NeoBeam, Gold PDT, Potenza, and Agnes are names you may often see while researching acne laser treatment. You do not, however, need to work out which device suits your skin or choose your treatment before you visit.
Treatment differs depending on whether you have active breakouts, flat dark-red or brown marks left after acne has settled, or pitted scars. At your visit, a board-certified dermatologist will review your skin-analysis images together with your current skin and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the laser treatment, acne care, and medication that may be appropriate for you.
How are active acne, dark-red marks, and pitted scars different?
Blackheads, whiteheads, and red, painful spots are active acne that may need treatment now. We assess these separately from flat red or brown marks left after acne settles and from scars that are pitted or raised.
| What you can see now | What we assess during your consultation |
|---|---|
| Blackheads and whiteheads | Where comedonal acne appears and how much is present |
| Red, painful spots | The type and severity of inflammatory acne |
| Flat red or dark-red marks | Whether vascular redness is the main concern |
| Flat brown or black marks | Whether post-acne pigmentation remains |
| Pitted or raised scars | The shape and depth of the scars and whether separate treatment is needed |
If you have new breakouts as well as marks and scars, you do not have to choose just one concern. Tell us what bothers you most, and we will help you decide what to treat first.
How do NeoBeam and Gold PDT differ from Potenza and Agnes?
NeoBeam and Gold PDT are treatments used to contract the sebaceous glands and reduce sebum production. They tend to involve a relatively low pain burden and are used to improve pigmentation and the condition of the sebaceous glands together.
Potenza and Agnes directly target and destroy sebaceous glands, aiming for long-term, permanent effects on the treated glands. They may be recommended when frequent clinic visits are difficult. Actual results and the number of treatments needed can vary with your current skin condition.
You do not need to decide in advance whether you should have NeoBeam, Potenza, or Agnes. After reviewing your skin-analysis images and examining your skin, a board-certified dermatologist will consider the laser treatment, acne care, and medication you may need. We will also explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option in detail.
If you currently take or apply any medication, please tell us its name and how long you have used it. If you have previously had laser treatment, a peel, or injections, it also helps to tell us what you received and how your skin responded.
Why are different devices used for active acne and dark-red marks?
For active acne and inflammation, we may use NeoBeam, Gold PDT, Potenza, or Agnes. For dark-red marks that remain after acne has settled, we may use a GV vascular laser, the RevLite SI Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, or a pico laser. The device is selected after we examine your current skin.
A mark that looks dark red may contain both redness and pigment. A board-certified dermatologist will check its color and your skin before explaining which of the available treatments may be needed.
Pitted scars are also different from flat marks. We will assess each scar’s shape and depth and explain whether separate treatment is needed.
What other treatments may be considered alongside acne lasers?
Not everyone with acne is treated with lasers alone. We may recommend oral or topical medication, or discuss habits that can affect acne, such as cleansing, skincare products, and sleep. Acne care such as extraction and soothing treatment may also be recommended.
We first need to assess the type and severity of your acne, whether marks or scars are also present, and how your skin responded to previous treatment. Even when concerns look similar, the treatment needed can differ, so an examination by a board-certified dermatologist is important.
How should short-term visitors plan treatment sessions and care after returning home?
If frequent visits will be difficult, please tell us how long you will be in Korea and how many visits you can make when booking. We can first consider treatments such as Potenza and Agnes, which directly target and destroy sebaceous glands with the goal of a permanent effect on the treated glands. Based on your current acne and skin condition, we will plan what can be done in Korea and what medication or follow-up care you may need after returning home.
Before booking, please send us the following information:
- Whether active acne, remaining marks, or scars concern you most
- When your acne began or became worse
- Any oral or topical medication you currently use
- Previous laser treatments, peels, or injections and how your skin responded
- How long you will stay in Korea and how many visits you can make
- Whether you can see a local dermatologist after returning home
Do not stop medication you currently use on your own just because of your appointment. We will advise you during your consultation whether to continue it or adjust how you use it. You may also want to ask when you can wash your face, wear makeup, apply sunscreen, resume your usual skincare products, and restart acne medication after treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Which laser is best for my face, and which devices does the clinic have?
NeoBeam and Gold PDT are used to contract the sebaceous glands and improve pigmentation and sebum concerns together. Potenza and Agnes directly target and destroy sebaceous glands with the goal of a permanent effect on the treated glands, and may be recommended when frequent visits are difficult. For active acne and inflammation, we consider these four devices. For dark-red marks, we may use the GV vascular laser, RevLite SI, or a pico laser. You do not need to choose a device in advance. A board-certified dermatologist will review your skin-analysis images and current skin and explain the treatment you may need, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Is acne treated only with lasers?
No. We do not treat every patient with lasers. Depending on your skin, we may recommend medication, changes to daily habits, or acne care such as extraction and soothing treatment. An examination by a board-certified dermatologist is needed to decide which approach is appropriate.
Can one treatment during my trip finish the treatment?
If repeat visits are difficult, first tell us how many visits you can make. We will consider options that fit your schedule, including Potenza and Agnes, which directly treat the sebaceous glands. We will also explain what can be done during this stay and how to continue medication or follow-up care after you return home.
You do not need to decide on a device by yourself. Tell YJ Central Clinic whether active breakouts or the marks and scars left behind bother you more, which medication you use, and how long you will stay in Korea. Contact us on WhatsApp · Contact us on LINE
References: YJ Central Clinic acne treatment guide · YJ Central Clinic equipment guide · Lasers and light treatments for acne — American Academy of Dermatology · Acne diagnosis and treatment — American Academy of Dermatology
Minjung Choi, M.D.
Medical Director · Board-certified Dermatologist
- Medical Director, YJ Central
- Internship and dermatology residency, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital
- Author or co-author of five peer-reviewed dermatology papers