ClearLightTM

ClearLight TM system is a unique new therapeutic light that treats moderate inflammatory acne. ClearLight TM uses the innovative Acne PhotoClearing (APC) technology to destroy the most common bacteria that causes acne quickly and easily.

Acne Before Before - APC technology uses high-intensity, 405-420nm wavelength light, which permeates the tissue to reach the P. acnes target safely and effectively.
Acne During During - This unique spectrum of high-intensity light triggers the proliferation of endogenic porphyrins, which attack and destroy P. acnes bacteria within the skin.
Acne After After - ClearLight TM creates a destruction rate that surpasses the normal proliferation rate of the P. acnes bacteria, assuring a significant decrease in P. acnes bacteria.

Acne is one of the most commonly treated diseases, occurring in up to 80% of people at most stages of life. In spite of the multiple treatments available, many people fail to improve adequately and many develop significant side effects.

Typically we think of acne during the teen years however, inflammatory acne is a disease that affects men and particularly women even through their 40's.

Acne usually affects particular areas of the body, such as the face, chest and back. Acne is a problem with keratinization – the cells that line the sebaceous glands are too sticky and literally plug the opening of the gland rather than easily exfoliating themselves onto the surface. Despite the plug, the glands continue to secrete sebum, a natural skin lubricant.

The bacteria that live on our skin, Proprionibaterium acnes (P. acnes), flourish in this environment consisting of lack of air and lots of sebum. Ultimately, a combination of persistent plugging, excessive oil build-up and inflammation produced by bacterial overgrowth causes inflamed acne papules or cysts.

The bacteria produce a natural product called porphyrins which are light sensitive - in fact, extremely sensitive to the narrow band of light known as the blue light. When porphyrins are exposed to blue light, a chemical reaction takes place destroying the bacteria; and thus, ridding the skin of the inflammatory acne. The ClearLight TM is not a laser but a specialized halide blue light and is effective in treating the acne.

During the teen years especially, acne can affect how one feels about oneself (self-esteem). If one's skin is a source of embarrassment, one wants to hide and be invisible. Usually the acne clears over time on its own; however, it can leave permanent scarring.

Before and After Examples:

Before and After Example
Before and After Example
Before and After Example



Acne Treatment - ClearLight TM - FAQ

How effective is it?

ClearLight TM effectively clears most moderate inflammatory acne in four weeks!

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Is it safe? Are there any side effects?

ClearLight TM is one of the safest acne treatments available. Its technology uses light that is UV-safe. With ClearLight TM, there are no known side effects. Traditional acne treatments can have a variety of side effects. Topical therapies like creams and lotions often cause redness, irritation, and/or peeling. Oral therapies, like antibiotics, may have other side effects. Both may require at least three months of continuous treatment; conditions often become worse before they improve, and scarring remains an issue.

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Who can be treated by ClearLight TM?

Almost anyone can be treated by ClearLight TM! ClearLight TM has proven to be very effective on moderate inflammatory acne. Pregnant women and people with photosensitivity should consult their physician. Since most people can benefit from treatment, contact us for more information about ClearLight TM.

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What types of acne will ClearLight TM clear?

The FDA has approved ClearLight TM for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne. This is the acne consisting of small red inflammatory papules and pustules (whiteheads). ClearLight TM is unlikely to help resolve blackheads or cysts, minimize pore visibility or reduce oiliness.

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How clear will I get?

In a multi-center study, eighty percent of acne patients treated with ClearLight TM experienced improvement. In this study there was over a 60% reduction of inflammatory acne lesions at the completion of the eight treatments. In other studies, 82% of the patients have responded well and have had a 70-85% reduction of their inflammatory lesions by the 8th and final treatment. The 18% that did not respond probably had a different type of bacteria than P. acnes.

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Is this a cure?

No. ClearLight TM helps improve acne or clear the acne. Remission typically lasts from four to eight months. Using specially formulated skin care products regularly during and after treatment will help to maintain the skin health.

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How many treatments are necessary and how often?

A course of treatment consists of eight treatments, two a week for four weeks. Each treatment lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Results are seen as early as two to three treatments.

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What about my acne medications?

The skin can be super sensitive to light while on some medications. Oral medications that increase the risk of sunburn should be avoided while in a course of ClearLight TM treatments - tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline and Accutane are all included in this group.
Topical acne therapy may continue to be used.

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What is the treatment like?

ClearLight TM is a painless system. Fifteen to twenty minutes are spent under the light for a full face treatment. Typically you will lie comfortably on a bed during the treatment. You may feel a slight warming sensation. ClearLight TM treatments are described as easy, even relaxing and most importantly, safe and painless. We offer wireless headphones and your choice of music during your treatments.

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What are the risks?

There are no known risks to ClearLight TM. In addition, there is no down time. After a treatment, one may use their normal make-up or skin care products. There is no scarring, burning or residual redness. This is not a UV-light so there is no tanning or skin color change.

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How expensive is ClearLight TM?

We offer packages that include skin care products and Microdermabrasion (to help clear any uneven skin tones and mild scarring that may have already occurred from acne). At this time, medical insurance does not usually cover this treatment. ClearLight TM works faster and is more effective than antibiotics and is less expensive and works faster with far less side effects than Accutane.

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What should I do before my treatments?

All patients should cleanse the area to be treated just prior to the treatment. We provide cleanser and towel if you need it. Make-up and sunscreens should be removed. Both can be immediately re-applied following ClearLight TM treatment.

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Yvonne E. Stratton, MD, PLLC · 20 E. Poplar St. #206, Walla Walla, WA 99362
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