There’s a new high-tech way to deal with your acne that doesn’t involve creams thanks to Ziip Beauty founder Melanie Simon. Naturally, as someone who’s acne-prone and a huge fan of Simon’s, I knew I had to try her latest pocket-size zit-zapping device (aptly named the Dot for its circular shape). Simon is a pioneer in her field as an electrical aesthetician. If there’s a skin issue out there, you can almost guarantee that she’s created an electrical waveform to help correct it. Much like Ziip’s Halo device ($400), Dot uses specially created electrical microcurrent and nanocurrent waveforms, but this time, it emits an acne-clearing charge that works to clear up your skin over time.
I’ve been a religious Halo user for a few years now, and it has made a massive difference in fine lines, puffiness, under-eye bags, acne, dark circles, and tone for me. Yes, it’s pricey, but I tell my fellow beauty enthusiasts it is the one device you should invest in if you ever decide you want to up the ante on your beauty routine.
Now that Dot has entered the chat, I was excited to give it a go and talk to Simon about how this device caters directly to acne-prone folks out there. For more on this magic little zit-zapper and my experience using it, keep scrolling.
Fast Facts:
-Treats spots in 90 seconds
-Calms skin and reduces redness
-Pocket-size
-Can help reduces acne lesions by 44% after 12 weeks
-Rebalances your skin’s microbiome; reduces inflammation
How Does the Ziip Dot Zap Acne?
If you aren’t familiar with Ziip’s revolutionary technology, Simon has created an exclusive waveform called nanocurrent that’s present in all of its devices. “Nanocurrent works in harmony with the body’s own electrical system, aligning with the natural energy that flows through the skin,” Simon tells Who What Wear. “When applied, it significantly accelerates the skin’s healing process, which can benefit everything from inflammation to signs of aging.” Simon once described nanocurrent to me on a call as being the message that locks microcurrent into the skin. It helps signal the skin to build more collagen and elastin. But what I didn’t know was that nanocurrent can also be used to help treat acne. Simon says, “In the Dot treatment, I use nanocurrent specifically to calm redness and dryness that often follow a breakout, helping skin recover faster and more smoothly. But its versatility goes far beyond acne. I also use it to help plump hollow areas under the eyes or improve the look of crepey skin around the mouth and under the chin. It truly is a do-it-all waveform, and in the Dot, it perfectly complements the blemish-fighting power of the Problem Solver waveform.”
I should note that the Ziip Halo device does contain a treatment called Problem Solver, which basically utilizes the same technology that Dot does. The Dot, however, is half the price of the Halo and focuses specifically on acne, making it a great option for those who would like to save a little money but still want to get serious about clearing their acne. Halo also works in tandem with the Ziip app, and the Dot doesn’t require that. It’s perfect to use quickly in a pinch or to take traveling.
Simon says that acne blemishes contain a positive electrical charge. So in addition to nanocurrent, the Problem Solver microcurrent frequency in Dot suppresses blemishes with a negative frequency. The nanocurrent speeds up the skin’s natural healing process. When used consistently together, they clear acne and promote healthier, more resilient skin.
My Review of the Ziip Dot
(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)
I’m used to using Halo’s Problem Solver frequency, but I should note here that when you run the device over any active blemishes, you may feel a pinch or a zap. Although it’s a tad uncomfortable, you know that means it’s working. Upon opening the device, I immediately loved how small and easy to use it was. All you have to do is put on your gel (that comes with the device), hit the power button, and start running it all over your skin or any problem areas, and the device turns off by itself after a quick treatment.
Because I’ve used Problem Solver before, I noticed that after using the device a few times, I didn’t really feel any zapping or tingling, meaning there was nothing brewing under the surface of my skin, which was a huge win for me. While you don’t have to use the device over your entire face, you can if you have super acne-prone skin and want to get ahead of any potential cycle-related breakouts or future breakouts in general. I found that Dot works extremely well for this. Simon also recommends that you thoroughly cleanse your skin after a treatment to remove any residual bacteria on the skin that was pulled up out of your pores by the treatment. As long as I did this, I found that it curbed any potential purging that could occur after a treatment.
I’ll be honest; while the beauty editor in me can be a maximalist, I’ve been trying to streamline my beauty routine and will tell you that if you already have a Halo device or are considering getting one, I would stick with that. Dot is fantastic for folks who only want to focus on clearing their acne and are on a bit more of a budget, but Halo gives you more bang for your buck IMO. I’m obsessed with Halo because it offers so many different treatments (including Problem Solver) that target acne, uneven tone, aging, and more. Both of these devices are fantastic, though, and Dot really works for breakouts, as you can see in my below photo I took after two weeks of using this. I do struggle with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but you can see that my breakouts have been reduced significantly.
Overall, Ziip devices are absolutely worth investing in, and I’ll always have nothing but the best things to say about Simon and her work. My skin wouldn’t be where it is today without the help of her fantastic devices, and this new addition to the lineup is a powerful tool to add to the mix if you struggle with breakouts.
(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)
More Acne-Clearing Products I Love
SOFIE PAVITT FACE
Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum
Having super-sensitive, acne-prone skin can be tough, especially if yours doesn’t react well to stronger exfoliants like mine. Sofie Pavitt’s Mandelic Clearing Serum is a savior in that regard, utilizing a super-gentle acid in a low concentration that doesn’t cause irritation or more breakouts.
SIV
Biome Balancing Serum
After years of using tretinoin and destroying my skin microbiome, I finally found a balancing serum that helped it heal. It might take a few weeks for your skin to adjust, but I found that this calmed, cleared, and healed my skin like no other serum has before.
As I mentioned previously, Halo is a forever favorite of mine because it truly does it all—including clear breakouts. While it might be double the price of the Dot, it’s completely worth the investment—you won’t need any other device to keep your skin looking youthful.
Hero Cosmetics
Mighty Patch Original
Problem Solver is a super-high-tech option for clearing zits, but never underestimate a good hydrocolloid pimple patch. These are the best ones IMO and you can get them at the drugstore.
SOFIE PAVITT FACE
5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Mask With Glycolic Acid
For a more heavy-duty spot solution, I’m not afraid to break out the big guns and use this benzoyl peroxide treatment from Pavitt’s line. My skin is too sensitive to use it as a mask, but it works wonders for spots with the addition of glycolic acid and kaolin clay in the formula.
MATTER OF FACT
Minimalist Hydrating Moisturizer With Pro-Vitamin B5
If your skin can’t handle oils because they cause too many new breakouts, try Matter of Fact’s oil-free Minimalist Moisturizer. It’s so lightweight with a simple ingredient list but is still rich enough for dehydrated, acne-prone skin.
Face Reality
Hydracalm Mask
This brand was recommended to me by my aesthetician, and this mask is a standout. It’s the intense hydration and soothing that acne-prone skin needs without causing any new breakouts.