Recent advancements in laser technology have made it safer for darker skin types, allowing practitioners to treat patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. Rishi Chopra, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm, shares his experience using AviClear—the first FDA-cleared energy-based acne therapy for the long-term treatment of mild, moderate and severe inflammatory acne vulgaris.
In clinical trials involving 104 subjects, 57% had skin types IV-VI, and are typically more susceptible to adverse effects from lasers. Chopra explains that AviClear’s mechanism of action ensures safe treatment for patients with darker skin.
“AviClear is the most localized and specific treatment we have—it directly targets the sebaceous glands that drive acne, without affecting the surrounding skin,” Chopra adds.
Remarkably, 92% of patients saw at least half of their acne resolved 12 months after the final treatment session, and two out of three clinical trial patients were assessed as clear or nearly clear.1
While energy-based devices have led safer improvement for darker skin, challenges like hyperpigmentation persist. Chopra, a specialist in treating darker skin, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach. This includes selecting the right device, adjusting treatment parameters and developing a structured post-care plan, crucial for skin recovery, which are often overlooked in acne care and treatment for darker skin types. He recommends brightening agents paired with tinted sunscreens: “Tinted sunscreens are particularly important for melanin-rich skin because they contain iron oxide, which helps block visible light—one of the significant contributors to hyperpigmentation,” explains Chopra.
As laser technology advances, innovations like AviClear empower practices to effectively treat a more inclusive and wider spectrum of patients dealing with acne, including those with diverse skin tones. As Chopra explains, “Modern laser technologies have evolved significantly — we now have devices that are safe for deeper skin tones when used appropriately.”
Reference:
1. Data on File, Cutera, Inc.
Indications for Use: AviClear is FDA-cleared for the long-term treatment of mild to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris. Contraindications: Pregnant patients and patients undergoing treatment for skin cancer. Important Safety Information: The following treatment-related side effects may occur during or after treatment with AviClear: Discomfort, erythema and edema, transient acne flareups, temporary skin dryness, blisters, crusting/scabbing, hyperpigmentation, skin texture changes, infection, scarring, hypopigmentation and altered hair growth. Warnings: Do not treat over dysplastic nevi or questionable pigmented lesions; do not treat over or close to tattoos or permanent make-up. Precautions: Use only topical anesthetics recommended by Cutera for AviClear treatments. Use caution when treating patients with any of the following: current or recent use of Isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane), current or recent use of anticoagulants, presence of any inflammatory skin condition other than acne in the target area, history of malignant tumors in the target area, history of coagulopathies, history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring, history of vitiligo or pigmentary disorders, history of herpes - pre-treatment with an antiviral may be indicated, open lesions or wounds - treatment should only be performed on intact skin, metal or electronic implants - reaction to treating over implants is unknown; check with implant manufacturer or physician managing the implant before treating. The AviClear Laser System has not been studied on the lips, upper and lower eyelids, and eyebrows. Refer to the Operator Manual to view the laser safety labels of the product.
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