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GraysGrays Dermatology
Duration
15-25 minutes
Recommended sessions
3-5 sessions at 3-4 week intervals recommended
Downtime
Temporary redness for a few hours to a day

Dr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director · Reviewed by our medical director

Board-certified dermatologist · review date to be posted

Severe nodular acne may still require concurrent medication.

Smoothbeam
People and scenes shown are AI-generated for illustration. They are not actual patients, staff, our clinic, or treatment results.

01Overview

Smoothbeam An acne laser that goes straight to the sebaceous glands

Smoothbeam is a 1450nm diode laser that selectively treats the sebaceous glands in acne-prone skin.

Duration
15-25 minutes
Recommended sessions
3-5 sessions at 3-4 week intervals recommended
Downtime
Temporary redness for a few hours to a day
How long it lasts
Builds over a course of sessions (individual results vary)

How we approach it

The same device can be run very differently. This is how Grays approaches this treatment.

This is not the one-dimensional approach of extraction and sebum suppression to calm things down for a short while.

The aim is to hold back overactivity of the sebaceous glands and to correct the extracellular matrix (ECM) around them into a healthy state, so that acne is suppressed as far as possible even through hormonal change or external irritation.

Dr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director · Reviewed by our medical director

02What to expect

Changes over time

It delivers heat to the depth where sebaceous glands sit, reducing the activity of overactive glands and interrupting the cycle of recurring breakouts.

Right after treatment01

Right after treatment

Temporary redness and stinging may last a few hours.

2–4 weeks02

2–4 weeks

The window in which we check for change in sebum production.

Every 3–4 weeks03

Every 3–4 weeks

Over 3–5 sessions, the cycle of recurring acne loosens.

Maintenance04

Maintenance

Sebaceous gland function can recover over time, so we recommend maintenance according to your condition.

These images were generated with AI. They are not photographs of patients and do not show treatment results; they illustrate the recovery process. The actual course varies from person to person.

03Device & Technology

Smoothbeam Device

Candela (USA) · FDA cleared · MFDS (Korean FDA) approved

1450 nm diode

An acne-specific wavelength that delivers heat at the depth where the sebaceous glands sit, to address overactive glands.

An alternative to medication

It is meaningful for managing recurrent acne in people for whom oral medication is difficult.

04Procedure

How your visit goes

Specialist diagnosis01

Specialist diagnosis

The acne stage (active vs. marks) and sebum condition are assessed.

Design02

Design

Area, energy, and number of sessions are planned.

Treatment03

Treatment

Performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist.

Aftercare04

Aftercare

Guidance on moisturizing, sun protection, and a skincare routine.

Every procedure is performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist.

05Before / After

Before & After

Smoothbeam acne progress over sessions

Clinical photos. Results vary with skin condition, age and treatment plan. Before-and-after photos are published with the patient's written consent, taken under identical conditions (lighting, angle) and never retouched. Results vary by individual.

06Aftercare

Recovery & care

  1. 01

    Day of treatment

    Mild redness and stinging are possible. Do not rub — cleanse gently and moisturise well.

  2. 02

    Crusting and flaking

    If fine crusts form, do not pick them off. Letting them fall away naturally is what prevents pigmentation.

  3. 03

    1–4 weeks

    Sun protection decides the result. Apply SPF 30 or higher daily, and reapply every two hours outdoors.

  4. 04

    Follow-up

    Intervals and whether to continue are adjusted as we watch your response.

Recovery & care

07FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does Smoothbeam manage acne?

Smoothbeam is a 1450nm diode acne laser that delivers heat to the depth where the sebaceous glands sit. It works by lowering the activity of overactive sebaceous glands, reducing the cycle of recurring acne. It is a device from Candela of the US, FDA cleared and MFDS (Korean FDA) approved.

Who is this treatment suited to?

It is used for those whose acne keeps returning in the same spots, or who have heavy sebum production and noticeable shine. It is also considered as a way to manage recurring acne for those for whom oral medication is a concern. We assess the acne stage (active or marks) and sebum condition at consultation to determine whether it is suitable.

Can acne improve without medication?

A laser that targets the sebaceous glands can be an alternative for those wary of medication. However, depending on the severity of the acne, combining medication is sometimes the better option. Which approach is right is decided after diagnosis.

I'm taking oral acne medication or other medicines. Can I still have it?

If you are taking any medication, be sure to tell us at your visit. This is because caution is needed if you are taking photosensitizing medication that makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Whether and when treatment is possible is decided at consultation after reviewing your medications and skin condition.

How many sessions do I need?

We typically recommend a course of 3-5 sessions at 3-4 week intervals. The course can be adjusted according to your acne condition and the area. The number of sessions needed varies by individual.

When do results appear, and how long do they last?

We check changes in sebum production at around 2-4 weeks after treatment, and gradually reduce the cycle of recurring acne as sessions accumulate. Sebaceous gland activity can recover over time, so we recommend maintenance depending on your condition. The degree of change and how long it lasts vary by individual.

Does it hurt? How long does it take?

Pain is moderate; treatment is performed after topical numbing cream and with cooling spray to reduce discomfort. The treatment takes about 15-25 minutes depending on the extent. How it feels varies by area and individual.

Can I return to daily life right away?

Most people can return to daily life right away. Temporary redness and stinging may last from a few hours to 1 day right after treatment. After treatment, keep up with moisturizing and sun protection, and follow the skincare routine we recommend.

Does it help with acne marks?

Smoothbeam's main purpose is treating active acne and controlling sebum. For red marks after acne we plan Vbeam alongside it, and for depressed scars the Scar Combination Program. The type of mark is determined at consultation.

How is it different from Potenza?

Smoothbeam uses a laser to deliver heat to the sebaceous glands, focusing on recurring acne and sebum control, while Potenza uses microneedle RF to address acne as well as pores, scars, and flushing, depending on the tip. If sebum is the core issue we use Smoothbeam, and if pores or scars are also a concern, Potenza is sometimes combined. The choice follows the consultation findings.

Is Smoothbeam alone enough for severe acne?

Severe nodular acne may not be adequately addressed by Smoothbeam alone and may require concurrent medication. In addition, treatment may be postponed or adjusted if there is a wound or infection in the treatment area, you have recently had strong UV exposure, or you are pregnant. We determine the treatment sequence after assessing your current acne condition at consultation.

How much does Smoothbeam cost?

The cost depends on the treatment extent and number of sessions, so it is confirmed after consultation. General reference prices can be found on the price list on our website. Consultations can be booked via Naver Booking, our KakaoTalk channel, or phone (+82-51-710-1891), and are also available via LINE.

Fees

Pricing depends on extent and number of sessions, and is confirmed after consultation.

See the fee schedule →
References 5
  1. Approval: Smoothbeam · FDA cleared · MFDS (Korean FDA) approved
  2. Manufacturer: Candela (USA)
  3. Korea MFDS medical device registry — searchable by approval number
  4. Korean Dermatological Association — specialist credential lookup
  5. Reviewed by: Dr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director

⚠ Cautions & contraindications

  • —Active infection or an open wound in the treatment area
  • —Recent strong sun exposure or tanning (raises the risk of pigmentation)
  • —A photosensitivity disorder, or taking photosensitising medication
  • —Pregnancy (not recommended — safety data are insufficient)
Summary & comparison
TreatmentTarget layerMain changeDurationHow long it lastsDowntime
Smoothbeam ←—An acne laser that goes straight to the sebaceous glands15-25 minutesBuilds over a course of sessions (individual results vary)Temporary redness for a few hours to a day
PotenzaL2 DermisRF microneedling that treats skin problems at the root30-40 minutesBuilds over a course of sessions (individual results vary)Redness and fine scabs possible for 1-3 days
LaLa Peel—An LHA peel designed to reduce irritation and protect the skin barrierAdvised after consultation, depending on compositionBuilds over sessions — maintenance care according to skin condition (individual results vary)Temporary redness or fine flaking possible — varies with skin condition
Acne Treatment Program—Long-term acne care that addresses the sebaceous glands and the surrounding skin environmentAdvised after consultation, depending on compositionLong-term care — recurrence possible depending on hormonal and lifestyle factors; maintenance neededVaries by composition — temporary erythema; 1-3 days of erythema or fine scabs possible when Potenza is included

Treatments used for the same concern, placed side by side. Which one fits is decided in consultation after the layer is identified.

Reviewed byDr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director · Board-certified dermatologist · review date to be posted

Aftercare

Draft — pending medical director's review

Acne care · peels

Skin may flare briefly before it settles. Keeping to the care cycle matters more than the intensity of any single session.

Recovery course

  1. Day of treatmentRedness and stinging are expected. Use only a gentle cleanser and moisturiser.
  2. Days 2–3Flaking or a brief flare of existing acne may occur.
  3. Week 1Skin texture settles. You can return to your usual routine from now.

Avoid during this period

  • Squeezing spots
  • Exfoliating products and new active skincare — for 1 week
  • Sun exposure and leaving sweat on the skin for long

Contact the clinic if

  • Inflammation spreads widely or pain is severe
  • Pus forms with warmth

Next session · next visitAcne care relies on a steady cycle, usually continued every 2–4 weeks.

Individual recovery varies. If it differs from what you expected, do not judge on your own — please contact the clinic. Tel +82-51-710-1891

View all aftercare →

People and scenes shown are AI-generated for illustration. They are not actual patients, staff, our clinic, or treatment results.

Next step

Wondering if this treatment fits you?

Leave your main concern and request a consultation. Suitability, schedule and fees are confirmed at your consultation.

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