Smoothbeam Laser: What You Need to Know
Pros & cons
How much it costs
What to expect
How soon you see results
Fast facts
Smoothbeam is a diode laser that’s FDA-cleared to treat active acne, scars, and wrinkles. The laser bypasses the outer layer of skin to stimulate collagen production by heating the tissue underneath. Smoothbeam also has a built-in cooling system, so you won’t feel the heat and your skin won’t be damaged.
It treats active acne by changing the function of sebaceous glands, making them produce less oil. “Smoothbeam is an excellent treatment for hard-to-treat acne,” says New York City dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross in a RealSelf Q&A. One study showed that the number of acne blemishes decreased by up to 75% after four treatments.
When using Smoothbeam for acne scars and wrinkles, the results may be less dramatic. “The Smoothbeam laser is fantastic for treating acne and fair to good in treating acne scars,” says Dr. Lorrie Klein, a dermatologic surgeon in Laguna Niguel, California, in a RealSelf Q&A. Another study showed that patients had only mild to moderate improvement in fine lines and minor creases after four treatments. If wrinkles are your primary concern, most providers will probably recommend another type of laser resurfacing.
Like all lasers, Smoothbeam comes with a risk of hyperpigmentation, especially for patients with olive or brown skin. Pretreating the skin with a bleaching cream that suppresses melanin (pigment) production can lower the risk, says Dr. Nissan Pilest, a dermatologic surgeon in Irvine, California, in a RealSelf Q&A.
ProsÂ
- Smoothbeam can shrink oil glands and reduce acne breakouts.Â
- It also stimulates collagen production, which helps fade acne scars.Â
- Smoothbeam laser treatments aren’t painful. Most people feel only a slight tingling.
- There’s a low chance of side effects, with the most common reaction being redness.
- There’s no downtime.
- RealSelf members who rated Smoothbeam Worth It said it gave them months of clear skin.
ConsÂ
- You can’t have a Smoothbeam treatment within 12 months of having used Accutane.
- You’ll need a series of sessions—plus maintenance treatments every eight weeks.
- RealSelf members who rated it Not Worth It reported no results and side effects like pigmentation and scars.
- Average Cost:
- $375
Your price will depend on your provider’s location and level of experience, the size of the areas treated, and how many sessions you need. Ask if your provider offers discounts on a series of treatments.
A Smoothbeam treatment session usually lasts 10–30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.Â
Your provider will start by applying a topical anesthetic cream. Between that and the fine mist of cryogen used to cool the skin’s surface during the treatment, your discomfort should be minimal. You may feel a tingling sensation as the laser penetrates the skin.Â
There’s no downtime afterward. Your skin may be red and slightly swollen, but you can resume normal activities immediately. Just be diligent about using sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure for four to six weeks, while your skin is still healing.
You may notice smoother skin after your first treatment, but you probably won’t see improvements in acne breakouts and scarring until after your second or third session. Sessions are typically spaced three weeks apart, so the process could take two to three months.Â
After the initial series of three to four sessions, your results can last several months. To maintain your results, you’ll need to get maintenance treatments every eight weeks.
Updated June 13, 2023