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It's 5 years later and I'm still not completely clear. I get the occasional lesions, not really too many, at least none that are incredibly painful or long lasting. However, I still have issues with some hyperpigmentation and blackheads. Actually, blackheads are my biggest problem because I have HUGE pores and they've been clogged for literally, years, with sebum. I know that sounds disgusting but some of you might have the same problem.
They won't go away with topicals. It's not just the occasional blackhead on my nose, they are literally all over my t-zone. Covered with makeup but they're annoying and really the only thing I'm insecure about. I talked to my new dermatologist and she recommended a new treatment called Acleara.
Acleara works with a very strong vaccuum, taking out the oil from your pores, bringing it to the surface, and then treating the area with a laser that kills the bacteria and treats the pore to prevent future breakouts. They recommend 6-8 treatments, 2 weeks apart. I've had 2 treatments so far and I've seen some results.
1. It is looking worse... which is a good sign. The comedones are being brought to the surface so they're more pronounced and hopefully in one or two more treatments they'll start disappearing slowly.
2. The amount of oil my face produces has really gone down which I think can maybe be attributed to Acleara, but I am also using an oil control moisturizer developed by my dermo (Richard Asarch) who is actually pretty well known as far as dermatologists go. Not covered by insurance because it's one of his DermaSpa products, it was $42 but it was damn well worth it. You might be able to get these online.
3. IT IS COVERED BY MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES. PEOPLE. SERIOUSLY. NOT MANY PHYSICAL TREATMENTS ARE COVERED BY INSURANCE. Acleara is though
. Which is great. I have like a $40 copay each time, which could add up, but the results are supposed to be permanent.4. Relatively painless, the flashback you get from the laser even through the goggles is the most annoying. And it gets a bit hot on the forehead. But that's all. Slight bruising, a bit of redness 2-3 days post treatment but I bruise like a peach. Nothing that can't be covered with makeup.
...In short, this is probably the most hope I have for the acne i have left at this point. I am frustrated with my huge pores. I am tired of not being able to go without makeup even though I should at this point. If you didn't read most of this at least read this part. I have only had two treatments but it is worth a try you guys. It is a new thing, so there's not a lot of research out there, but my dermo has seen results from other patients like me and she wouldn't have suggested it if she didn't think it would work. It is worth asking your dermo about Acleara.
If you have tried Acleara, definitely make note of it here. I would like to hear other peoples stories as well. I will keep updating!
