Acne Doesn’t Have an Age Limit—And Neither Does AviClear®

At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we treat people of all ages who are frustrated by breakouts. Some are middle schoolers navigating their first flare-ups. Others are adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond who’ve tried every product under the sun. One question we hear often is: Am I too young—or too old—for AviClear®?

It’s a fair thing to ask. AviClear® is a relatively new treatment, and unlike many acne options, it doesn’t involve pills, prescriptions, or hormones. So who exactly is eligible?

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about age and AviClear®—how young is too young, whether there’s an upper limit, and why this treatment is often a great choice no matter where you are in your acne journey.

FIRST, A QUICK RECAP: WHAT IS AVICLEAR®?

AviClear® is the first ever FDA-cleared laser that treats acne at its source. Instead of drying out the surface of the skin or altering hormones, AviClear® uses targeted laser energy to calm the sebaceous glands—the tiny oil glands that fuel breakouts. When those glands stop producing so much oil, acne can’t thrive.

It’s a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t require bloodwork, downtime, or daily medications. The full process involves three laser sessions, each spaced about a month apart. Results unfold gradually over the next 9 to 12 months, with most clients noticing clearer, less oily skin by the end of that window.

SO, IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR AVICLEAR®?

There’s no hard minimum set by the FDA, but at CLEAR, we typically start treating clients at age 13.

By this age, the sebaceous glands are usually active enough for AviClear® to do its job. Acne at 11 or 12 can be tricky—it may be just beginning, and the skin is often still going through early-stage changes. But by 13, many teens are dealing with persistent breakouts, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin, and may already feel like they’ve “tried everything.”

We’ve seen excellent results in teens who are ready for something more than a topical cream but aren’t comfortable with medication or hormonal treatments. If your child is 13 or older, has mild to severe acne, and has already tried over-the-counter or prescription products with little success, AviClear® might be the next step.

Of course, readiness isn’t just about age. It’s also about maturity, consistency, and willingness to follow through with the treatment process. We’ve found that when teens are truly ready to clear their skin, they’re more than capable of sticking with the plan.

IS AVICLEAR® SAFE FOR TEENAGERS?

Yes, and in many ways, it’s one of the safest long-term acne treatments available.

For teens who are struggling but aren’t comfortable starting oral medications like antibiotics, birth control, or Accutane®, AviClear® offers a non-drug alternative that actually works. It doesn’t come with hormonal disruption, liver strain, or immune suppression—and it doesn’t require blood monitoring or ongoing refills. It’s a straightforward series of three treatments with long-term payoff.

That said, teenage skin can be more reactive. Some clients experience a temporary flare-up—what we often refer to as a “purge”—after one or more of the treatments. We prepare for this by sending clients home with a gentle routine, typically including Differin® gel to help regulate skin turnover and an antihistamine to reduce inflammation. These simple additions help ease the transition and keep most of our younger clients on track with no issues.

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM—IS THERE A MAXIMUM AGE?

Nope! There’s no upper limit for AviClear®.

In fact, many of our clients are in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. We regularly treat adults who have been dealing with acne for over a decade—sometimes even longer. For them, AviClear® often feels like a last resort after years of trial and error with prescriptions, product lines, lifestyle changes, and dietary experiments.

What makes AviClear® especially effective for adults is its focus on oil production. Many adult clients experience hormonal acne that worsens with stress, sleep changes, or perimenopause. AviClear® helps regulate oil at the source, so it’s not just a spot treatment—it’s a strategy for long-term calm.

And if you’re thinking, “I’m too old to be dealing with this,” you’re not alone. Adult acne is more common than people realize. But it’s also very treatable—and AviClear® is one of the most promising options available today.

HOW DOES AGE AFFECT RESULTS?

While age doesn’t change how the laser works, it can shape the experience a bit.

Teenage clients, especially those with very oily skin, may experience more of a purge after a session. That’s normal and typically fades within a few weeks. Once the flare passes, most teens start to see steady improvement and are thrilled with the results by the time they hit the 9-month mark.

Adults often notice less purging upfront and a more gradual shift in oiliness and breakouts over time. In some cases, they describe their skin feeling calmer and less inflamed after just one or two treatments. While every skin type is different, what’s consistent is the long-term improvement. AviClear® isn’t about overnight change—it’s about sustainable, lasting clarity.

WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE MY TEEN IS READY?

That’s exactly what consultations are for. We offer free in-person consultations at all CLEAR locations, and they’re a great chance to meet our team, ask questions, and assess readiness—without pressure.

If your teen is a little nervous, we’ll walk them through what to expect. If you’re unsure whether now is the right time, we’ll be honest. Sometimes the best thing we can do is say, “Not quite yet,” and revisit the conversation in a few months. Other times, we discover that a teen is more than ready—and just needed the right solution.

The same goes for adult clients. If AviClear® is a good fit, we’ll tell you why. And if it’s not, we’ll point you toward other options that might be better.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHO IS AVICLEAR® RIGHT FOR?

There’s no perfect age for clearing your skin. Whether you’re 13 and starting high school, 26 and dealing with hormonal flares, or 42 and still breaking out, acne doesn’t follow a schedule—and neither does AviClear®.

The most important thing is that you’re dealing with active acne, have tried other treatments without lasting results, and are ready for something that works at the source.

At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we’ve helped hundreds of clients of all ages take back control of their skin with AviClear®. And we’d love to help you or your teen do the same.

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