October 2010
When old topical standbys-benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulphur-are defeated by persistent pimples, dermatologists will administer photo and heat treatments in their offices. New advances in blue-light therapy—which penetrates the skin's surface with a bacteria-killing light—allow domestic devices to emit a comparable amount of energy to those used by the pros. And while an in-office procedure will set you back roughly $1,000 for a full series, the new Tria Acne Clearing Deluxe Kit (from the same company that developed the only FDA-approved at-home hair-removal laser) and Tanda Clear Acne Light Therapy Treatment are less than $300 each. Clinical studies of both look promising: With four weeks of consistent use, they not only cleared zits but also improved overall skin tone by at least 70 percent.
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