- 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.

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.
01Right after treatment
Temporary redness and stinging may last a few hours.
022–4 weeks
The window in which we check for change in sebum production.
03Every 3–4 weeks
Over 3–5 sessions, the cycle of recurring acne loosens.
04Maintenance
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
01Specialist diagnosis
The acne stage (active vs. marks) and sebum condition are assessed.
02Design
Area, energy, and number of sessions are planned.
03Treatment
Performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist.
04Aftercare
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
- 01
Day of treatment
Mild redness and stinging are possible. Do not rub — cleanse gently and moisturise well.
- 02
Crusting and flaking
If fine crusts form, do not pick them off. Letting them fall away naturally is what prevents pigmentation.
- 03
1–4 weeks
Sun protection decides the result. Apply SPF 30 or higher daily, and reapply every two hours outdoors.
- 04
Follow-up
Intervals and whether to continue are adjusted as we watch your response.

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
- Approval: Smoothbeam · FDA cleared · MFDS (Korean FDA) approved
- Manufacturer: Candela (USA)
- Korea MFDS medical device registry — searchable by approval number
- Korean Dermatological Association — specialist credential lookup
- 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
| Treatment | Target layer | Main change | Duration | How long it lasts | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoothbeam ← | — | An acne laser that goes straight to the sebaceous glands | 15-25 minutes | Builds over a course of sessions (individual results vary) | Temporary redness for a few hours to a day |
| Potenza | L2 Dermis | RF microneedling that treats skin problems at the root | 30-40 minutes | Builds 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 barrier | Advised after consultation, depending on composition | Builds 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 environment | Advised after consultation, depending on composition | Long-term care — recurrence possible depending on hormonal and lifestyle factors; maintenance needed | Varies 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 reviewAcne 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
- Day of treatmentRedness and stinging are expected. Use only a gentle cleanser and moisturiser.
- Days 2–3Flaking or a brief flare of existing acne may occur.
- 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 →Related treatments
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.


