Despite acne being the most common skin issue in the nation, with at least up to 50 million Americans struggling with the disease, there’s yet to be a solution that works for everyone.
While some mild to moderate cases can be effectively treated with skin-care products like cleansers, toners, and creams, the treatment of many people with moderate and severe cases can take a long time.
If you’re looking for the best acne treatments in DC then this article will tell you all about the different treatments and how they work, specifically about AviClear and what the new treatment means for acne treatment.
What Types Of Medications Are There?
Many of those with acne end up turning to lasers, prescription topicals, or oral medications, which can carry a long list of harsh side effects and intimidating price tags. And many people, due to skin tone, age, or other medical issues, aren’t even candidates for these treatments.
But recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a breakthrough, in-office treatment that may change the way acne is treated for good: AviClear. Here’s everything you need to know about the revolutionary new laser.
What Is AviClear?
AviClear is the first (and so far only) FDA-cleared energy device for the treatment of mild to severe acne. The laser is the first of its kind, as it can be used to treat all skin tones, no matter how minor or major a patient’s breakouts may be. It does so by selectively targeting and suppressing the sebaceous glands, which produce the sebum (the oily substance on the skin) that can cause and intensify breakouts.
The overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands is the leading cause of acne. As dead skin cells and pollution mix with the skin’s sebum, pores become clogged and can create and promote a cycle of breakouts.
In a series of three 30-minute sessions (once per month for three consecutive months) AviClear uses a 1726 nm wavelength (a type of laser frequency) to treat these glands so they produce less sebum. That, in turn, makes your current breakout and future breakouts shorter, less intense, and less frequent.
What Are The Results Like?
In addition to reducing existing acne, clinical trials show that future breakout episodes are shorter, less intense, and more infrequent following the AviClear treatment.
That said, it won’t be a one-and-done situation for absolutely everyone who tries it. Much like has been seen with Accutane, there will be some people who will need further treatment.
Who Is A Good Candidate For AviClear?
Almost anyone can be treated by AviClear! Unlike many other lasers, AviClear is suitable for all skin tones, thanks to its new technology. Instead of targeting the melanin found in deeper skin tones, AviClear seeks out the source of the sebum that’s causing and worsening breakouts.
The unique wavelength is only absorbed by the sebaceous gland, the main cause of acne, not by pigment. That is the reason why this laser won’t cause hyperpigmentation in patients with darker skin tones.
Age isn’t a factor either! Anybody with acne will respond to the treatment.
Does AviClear Come With Any Risks Or Side Effects?
During treatment, patients may notice a slight snapping sensation, and the laser’s skin cooling and sensory control mechanism maintains the skin’s temperature so the treatment is more comfortable. Aside from that, though, side-effects are virtually non-existent.
Some people might get an acne flare-up immediately following the procedure, meaning you may see some new pimples pop up the days following the treatment, but with each treatment that effect should lessen, and following the third treatment, patients will really see significant clearance in their skin. This ease of treatment is one reason this laser is such a breakthrough for those constantly battling acne symptoms.
AviClear is great for anyone who suffers from acne and does not want to spend the time going to the dermatologist monthly, going on harsh drugs, or having the side effects from being on an oral medication.
What Is The Post-Procedure Aftercare?
AviClear has no down time, and you can resume your day as planned following treatment. Your skin-care routine won’t need to change much, either.
Following the treatment you will need to make sure to put sunblock on, though you should be doing that anyway, and avoid things like Vaseline or Aquaphor post-treatment.
How Much Does AviClear Cost?
Since the treatment is new to the market, it will become available to providers over the course of 2022. Both doctors and potential patients can check aviclear.com for updates on availability near them. When it is a more widely available option, as with most in-office skin treatments, the cost of treatment will depend on location, practice, and provider.
The typical series of three monthly treatments costs $3,000. Pricy, yes, but the investment may eventually save you money on your journey to acne free skin. In the long run, it may actually be less expensive when you take into account how much people who suffer from acne spend on special wipes, gels, creams, and facials, not to mention the cost of travel to and from dermatology visits, copays, or cash payments for frequent visits and bloodwork.
If you’re ready to try out the best acne treatment in DC, then contact DC Derm Docs at (202) 822-9591 to see how soon you can start this treatment and if it’s right for you and your skin!
