CLARO Acne Clearing Device {Review}

Acne isn't particularly a topic that anyone loves talking about (unless they are one of those annoying people who can say that they've never had to deal with it, in which case no one likes them anyway).

But for the rest of the world that suffers from slight to mild to moderate to severe acne, the numerous products and treatments out there can often be mind-boggling. Creams, lotions, medications, cleansers, prescriptions, dermatologists... where do you even begin?

Fortunately, there is one handheld device out there that treats acne quickly and effectively and makes it possible to achieve spa-like results right at home: the CLARO Acne Clearing Device.

The CLARO is the only FDA cleared, over-the-counter acne clearing device that utilizes Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, a powerful combination of heat and light, to treat mild to moderate acne quickly and naturally. By delivering a series of light pulses in six seconds that safely penetrate the skin to target the cause of acne, there is no mess, no cream, no hassle. Simply less acne!

Could it really be that easy? After hearing about the CLARO and the technology and possibilities behind this handheld light treatment, I wanted to know more and was of course interested to try it out.

Along with the device itself, I opened the box and found a pair of safety goggles that look like those used at a tanning salon (which could have used some sort of strap or way to keep them in place on their own), a charger and a lengthy, detailed instructional manual.

As I began reading over the directions, I was initially a little hesitant simply because this is a technologically-advanced device and I? Well, I'm not all that well-versed in the field of science when it comes to understanding how the spectrum of light waves can stimulate the production of oxygen and attack the bacteria that causes acne. I just wanted to know that I wasn't going to damage my skin (or my eyes) and that I wasn't going to cause myself any undue pain in the process.

As it turned out, the CLARO is an easy to use system and my worries had all but disappeared by the first time I put it to the test. By simply turning on the CLARO (the Light Ring in the center will glow green to show that the device is working) and placing the circular Treatment Window firmly over your blemish...

...the CLARO beeps twice to show that it is in position and ready to treat your skin. With your goggles on for safety, press and release the Control Button again and the light will flash 10 times in 6 seconds — this is the first half of your treatment.

Lifting the CLARO from your skin allows it to reset and you are ready to repeat the steps on the same location once more for the second half of the treatment. So after a total of 12 seconds (plus a few more in between), you'll have completed your application and are on your way to clearer skin (if needed, the next treatment should be at least 8 hours later)!

While I haven't had any major blemishes to treat to show improvement, the CLARO studies and results from their website speak for themselves:

I have to admit that overall I have been impressed with the CLARO and how easy it has been to use. The light pulses feel warm but not at all painful (the instructions do recommend testing an area on your forearm before use to be sure you don't have issues with light sensitivity), and my skin has shown improvement each time I have utilized this device in terms of blemish size and irritation.

While it would be easier to line up the Treatment Window if there was an indicator on the top of the CLARO showing exactly where that circle is located, I have found that the more times I've used this, the easier that it gets. Just knowing that the Intense Pulsed Light is killing bacteria, opening the pore, increasing oxygen flow and encouraging my skin to defend off pimples is something that I've definitely been happy about!

While the cost of the CLARO is on the high end ($194.99), this portable, high-tech, effective product can take the place of money spent on treatments at a dermatologist (or dozens of medications and creams from the store) and is used in your home when it is convenient for you. So if you've been looking for a way to have clear skin and are tired of the prescriptions and lotions, maybe it's time for the combination of heat and light!

The CLARO Acne Clearing Device is available now at Best Buy, so visit their website to find out more information and to determine if this device is right for you.

(Other than the CLARO Acne Clearing Device that I received from Best Buy for free, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this product.)