Acne is a very common condition, affecting more than 50 million people in America every year. About 85 percent of people suffer from acne during puberty, but there are also cases when people experience acne later on in life. Usually, this happens because of excessive sebum and clogged pores that become infected, due to inflammation.
Luckily, nowadays there are several acne treatments you can use, including Accutane and AviClear™. They have similar effects, but different delivery, and in this blog, we will discuss both treatments so that you can determine which one may work best for you
How Do AviClear™ and Accutane Work?
Both Accutane and AviClear™ are great treatments to control your sebum production and this is how they work:
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Accutane
Accutane, also referred to as Isotretinoin, is a prescription medicine used to reduce oil production. Usually, it is given as a six-month treatment, during which you have to take the drug every day. The dose is different from one person to another, and it depends on your tolerance and how well you can handle the side effects.
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AviClear™
AviClear™ is a great alternative to Accutane if you do not want to commit to medication or deal with the side effects of Accutane. Using a 1726 nm wavelength laser, AviClear™ targets your sebaceous glands, reducing sebum production without drying your skin. The procedure is performed in an office once a month for a total of three treatments.
AviClear™ vs Accutane Differences
Besides the delivery, there are various other differences between Accutane and AviClear™, including:
1. Safety
Both treatments are safe to use because they are approved by the FDA to treat acne vulgaris. However, certain aspects make AviClear™ a safer alternative to Accutane.
AviClear™ is a laser that targets your sebaceous glands from the outside. The laser has a mild strength and poses no danger to patients in good health. On the other hand, Accutane must be taken internally, which might lead to various side effects, including allergic reactions.
2. Side Effects
Speaking of side effects, both treatments can lead to negative reactions, but the difference is in how they manifest themselves. Usually, the AviClear™ side effects are less pronounced, with the patients feeling some tenderness and a bit of redness. This is normal with laser treatments, and it should feel like a slight sunburn. The effects should go away within a few days.
On the other hand, Accutane holds all the potential side effects of isotretinoin capsules. This means you may notice dry skin, lips, nose, eyes, and various other skin problems. Mild rashes or an itching sensation are also very common Accutane side effects, along with headaches and muscle pain. Inflammation and nosebleeds can also occur, which often makes AviClear™ an overall safer option than Accutane.
3. Efficiency
Both treatments are efficient in reducing acne. According to AviClear™, about 87 percent of the patients undergoing the treatment have cleared their acne within the first six months. Followed by a good skincare routine, this allowed their skin to stay acne-free for a long time.
The results are similar to Accutane—the isotretinoin-based medication. According to studies, about 79 to 84 percent of the women and men undergoing the treatment have seen improvement. However, while acne was reduced, the risk of other skin conditions became higher.
There are two major differences between Accutane and AviClear™. First, Accutane must be taken twice a day for about 24 weeks, which requires a fair amount of commitment and patience. Second, before you begin your Accutane treatment, you need to have two negative pregnancy tests and you must continue monthly pregnancy tests during your treatment. With AviClear™, you only need to commit to three monthly treatments. You will be given a personalized treatment plan during your consultation at Artistry Skin & Laser.
4. Results
Results will show differently depending on the treatment used. Accutane is a prescription medicine that has an internal effect, which means that it may take some time for the effects to show. Some say you may notice the first effects within the first week of using the treatment. However, for the most part, you will only see the full results after eight to twelve months.
After your AviClear™ treatment, your skin goes through a purging period. All three treatment sessions need to be performed before any real clearing begins to show through. AviClear™ continues to work over time, and patients can expect clearer skin and more effective results nine to 12 months after treatment.
Verdict: Which One Is Best?
Both Accutane and AviClear™ can be very efficient in reducing acne and keeping it under control. However, if you want to bypass the numerous side effects and potential discomfort, AviClear™ might be a better alternative. It’s the easier and faster route. Schedule your AviClear™ consultation with Artistry Skin & Laser so that you can find out which treatment might work best for your skin and give you the results you desire!
For more information about AviClear™, you can contact Artistry Skin & Laser at 720-593-1816. We are happy to help you with extra details. You may also use our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
