Acne is a big problem for many people. Affecting nearly 50 million Americans, acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Nearly 85 percent of all people have acne at some point in their lives, and by mid-teens, more than 40 percent of adolescents have acne or acne scarring.
“We see a lot of unhappiness among patients who suffer with acne,” says Dr. Joshua A. Fox, founder and director of New York-based Advanced Dermatology PC and Simply Posh Aesthetic Spa. “That’s why we are so pleased to be among the first to introduce the Acleara Acne Clearing System for our patients.”
Explaining Acleara
Acleara 
is a breakthrough acne treatment cleared by the FDA to treat a wide range of acne in all skin types. It combines two common acne treatment methods. First, vacuum therapy opens and lifts the sebaceous glands and clears our many of the blackheads. Second, light is used to destroy the bacteria, shock the sebaceous glands and prevent the spread of the oil. Almost everyone with acne is a candidate for Acleara, and it is a gentle and painless therapy that does not require any anesthetics before treatment.
According to Jayme Bashian, aesthetic consultant and medical aesthetician with Advanced Dermatology’s Simply Posh Aesthetic Spa,“most Acleara treatments take 10-15 minutes during which the device is moved across the face. The treatment is painless and patients can return to the regular daily activities right away after treatment.” Sometimes patients experience a mild sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor swelling or bruising, immediately following the treatment. This can last 2 to 24 hours.
“I’m seeing incredible results in my practice,” comments Dr. Whitney Bowe with Advanced Dermatology in Ossining, NY. “Even patients who are candidates for Accutane, but afraid of the side effects, are seeing excellent results with the Acleara. I like to start with 4 treatments, either 1 or 2 weeks apart. That usually gets the patient’s skin clear or almost clear. Then, I’ll put the patient on a maintenance regimen that might involve one treatment every 3-6 months to keep them clear,” adds Dr. Bowe.
Ms. Bashian adds that in most patients Acleara produces noticeable reduction in acne after the first treatment session and provides the most visible results after the third treatment session. In addition to clearing acne, Acleara reduces pores and improves overall skin texture.
Background on Acne
Acne is promoted by three major factors: the overproduction of oil by enlarged oil glands in the skin; blockage of the hair follicles that release oil; and growth of bacteria within the hair follicles.
There are many myths around what will cure acne, and desperate acne sufferers may wish they were true, says Dr. Fox. Still, getting a tan or putting toothpaste on them isn’t likely to cure pimples. A tan may partially mask the acne, but not cure it. And, the most common potentially harmful myth about what can scare away a pimple is that you should pop or pinch it. “In fact, this might cause you to get an unsightly scar and possibly more acne,” says Dr. Fox.
Dr. Bowe has been actively testing Acleara and in a study concludes that it is ideal for teenage patients, but it’s also appropriate for adult women still suffering from acne. Adult women tend to have more sensitive skin, and can’t tolerate harsh acne medications the way teenagers can. The Acleara is a way to treat their acne without causing the dryness and flaking that can result from powerful prescription drugs.