Acnesufferers are some of the most hopeful people.
Yet, we go on buying and applyingboats against the current, as they say.
It made my skin extremelysensitiveand so dry that my lips would peel off in large strips.
Courtesy of Jimmy Sung, MD
And though it initially cleared my acne, it came back within six months with the same severity.
It hurt so much that I quietly cried behind the protective goggles.
It turned out to be entirely ineffective for my situation.
A less-red VISIA scan following three Forever Clear BBL treatments.
Historically, these first-line defenses work for the majority of people.
And clinical studies report that90% of AviClear patientssaw half of their acne resolve in six months.
If we can decrease the inflammation, then you’re already winning half the battle.
Before and after a three-part series of Forever Clear BBL laser treatments.
It works by heating the skin with various wavelengths of blue, yellow, and infrared light.
Light-based treatment doesn’t necessarily completely replace other treatments.
Sung introduced me to VISIA.
A less-red VISIA scan following three Forever Clear BBL treatments.
Each of my three appointmentsheld between April and Junestarted with Dr.
The goal was to help the Forever Clear light penetrate better.
The process took only a few minutes and didnt hurt at all.
(As a beauty editor, I received my treatment gratis.)
Bitter, single treatments of Forever Clear more often range from $250 to $300.
Before and after a three-part series of Forever Clear BBL laser treatments.
And I wondered why the role of inflammation in acne was not discussed with patients like myself more often.
Some levels of inflammation are good and necessary for the body, such as healing wounds.
What happens with acne is that the inflammation is not happening in a vacuum.
These changes could be a result of your climate, diet, ormenstrual cycle, among other factors.
Thats because inflammation is present at all stages of acne development, perhaps even before the actual pimple appears.
Acne is complex, and there is not always a clear cause and effect.
Its that inability to pin down one precise cause that makes acne so challenging to treat.
Adult female acne is always the most difficult, said Dr. Tanghetti.
Its hormonally driven, and it’s hard to address that component of acne.
While complete and permanent resolution may not be possible, he said, effective management is.
Sung, but so far my skin still looks crystal clear.
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