Frequently asked questions

• How is Kleresca^® Acne Treatment different to other available energy-based treatments?

  The Kleresca^® technology offers non-destructive, non-systemic, and painless treatments that use fluorescent light (FLE) energy to stimulate the skin’s own repair mechanisms, treating both active acne and acne scarring^2-12. The treatment is based on the interaction between a specially designed photoconverter gel and the Kleresca^® Light^1,12. Chromophores in the gel convert the blue light from the lamp into fluorescent light energy (FLE) that penetrates the skin and activates its healing responses^2,3,12.

• How is fluorescence created?

  The chromophores in the gel convert the blue light from the lamp into fluorescent light energy that covers the spectra from green over yellow and orange to red (approx. 510 – 610 nm) at once^2,3,12.
  The fluorescence generated (dynamic, ultrafast pulsing light) penetrates the different layers of the skin, triggering documented healing responses and activating its healing mechanisms^2,3,12.

• What is the meaning of photobiomodulation?

  Photobiomodulation is a mechanism in which light exposure stimulates cellular functions leading to beneficial clinical effects¹⁸.

• What are the benefits of Kleresca^® Acne Treatment?
  

  Kleresca^® Acne Treatment works as a multi-action treatment, addressing several factors of acne pathogenesis^1-7,10,11. 

  - Kills bacteria responsible for acne (P. acnes)
  - Reduces inflammation
  - Encourages collagen build-up, stimulating acne scars repair.

• How soon will your patient see the results^3-6?

  Noticeable improvements are expected to occur at week four or six of treatment. These improvements should also continue for months after the treatment has stopped. This is due to the activation of the deeper layers of the skin with the repairing continuing after the treatment has ended. It is important to keep in mind that results will vary from individual to individual.

• How long will the results last^2-12?

  After finishing the treatment, the already normalised skin continues working and patients can expect to see additional improvements in their skin. Persistence of efficacy has been demonstrated for at least six months. Experience from current clinics using Kleresca^® Acne Treatment shows that persistence can last for one year and above.

• Which areas can be treated with Kleresca^® Acne Treatment?

  Kleresca^® Acne Treatment can be used in all the affected areas with acne. This includes face, chest and back.

• What is the recommended protocol^2-5?

  The treatment’s recommended protocol will depend on the acne severity and the overall skin condition of your patient. We recommend that you assess the type of acne your patient has and define the best regime for his or her skin. For moderate to severe cases, we recommend a total of 12 sessions, twice per week for six weeks. 

• Which candidates are suited for Kleresca^® Acne treatment^2-6?

  Kleresca^® Acne Treatment offers high efficacy and safety for patients suffering from acne vulgaris, and works very well in the reduction of redness and inflammation, even in moderate to severe cases. 

• Can it be used in combination with other techniques?

  Kleresca^® Acne Treatment can be combined with other acne treatments, but this is always subject to the judgement of the clinician or practitioner¹².

• What is the difference between Kleresca^® FLE treatments and PDT?

  PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) is a form of phototherapy that involves light and a topical drug that gets activated with the light. The drug will get absorbed by the patient’s skin and then be activated with the light to induce a destruction of skin cells for the treatment of some skin conditions.

  FLE, on the other hand, is non-destructive, non-systemic and painless alternative to drugs. The gel is not being absorbed, it is only used to convert the blue light of the Kleresca^® Light into Fluorescent Light Energy (FLE). Only the light will penetrate the skin and activate its own repair mechanisms.

• Which products are currently available on the Kleresca^® technology platform?

  Currently, four products are available on the Kleresca^® technology platform: Kleresca^® Acne Treatment, Kleresca^® Rosacea Treatment, Kleresca^® Skin Rejuvenation and Kleresca^® Pre-Post Treatment. Each indication features a specifically formulated gel. This is then utilised with specific pre-programmed settings in the Kleresca^® Light. 

• Is the light harmful?

  The Kleresca^® Acne Treatment uses a multi-LED lamp (Light Emitting Diode) as its energy source^2,12. Harmful UV light is not emitted by the system. With clinical trials showing high safety and efficacy, Kleresca^® Acne Treatment is a well-tolerated treatment with no serious side effects reported^4,5.

• Can any LED lamp be used?

  The patented Kleresca^® Light, with pre-programmed wavelength settings specific to each indication, has been developed and tested to efficiently cause the chromophores to photoconvert blue light, thereby creating fluorescent light energy (FLE)¹².

• Does the gel penetrate the skin?

  The gel stays on the surface of the skin to convert the light emitted by the lamp into fluorescent light energy (FLE)^2,3,12. FLE then triggers beneficial effects by  stimulating the healing mechanisms in the multiple layers of the skin^2-12.

• Can the treatment be performed during summer?

  Yes. Kleresca^® Acne Treatment can be used during summer. The treatment does not create photosensitivity by itself, and therefore it should be safe for most patients to have immediate pre- and post- treatment exposure to light and sunshine. However, as the skin is going into a healing state, which may cause it to be a bit more sensitive, we recommend the use of moisturisers post treatment and preferably with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) included^2,12.

• What type of training is provided to professional clinical staff?

  The system is easy to use and complementary training is also offered as part of a certification program for clinic staff¹.

• Is the treatment safe and what are the possible side effects^2-12?

  Kleresca^® Acne Treatment is described as a pleasant and comfortable experience with a high degree of safety and efficacy. The technology has been on the market since 2014 with no serious adverse events reported. Side effects – seen in some patients – are all non-permanent and may include redness, and hyperpigmentation (bronzing of an area of the skin). Side effects impact patients differently depending on their skin type. These possible side effects should be discussed with your patient before starting the treatment in order to manage expectations.

References

1. PCL-K1005-001-11. LEO Pharma - Data on file.
2. In vitro release test. LEO Pharma - Data on file.
3. Kleresca® Acne Treatment Instructions for Use.
4. Nikolis, A. et al. An extension of a multicentre, randomized, split-face clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of chromophore gel-assisted blue light phototherapy for the treatment of acne. Int J Dermatol 2017 (In press).
5. Endothelial cell study. LEO Pharma - Data on file.
6. Kleresca® Skin Rejuvenation Instructions for Use.
7. Antoniou, C. et al., A multicenter, randomized, split-face clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of chromophore gel-assisted blue light phototherapy for the treatment of acne. Int J Dermatol 2016; 55: 1321 - 1328.
8. SKR1. LEO Pharma - Data on file.
9. Freitas, L.F de & Hamblin, M.R. Proposed Mechanisms of photobiomofulation or low-level light therapy. 2016; IEEE J Sel Top Quantum Elecron 22.
10. Nikolis, A., et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded, split-faced clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of KLOX-001 gel formulation with KLOX light-emitting diode light on facial rejuvenation. Clin. Cosmet. Investig. Dermatol, 2016; 9: 115 – 125.
11. Nielsen, M. E., et al. Introducing: photobiomodulation by low energy chromophore-induced fluorescent light. Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation Therapy. In IV, SPIE Photonics West BIOS, San Francisco 28 January – 2 February 2017.
12. Barolet, D. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Dermatology. Semin. Cuytan. Med. Surg. 2008; 27, 227 – 238.
13. Wang, Y et al. Photobiomodulation (blue and green light) encourages osteoblastic-differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells: role of intracellular calcium and light-gated ion channels. Sci. Rep. 2016; 6, 33719.