CASE STUDY: TREATING SEVERE, CHRONIC ACNE WITH AVICLEAR

Alice Henshaw describes Audrey Johnson’s journey to clear skin

BACKGROUND AND ACNE HISTORY

Audrey Johnson’s journey with acne began at the young age of eight. Unlike typical adolescent acne, Johnson’s condition presented in early childhood and continued with varying degrees of severity into adulthood. Over the course of nearly two decades, Johnson pursued nearly every available treatment, both conventional and alternative. She was diagnosed as severely acne-prone and experimented with countless treatment modalities, including:

• Topical and oral antibiotics

• Tretinoin (retinoid therapy)

• Hormonal treatments, including birth control and spironolactone

• Two full courses of isotretinoin (accutane)

• Alternative approaches like Chinese medicine, strict dietary changes (avoiding gluten and dairy), weekly facials, and laser therapy

• Rigorous hygiene practices including frequent pillowcase changes and increased water intake.

Despite her dedication, Johnson found little to no long-term relief. Her acne remained resistant and persistent.

In 2023, after discontinuing birth control, she experienced a major hormonal flare-up, arguably the worst her skin had ever been. This marked a tipping point. Johnson had already been a loyal client at Harley Street Injectables for three years and decided to consult with Alice Henshaw, who had just acquired one of the first six AviClear machines in the UK.

UNDERSTANDING AVICLEAR: A NEW ERA IN ACNE TREATMENT

AviClear is an innovative, FDA-approved laser treatment developed by Cutera in the United States. Unlike conventional laser therapies that target surface inflammation or bacteria, AviClear specifically targets the sebaceous glands – the root cause of acne. The sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum (oil), which, in excess, can clog pores and lead to breakouts. AviClear uses a 1726 nm wavelength laser to selectively target and suppress these glands, thereby reducing oil production without damaging the surrounding skin.

In terms of mechanism, AviClear operates similarly to Accutane by addressing sebum overproduction at the source. However, its major advantage lies in the absence of systemic side effects. Unlike Accutane, AviClear does not affect mood, liver function, orfertility, and doesn’t cause issues like:

• Dry, peeling skin

• Brittle nails or hair

• Chapped lips

• Teratogenic risk (risk of birth defects)

Because it’s non-invasive, it also doesn’t require blood monitoring, prescriptionmanagement, or lengthy recovery times.

THE TREATMENT PROCESS

Johnson began her AviClear treatment in March 2024. The full protocol consisted of three sessions, spaced one month apart, concluding in June 2024.

Each session was relatively quick and required no downtime. While the treatment does involve some heat, it is generally well-tolerated, with most patients describing the sensation as mild discomfort rather than pain.

Johnson’s response was almost immediate:

• After the first session, she noticed a significant reduction in active breakouts and inflammation

• By May 2024, only two months into the treatment, her skin was virtually clear

Before

After

• By the time the third session was completed in June, Johnson had no active acne and experienced a profound psychological shift.

“I felt like my confidence was back. I didn’t realise how much of a shell of myself I had become,” Johnson shared in a follow-up interview.

MAINTENANCE AND POST-TREATMENT SKINCARE

After completing the AviClear protocol, Johnson transitioned to a medical-grade skincare routine to help maintain results and support skin barrier repair.

KEY COMPONENTS INCLUDED:

• SkinCycles skincare: A line of products specifically formulated with clinical-grade ingredients that are potent yet barrier protective. Unlike many over-the-counter acne solutions that are overly harsh, SkinCycles offered Johnson the ability to treat and protect simultaneously

• Prescription-strength tretinoin: Continued as part of Johnson’s long-term acne management strategy. Tretinoin not only helps maintain clear skin but also plays a crucial role in preventing comedones and treating post-acne marks.

Johnson noted that in previous years, her acne-focused skincare routine had sometimes been too aggressive, often worsening inflammation and damaging her skin barrier. This shift toward a balanced, barrier-protective routine was key in maintaining long-term results without irritation or relapse.

OUTCOMES AND LONG-TERM RESULTS

As of June 2025, nearly one-year posttreatment, Johnson remains acne-free. She reports no major relapses and has seen no return of cystic breakouts, even under hormonal triggers.

Her current focus is on treating residual acne scarring through procedures like microneedling, something she could never have considered before due to active breakouts.

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT:

The mental health benefits of clear skin were just as significant as the physical results. Johnson described feeling “like a different person,” as if she had regained part of her identity that had been eclipsed by years of struggling with severe acne.

CLINICAL TAKEAWAYS

This case study highlights several critical insights for dermatology and aesthetic professionals:

1. AviClear fills a crucial gap in acne treatment by offering an effective, non-hormonal, non-pharmaceutical option for long-term sebum reduction.

2. Patients who have not responded to traditional therapies (including Accutane) may find success with AviClear.

3. Combining laser-based sebum suppression with barrier-conscious skincare leads to better outcomes and patient satisfaction.

4. AviClear offers a life-changing alternative for acne-prone patients who cannot or do not wish to pursue oral medications due to side effects, contraindications, or personal choice.

CONCLUSION

Johnson’s acne journey is a powerful example of how cutting-edge technology like AviClear can transform lives. After almost 18 years of relentless, resistant acne and trying every modality imaginable, from oral drugs to alternative medicine, Johnson found a solution that worked.

AviClear not only provided clear skin but also restored her confidence, mental wellbeing, and long-term skin health. This case illustrates the potential of advanced dermatologic laser treatments to deliver accutane-like results without the risks and side effects and providing new hope for patients worldwide.