I tried acne treatment devices to zap my way to clearer skin

The quest for a somewhat spotless face has led me down rabbit holes–peels, facials, unpronounceable actives, DIY masks, acne patches and trying to give up dairy. Nothing sticks for too long, except my relentless pursuit (or desperation?).

Whenever an angry eruption teases its arrival on my skin, I’m left playing detective on what caused it. Choose your player: stress, an incoming period, one too many coffees or my new foundation? Whatever it may be, I’m left with skin that is far too inflamed.

Dermatologists have offered micro-needling or laser treatments as a solution, but surely there are alternatives for those who don’t want a dent in their wallet? In a bid to find it, I decided to add on-the-go zit-zapping devices that use microcurrent, red light or blue light therapy to target breakouts and inflammation to my beauty routine.

I tested three portable acne treatment devices for a month, across countries and climates–a hot London summer, moody Bengaluru rains and Kerala’s monsoon. Here’s how it went:

After applying the gel that comes with this microcurrent doughnut-shaped device, I circle it over SOS areas and make sure the electrodes touch the skin. Small pimples were met with a tiny tingle, meant to show ZIIP Dot is at work (and scratches my itch to see products in action rather than waiting overnight). The tingle got sharper for larger spots, though, and might be uncomfortable for someone with a low pain tolerance.

60 seconds in, there’s a beep and it switches to nanocurrent mode to quick-start healing. ZIIP Dot became a bi-weekly part of my bedtime routine, and it definitely helped bring pimples to a head quicker. It also covers a larger surface area than other targeted devices, making it more user-friendly for multiple breakouts. It’s pricier than many acne treatment devices but worth it for anyone wary of phototherapy.

I swear by FaceGym’s non-invasive facial workouts to sculpt and contour my jawline into existence–can I also add Acne Light Shot to the list? The rechargeable device uses blue light to tackle acne-causing bacteria. Designed for targeted use for a few minutes, it comes with sticky strips to hold it in place. I put it on a bump under my chin. There are no tingles like ZIIP Dot, but I did develop a temporary mark which went away in 24 hours and is an expected reaction, particularly in melanin-rich skin. Best not to use before a big day. Results aren’t immediate, but after a few uses, Acne Light Shot nipped my under-the-skin acne. Ideal for mild to moderate acne, but the sticky strips need restocking, so costs can add up.

The US-based brand’s pocket-sized device relies on both blue and red light therapy. It stays on the problem area for 3 minutes. Pain-free, just like the Acne Light Shot, but feels a little warm.