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Laser treatments often exclude darker skin tones as they are considered high-risk treatments – sometimes with results combustionand other skin injuries. Then there’s AviClear. While most lasers are outdated, AviClear is the latest technology for a long-lasting acne solution for mild, moderate and severe breakouts. Having received FDA approval in early 2022, with additional approval as a long-term treatment in June, AviClear is the first and original device to permanently improve your acne after just three 30-minute sessions.
“AviClear uses a wavelength of 1726 nanometers to treat acne at the source by selectively targeting and suppressing sebaceous glands,” dermatologist and surgeon, Dr. Michelle Henry says SUBSTANCE. “This wavelength does not damage the top layer of skin or cause keloid scarring or skin discoloration, as other laser devices can.” With no local numbness, harmful effects or downtime, AviClear is an ideal treatment for patients who have exhausted all options or want to avoid the side effects of Accutane.
Below, an ESSENCE beauty writer details her personal care regimen with AviClear.
Skin preparation
“Avoid skin irritants for 3-5 days before treatment,” says Dr. Henry. This includes chemical exfoliants, such as retinol, tretinoin, and other acids, or active vitamins, such as vitamin C. “You may want to consider a facial a week or a few days before each treatment,” she continues. “Just to open up your pores and reduce oiliness as much as possible.”
Although astringents should be avoided before each appointment, they would wipe my face with acetone to remove all the oil from the skin before each session. Then I put on UV eye shields, like tanning glasses, to protect my eyes from the laser. As the last step before treatment, Dr. Henry wet my skin with some water for extra hydration.
Session 1
I made my first appointment with AviClear on September 19th. Before the first session, I had concerns about acne with blackheads after breaking out as a result. Over the year, my skin has been in decline after using too much retinol and active skincare products, which have affected my skin’s health. I turned to AviClear as an effective, long-term solution to a long-standing skin concern that had now worsened.
I arrived to Dermatologic & Cosmetic Surgery Manhattan for an appointment with Dr. Henry. I signed in at the front desk, and shortly after, I was ushered to follow a medical assistant into AviClear’s small room. The machine stood to the right of the chair I sat on. My skin was then prepped which consisted of an acetone wipe, UV glasses and some water. The laser treatment started seconds after the preparation was completed.
AviClear is equipped with an AviCool Sapphire contact cooling, which is like ice on the skin as an immediate sensation. This feature helps maintain skin temperature so the laser is less painful. Each zap is preceded by a beep which, as a patient, is an opportunity to brace yourself for the sharp, needle-like laser. Although the laser feels similar to facelifts, it is faster and more noticeable in some areas of the face and less so in others.
Session 2
Each treatment is one month apart with the laser frequency increasing each session. Unlike the first session, which was completed, he decided on a more targeted treatment for the second session. Most of my acne and hyperpigmentation are concentrated on my forehead, jawline and chin, which were more noticeable after clearing my skin from the first session. Run the frozen laser over these acne-prone areas a few times. After the session ended, my skin was back to normal with no pain or downtime, however slightly red in the targeted areas.
Session 3
A week before the third session, I received an exclusive Aesthetica facial, which included a Visia-CR skin analysis. According to the analysis, the brown spots on my skin – meaning pigmentation and discoloration above and below the surface – were 86% better than other facial analyses. In contrast, most dark spots stayed on the surface of my skin just 9% better than other Visia results with 11% skin texture.
As a common concern for darker skin tones, “AviClear plays a vital role in reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation that can often result from breakouts,” says Dr. Henry. “[The treatment’s] Effectiveness in preventing acne breakouts directly helps to avoid the possibility of hyperpigmentation after the breakout.” However, I did not notice any visible improvement from the first two sessions. This was to be expected because, like other acne treatments, AviClear can cause a cleansing process between each session.
However, at my most recent appointment, the dermatologist turned up the laser higher than normal – a full stop – to maximize results. He used the laser to target the areas of my skin that were most prone to acne, like my forehead, which he went through a few times. I had a stress ball up my sleeve during this session as the pain level increases with frequency, however I noticed the most results afterwards.
Results
According to AviClear data, 90% of patients had a visible improvement in their acne at six months. After 12 months, clinical findings show this increases to 92%, confirming continued improvement in acne clearance and skin quality over time. Just two weeks after my third treatment, I noticed that the acne on my forehead had reduced, and the blackheads on my cheeks were starting to fade. While it’s too early to tell, with most results visible after a few months, I can’t wait for AviClear to reveal clear, even skin beneath the acne I’ve tried to remove time and time again as we head into the new year.
