Living with acne can be a real confidence-killer. Pimples can be distracting, embarrassing, and painful. Some people deal with unwanted breakouts by slathering their faces with expensive, harsh face washes or taking controversial medications with potentially dangerous side effects. Unfortunately, these methods don’t always get to the root of the problem and may cause side effects worse than the acne itself!
Fortunately, a new blemish treatment on the market is revolutionizing the skincare industry. Cutera’s AviClear is a safe, gentle, and effective treatment that may have the power to clear up your skin woes for good! But how does AviClear work, and why is it a better option than other leading acne treatments? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this helpful guide.
What Is AviClear?
AviClear is an FDA-cleared laser device that targets acne vulgaris. It uses a 1726-nanometer laser to change how the sebaceous glands work. The sebaceous glands produce the oil that clogs the pores, leading to pimple breakouts. Overactive sebaceous glands can also cause pore inflammation, contributing to blemishes and skin redness. Though there are many causes of acne, overproduction of sebaceous oil is one of the top culprits.
AviClear downregulates the activity of the sebaceous glands, which means they become less active after treatment. As a result, the skin becomes less oily, and the pores have more room to breathe. Many people notice a dramatic reduction in the frequency and severity of their breakouts after just three AviClear treatments.
What Makes AviClear Superior to Other Treatments?
How does AviClear work so well for pimple breakouts, and how is it superior to other treatments? The answer boils down to AviClear’s method of treating acne using specific laser wavelengths at the source. Other treatments typically work to clear cogged cells, but they don’t target the source of the problem, which is typically excess sebum production.
Most acne treatments offer skin-clearing benefits, but they come at a cost. Topical formulas and oral medications often contain harsh ingredients that can damage the skin and cause unwanted side effects. AviClear, on the other hand, uses safe and effective laser energy to unclog the pores and reveal a purer, clearer complexion. It’s a non-invasive, drug-free solution to your complexion problems.
Let’s investigate how AviClear compares to other popular acne treatments so you can determine whether this revolutionary treatment is right for you.
AviClear vs. Murad
Murad has a long history of clearing up pimple-prone skin. The world-renowned acne treatment line contains the active ingredient salicylic acid. This ingredient targets comedonal acne by dissolving dead skin cells and removing excess oil that contributes to breakouts. Many people love Murad products because they don’t require a prescription and deliver noticeable results relatively quickly (typically within two weeks of consistent use).
Unfortunately, salicylic acid can be harsh for some skin types. It’s a chemical exfoliant that slows off dead skin cells and breaks down debris clogging pores. Many people experience unwanted side effects from Murad products, including:
- Redness
- A stinging sensation
- Dry, peeling skin
- Skin sensitivity and irritation
- Allergic reaction
You may also experience severe skin irritation if you use Murad, retinoids, or other topical acne treatments. Not everyone experiences the above side effects. But those who do often stop using the products because they don’t think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
When it comes to AviClear vs. Murad, there’s a pretty clear winner when it comes to side effects. AviClear reduces acne breakouts and helps prevent future breakouts without the skin irritation associated with Murad. It’s natural to experience some minor skin redness after treatment, but it dissipates within a few hours for most people.
AviClear vs. Retinol Products
Retinol products are well-known for their skin-clearing effects and their ability to minimize pimple breakouts. Derived from vitamin A, retinol is great for preventing acne and reducing wrinkles. It’s a beloved cosmetic ingredient added to many of the top skincare products on the market.
But as with many topical blemish treatments, retinol products can be harsh, especially with frequent and consistent use. It’s not unusual to experience itchy, irritated, and scaly skin after continuously applying any high-strength retinol product. Some people also experience dry, peeling skin and increased facial redness.
When choosing between AviClear vs. retinol products, many patients appreciate the fact that AviClear doesn’t cause the skin to itch, peel, or become red and irritated. The innovative laser treatment offers benefits similar to those of retinol products but without the nasty side effects. It’s one of the top chemical-free solutions for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Plus, AviClear has an impressive satisfaction rate. According to clinical studies, 92% of patients reported that 12 months after their final treatment, at least half of their acne problems were resolved.
AviClear vs. Accutane
Most people turn to Accutane treatments as a last resort for acne reduction after other treatments fail. Though Accutane is quite effective, it’s associated with a wide range of undesirable and sometimes dangerous side effects, including:
- Dry, irritated skin
- Nose bleeds
- Peeling skin
- Dry lips and eyes
- Thinning hair
- Joint and muscle pain
- Worsening acne
- Skin rash
- Sun sensitivity
- Birth defects
- Liver problems
- High cholesterol
- Stomach problems
- Mood changes
- Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure on the brain)
- Depression
- Suicidal ideations
That’s quite the list of possible side effects! It’s easy to see why most doctors only prescribe this high-risk medication as a last resort to people suffering from severe acne vulgaris. Many Accutane users also report that their acne worsens when they first start using the medication. This is normal as the drug purges the skin of excess oil, debris, and dead cells. After the purging process, your skin should begin to clear up.
When comparing AviClear vs. Accutane, the laser treatment’s low risk of side effects immediately stands out. Why take a drug that can cause severe side effects when you can get comparable final results with little to no side effects at all? If your goal is to get maximum complexion rewards with minimal drawbacks, AviClear is the obvious solution.
Accure Laser vs Aviclear
Accure is another 1726 nm laser-based acne treatment. Like AviClear, it addresses the underlying cause of most acne breakouts by reducing sebum production in the sebaceous glands. It’s appropriate for all skin types and delivers impressive results.
Both AviClear and Accure are minimally painful, thanks to a topical or injectable numbing agent applied to the targeted area before treatment. Additionally, both treatments utilize a powerful cooling system to keep the skin’s temperature safe and comfortable constantly.
When choosing between AviClear and Accure, it’s important to note that AviClear typically only requires a series of three treatments for optimal results. Most providers space these treatments approximately 3-4 weeks apart. Accure, however, normally delivers optimal results only after a series of four treatments spaced four weeks apart. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best possible results in the shortest possible treatment time, you may want to go with AviClear.
Aerolase vs Aviclear
The Aerolase laser is a new acne-treating technology that primarily targets acne-causing bacteria. The versatile, FDA-cleared laser utilizes 1064 nm energy to treat various skin concerns, from blemishes to spider veins. If your acne stems from bacteria, this treatment might be ideal for you. However, if your acne stems from clogged pores, AviClear may be the better option.
Both AviClear and Aerolase are highly effective, gentle blemish-reduction treatments. With AviClear, most patients only need to receive three treatments. Patients who receive Aerolase often require up to six treatment sessions to enjoy the full effect.
Am I a Good Candidate for AviClear?
AviClear is one of the most versatile laser acne reduction treatments. It works well for most skin types and has fewer side effects than most popular acne treatments. You’re likely a great candidate for this revolutionary procedure if you have any of the following acne types:
- Inflammatory
- Cystic
- Hormonal
The best way to choose between AviClear vs. Murad or other acne products is to schedule a consultation with a professional. SKINNEY Medspa is proud to be one of the top providers of AviClear acne treatments. We’d love to sit with you for a complimentary, obligation-free consultation!
Banish Acne With AviClear Treatments
For many people, fighting for a clear complexion is a never-ending battle. But conquering breakouts doesn’t mean you have to settle for red, inflamed, and peeling skin! The days of subjecting your complexion to harsh, damaging ingredients are over. At SKINNEY Medspa, we love informing our patients that there’s a gentler solution for their acne-prone skin. We also help them understand the pros and cons of AviClear vs. Accutane and other popular pimple treatments.
AviClear treatments are highly effective and come with little to no side effects. There’s no downtime, so you can resume normal daily activities immediately. Treatment times are quick and typically only take 30 minutes per session. That means you can come to see us during your lunch break and get right back to work afterward. Ready to reveal the radiant skin hiding beneath your clogged and inflamed pores? Call us today at 212-754-6639 (NYC) or 305-717-7576 (Miami) to schedule your appointment.
