I Tried AviClear: A Revolutionary Laser Treatment for Acne—Here’s What Happened

I Tried AviClear—A New Laser Treatment For Acne—And It Made a Big Difference

Dealing with stubborn acne can be a pain, so when the opportunity came up for me to try AviClear, it felt like a no-brainer. AviClear is the first FDA-approved laser for acne—it targets your oil glands to get rid of acne long-term. The breakthrough treatment is touted as an alternative to Accutane, and I was told it would clear my hormonal and stress-induced acne in just three 30-minute sessions.

I made an appointment to see celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank to try the treatment. Upon arriving at his office, which looks like something out of Architectural Digest, I met Jennifer Kennedy, RN, who would be performing the treatment, and Dr. Frank, who explained what I should expect from the three-session treatment. Ahead, discover everything you need to know about AviClear.

What Is AviClear?

“AviClear is the first FDA-cleared laser treatment for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe acne,” says Dr. Frank. “Acne forms when sebum, the oily substance on the skin, combines with dead skin cells and clogs pores. AviClear targets acne at the source. This revolutionary laser treatment uses a 1726 nm wavelength to selectively target the sebaceous glands to damage the sebocytes and suppress sebum production,” he explains.

Dr. Alexiades explains that AviClear is the first laser that is safe and effective across all skin types. “Much like Accutane, this is the only treatment where results continue to improve for months up to a year at least following the last treatment,” she says. Additionally, she notes that not only does it treat active acne and prevent new acne from forming, but clinical studies have also shown improvement with acne scars.

Benefits of AviClear

Reduction in breakout duration

Milder breakouts

Improvement in skin appearance

Can treat face and body acne

“After completing the treatment series, patients can expect a reduction in breakouts, as well as an overall improvement in skin appearance,” Dr. Frank says. “Future breakouts will be less frequent, shorter, and milder overall.” Cutera, the global aesthetics device company that created and supplies AviClear devices to aesthetic practices, recently released data on the treatment’s long-lasting effects. “90% of patients had a visible improvement in their acne at 6 months, and 12-month clinical findings show this improvement increases to 92%, confirming the continual improvement of acne clearance and skin quality over time,” Dr. Frank explains. The benefits of the treatment will continue for months after the third and final treatment; as time goes on, your skin will get clearer.

AviClear also helps to treat pesky monthly hormonal breakouts that many of us experience. Dr. Frank points out that the majority of his patients are in their late 20s and 30s and are tired of dealing with breakouts.

Though not as common, Dr. Frank says the benefits of AviClear can also go beyond the face. “We have had patients get their backs and chests treated, as well,” he notes. “AviClear is truly the acne treatment for almost anyone, but of course, I always recommend consulting with a dermatologist to see if you are a good candidate.”

How to Prepare

Aside from arriving at your AviClear appointment sans makeup, Dr. Kseniya Kobets, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, says, “Patients should avoid any procedures or skincare that would irritate or exfoliate the skin, such as peels or other lasers within the last four to six weeks.”

What to Expect

Though I have only had two sessions of AviClear and will return for my third and final treatment in a month, you will see significant results after your second session. After Dr. Frank explained what to expect from the treatment, he and Kennedy left the exam room while I changed into a robe. Before I sat in the procedure chair, Kennedy handed me a clear shower cap and wrapped a towel around my neck. She then proceeded to clean my face with alcohol and acetone. Dr. Kobets explains that alcohol and acetone are used because the skin needs to be degreased of oil for the laser to do its job.

The laser presses into your skin and uses AviCool, which maintains the skin’s temperature throughout the treatment to minimize discomfort but doesn’t prevent what Kennedy calls “spice.” As she pressed the laser into my face while continuously dousing my face with water, the laser would create a snapping sensation (or “spice”). With each pulse of the laser, I could not predict whether or not I would feel the spice. I wouldn’t say it was painful; instead, the unpredictability of the snap is what made me feel uncomfortable. There are certain parts of the face where you are more likely to feel the laser, for example, around your chin, cheek, and nose—the places where you are more likely to experience acne. Also, the laser can feel even spicier depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.

As she talked me through the experience, the treatment was over before I knew it. After Kennedy was finished, she handed me a mirror so I could get a good look at my face, which after each session was not as red as I thought it would be. Then, she left to allow me to get dressed and returned with a single dose of an antibiotic to prevent inflammation and a single treatment dose of Valtrex. Though used to treat cold sores, it is given after each session as a precaution, even if you don’t suffer from them, as the laser can trigger a breakout.

Before + After

The redness in my face quickly disappeared after the treatment. In the days following my first session, I noticed I looked slightly swollen but was completely unbothered by it. However, by day three post-AviClear, my poor face started to purge around my cheek, chin, and jawline.

“Some patients may experience skin flare-ups a few days following each treatment, but this is nothing to be worried about and does not mean the treatment isn’t working,” Dr. Frank explains. Though unsurprised by the purge, I felt the need to switch out my regular vitamin C serum for Skinceuticals Silymarin CF to speed up my breakout recovery.

As the weeks went on, my breakouts calmed down, and I noticed my skin looked brighter and felt smoother, and any residual dark spots from healed acne had disappeared. I did notice, though, that my skin was just a little on the drier side. After my second AviClear treatment and the days following, I did not experience an acne purge; rather, just one or two small breakouts on my chin. “The purging tends to diminish after each treatment, but each experience can be individual,” Dr. Frank says. I predict I’ll be completely purge-free by my third and final treatment next month.

Potential Side Effects

AviClear is safe for all skin types and has minimal to no side effects except a little post-treatment redness that dissipates within a few hours. Dr. Frank says there is no downtime with the treatment and that you can even apply makeup several hours after treatment if need be.

The Cost

The average cost for three sessions of AviClear is around $3000, with each session costing around $1000. Cutera also offers monthly financing for AviClear, starting at $99 monthly. Three sessions spaced 30 days apart are recommended to see optimal results from the treatment.

Aftercare

Dr. Alexiades recommends stopping topical medications, such as retinoids, for 2-3 days post-treatment, avoiding the sun as much as possible, and wearing sunscreen as you recover from the laser treatment. Dr. Frank also recommends waiting a year after the third treatment before considering additional treatments.

The Final Takeaway

After two treatments, I can confidently say that AviClear delivers on its promise of clearer skin by targeting acne right at its source. After just two 30-minute sessions, I have already noticed the acne around my jawline, chin, and cheeks disappear, and I look forward to seeing my skin after my third and final treatment. With no downtime or side effects, AviClear is a must-try treatment for anyone with acne. I just wish this treatment had been available during my teenage years.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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