case, you need to see your dermatologist so he/she can extract them by performing acne surgery, using a needle and a comedone extractor. They are a collection of dirt and oil on the skin and can not be treated with ZENO. Retin-A is effective at preventing them and peels are generally helpful as well.

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  Q: What is the worst season for your skin? Is it worse in the summer because it’s hot or is it worse in the winter because it’s cold?

  A:  Typically acne is worse in the summer times, although exceptions do exist. Some may confuse acne with folliculitis, but in general, we are more prone to acne in the summer since we tend to do more things during that period which exposes us further to bacteria, such as sports.

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  Q: I have tried a ton of different acne medications and nothing seems to work. Even my dermatologist is stumped. What else can I try?

  A:  You can try Levulan treatments, Accutane, Fruit Acid Peels, Salicylic Acid peels, Microdermabrasion, and/or Laser Toning. You can always use the ZENO HOT SPOT for individual pimples.

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  Q: What is granuloma annulare?

  A:  Granuloma annulare is a benign granulomatous inflammation underneath the skin which is unrelated to acne, and is often treated with topical cortisones or sometimes with cortisone injections.

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  Q: If acne is caused by hormonal changes but ZENO works by killing bacteria, how are these two connected? Do hormonal changes mean an increase in bacteria??

  A:  Most forms of acne are caused by a complex interaction of bacteria, stress and cortisol levels which influence the growth of bacteria in the skin. Hormonal fluctuations also create a micro-environment on the skin for bacteria to grow.