Part 1 of 2
Four complementary treatments that target bacteria, oil production, inflammation, and congestion — working together as a comprehensive acne management protocol.
1064nm Nd:YAG · Bacteria + Oil + Redness · Zero Downtime
The most versatile acne laser in our lineup — treating active breakouts, killing bacteria, reducing oil production, and calming PIE redness simultaneously. Safe during active breakouts on all skin types. Zero downtime, no numbing required. Can be performed monthly as an ongoing acne management tool.
Laser Genesis delivers thousands of gentle 1064nm micropulses that heat the upper dermis to temperatures that destroy P. acnes bacteria — both on the skin surface and within the follicle where bacteria colonize. Unlike topical antibiotics, this thermal destruction doesn't trigger antibiotic resistance and works consistently session after session.
At the same time, the heat suppresses sebaceous gland activity — reducing oil production and eliminating the oxygen-poor, sebum-rich environment that P. acnes thrives in. The result is fewer breakouts, less inflammation, and progressively clearer skin over a treatment series.
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is the red or pink flat mark left after an inflamed acne lesion heals. It's not a true scar — it's caused by persistent dilated capillaries in the healing tissue that haven't fully resolved. Many patients mistake PIE for permanent scarring.
Laser Genesis's 1064nm energy is selectively absorbed by hemoglobin in these dilated vessels — gently collapsing them and fading the redness over a series of treatments. Because Laser Genesis can be performed during active breakouts, it simultaneously treats current lesions and the red marks from previous ones in the same session.
Yes — and this is one of Laser Genesis's most important clinical advantages for acne patients. Because it is non-ablative and doesn't disrupt the skin surface, it can be safely performed during active breakouts without risk of spreading bacteria or aggravating inflamed lesions. Many acne patients begin Laser Genesis early in their treatment plan specifically because it can treat active inflammation and PIE simultaneously from the very first session.
Motus AZ+ · 755nm + 1064nm · Triple Action · All Skin Tones
The most comprehensive single-session acne treatment in our arsenal. MoveoGlo combines three wavelength protocols — bacterial destruction, PIE vascular fading, and collagen stimulation — in one comfortable, in-motion session. The 755nm Alexandrite is particularly effective against P. acnes porphyrins, while the 1064nm addresses the vascular redness of PIE and active inflammation.
MoveoGlo combines three protocols in one session on the Motus AZ+ platform. The MoveoPL (755nm Alexandrite) targets melanin and porphyrins — including the endogenous porphyrins produced by P. acnes metabolism. When these porphyrins absorb the 755nm energy, a photochemical reaction destroys the bacteria from within — a mechanism backed by extensive research in laser acne treatment.
The MoveoVL (1064nm Nd:YAG) then targets oxyhemoglobin in the dilated capillaries driving PIE redness — progressively fading flat red marks. Finally, MoveoSR (skin revitalization) stimulates collagen to improve overall skin quality. The Moveo in-motion delivery with integrated cooling makes the entire session virtually painless — significantly more comfortable than traditional pulsed laser treatment.
Both treat active acne and PIE — but through different mechanisms and with different strengths. Laser Genesis is purely 1064nm, primarily working through thermal suppression of bacteria and sebaceous glands, and is safe during active breakouts on all skin types. It's the ideal ongoing maintenance treatment.
MoveoGlo adds the 755nm Alexandrite wavelength — giving it the porphyrin-targeting photochemical antibacterial action alongside the vascular and collagen benefits. It's more comprehensive per session but requires slightly more care during active flares. Your provider will recommend the right option or a rotation of both based on your skin's presentation at each visit.
Medical Dermalinfusion · SilkPeel · ClarityMD Serum
Diamond-tip exfoliation plus simultaneous infusion of the ClarityMD acne-specific serum — salicylic acid, bakuchiol, and oregano oil — delivered directly into the pore at the exact moment of exfoliation. Physically clears congestion, kills bacteria, reduces oil, and treats acne-prone skin without irritation. The essential maintenance treatment between laser sessions.
The ClarityMD serum combines three active ingredients optimized for acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid (a BHA) penetrates directly into pores and dissolves the sebum and dead cell buildup that causes congestion — targeting the environment P. acnes colonizes rather than just the bacteria itself. Bakuchiol is a plant-derived retinol alternative that regulates cell turnover and reduces oil production without the irritation of traditional retinoids. Oregano oil provides additional antimicrobial action against bacteria on the skin surface.
The key clinical advantage of SilkPeel is that these ingredients are delivered under vacuum pressure at the exact moment the pore is opened by exfoliation — maximizing penetration depth and efficacy far beyond topical application after the fact.
SilkPeel ClarityMD works at the surface level — physically clearing congestion, treating existing bacteria, and controlling oil. Laser Genesis and MoveoGlo work at the deeper dermal level — suppressing sebaceous gland activity, destroying follicle-dwelling bacteria, and calming vascular inflammation. Together they address acne at every depth.
A typical combined protocol uses SilkPeel monthly between laser sessions — maintaining clear pores and keeping the skin receptive to the deeper laser work happening concurrently. It also prepares the skin surface before each laser appointment for better energy delivery.
Chemical Exfoliation · Dermalogica · Pro Power Peel
Customizable professional chemical peels for acne-prone skin — from gentle salicylic/mandelic formulas for active breakouts and sensitive skin to TCA-level peels for established PIH and textural changes. The most skin-tone-inclusive treatment in the acne lineup, with formulas appropriate for all Fitzpatrick types including those not suited to laser.
PIE (post-inflammatory erythema) is red or pink — it's vascular in origin, caused by dilated capillaries in healing tissue. It fades when you press on it. PIE responds best to laser treatments that target hemoglobin — Laser Genesis and MoveoGlo are the right tools.
PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) is brown or tan — it's melanin-driven, caused by inflammation triggering excess pigment production. It doesn't blanch when pressed. PIH responds best to chemical peels, topical brightening ingredients, and laser treatments that target melanin. The Pro Power Peel collection — particularly the Lactic Acid and Glycolic formulas — is highly effective for acne-related PIH, especially in patients with darker skin tones where aggressive laser treatment carries PIH risk.
For active acne and congested, oily skin, the Power Clear Peel (Salicylic/Mandelic/Malic acid blend) is the primary formula — it penetrates pores, dissolves debris, and reduces bacterial load without the irritation of stronger acids. For post-acne PIH and textural irregularity, the Advanced Renewal Peel (30% Glycolic) or Ultra Bright Peel (30% Lactic) are layered in progressively as the skin responds.
Your provider selects and blends formulas based on your Fitzpatrick type, active breakout status, and primary concern. For darker skin tones managing PIH, gentler acid formulas are used at lower concentrations and built up carefully over a series to minimize any risk of worsening pigmentation.
Part 2 of 2
Once active acne is controlled, scar remodeling begins. Three targeted treatments for three levels of acne scar depth — from deep structural rebuilding to surface refinement.
RF Microneedling · Deep Structural Scar Remodeling · All Skin Tones
The gold standard non-surgical treatment for acne scarring. Microneedles physically penetrate scar tissue while RF energy remodels the disorganized collagen that creates icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars. Safe for all skin tones — making it the right choice for patients who are not candidates for ablative CO2 resurfacing due to skin type.
Acne scars are fundamentally areas of disorganized fibrous collagen — the body's rapid wound response to deep inflammation didn't produce normal skin, it produced scar tissue. Secret RF's microneedles physically penetrate this tissue, mechanically disrupting the fibrous bands that tether depressed scars to deeper tissue. The RF energy released at depth simultaneously heats and remodels the collagen — triggering the body to produce new, more normally organized collagen in its place.
For icepick scars specifically, the needle penetrates directly into the narrow channel delivering energy precisely where the damage is. For rolling scars, the combination of mechanical disruption and RF remodeling gradually releases the tethered bands driving the wave-like depressions. Because RF is color-blind, it's equally effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types.
Active acne doesn't need to be 100% clear before beginning scar remodeling — but it should be substantially controlled. Treating scars while new inflammatory lesions are actively forming is counterproductive — new damage undoes the remodeling work. The standard approach is to get active acne well-managed with laser and topical treatments first, then introduce Secret RF once breakouts are infrequent.
Laser Genesis can bridge this gap beautifully — treating active acne and PIE continuously while Secret RF is introduced for structural scar work once the skin has stabilized. Your provider will build a sequenced timeline based on your breakout frequency and scar severity.
Ablative CO2 Resurfacing · Tetra Pro · Surface Scar Refinement
For patients with significant surface texture change — shallow atrophic scars, rough skin from chronic acne, or pigment changes alongside textural irregularity — the CoolPeel delivers precise superficial CO2 ablation that removes the damaged outer layer and triggers regeneration of fresher, more even skin from beneath.
The two treatments address different aspects of acne scarring. Secret RF is the right tool when the problem is primarily structural — deep scar bands, tethering, significant depth loss. CoolPeel CO2 is most valuable when the primary concern is surface quality — rough, uneven texture from shallow atrophic scars, skin that looks dull or damaged from chronic acne, or areas where pigment change has left the skin's surface looking irregular.
For many patients with significant scarring, the two are used in sequence — Secret RF handles the deep structural work first, and CoolPeel refines the surface afterward. Because CO2 works outside-in (surface to depth) and Secret RF works inside-out (dermis upward), they complement rather than duplicate each other.
CoolPeel CO2 is best suited to Fitzpatrick skin types I–III. Ablative CO2 treatments carry a meaningful risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in darker skin tones — a particularly serious concern for acne patients who may already be managing PIH from their breakouts.
For patients with skin types IV–VI who have surface texture concerns from acne scarring, Secret RF is the safer primary treatment — its color-blind RF energy produces meaningful surface improvement without the PIH risk of ablative lasers. Chemical peels with appropriate acid selection are also a safer surface treatment option for darker skin types.
1064nm · PIE Fading + Ongoing Collagen · Zero Downtime
Laser Genesis bridges the gap between active acne treatment and scar remodeling — and keeps working throughout. While Secret RF handles structural scars and CoolPeel refines the surface, Laser Genesis runs concurrently to fade PIE redness, maintain collagen stimulus between sessions, and sustain overall skin quality improvement with zero downtime.
Laser Genesis plays two distinct roles in the scar treatment plan. First, PIE: the red and pink flat marks that most patients find emotionally significant — often more distressing than the textural scars themselves. Laser Genesis fades PIE continuously throughout the protocol, meaning patients see visible improvement in their skin's color and overall appearance even before structural scar remodeling has had time to peak.
Second, maintenance: between Secret RF sessions (which are spaced 4–6 weeks apart), monthly Laser Genesis keeps the collagen stimulus active — meaning the skin is continuously improving rather than only responding during active treatment windows. After the full Secret RF and CoolPeel series is complete, ongoing Laser Genesis maintenance sustains results and prevents new PIE from re-establishing as skin quality continues to mature.
An important note on active acne and isotretinoin: Patients currently taking or who have recently taken isotretinoin (Accutane) require a waiting period before any laser or resurfacing treatment — typically 6–12 months after completing the course. This is a safety requirement, not a limitation of the treatments themselves. Please disclose all current and recent medications at your consultation so your provider can build the safest and most effective timeline for your skin.
Find Your Starting Point
Primarily breakouts — minimal scarring
Breakouts plus persistent red marks
Textural scars — icepick, boxcar, rolling
Managing both simultaneously
Protecting Your Progress
UV exposure worsens both PIE and PIH and degrades the collagen being rebuilt. Daily SPF 30+ is not optional during any acne treatment protocol — it's the most important single step you can take.
Picking active lesions is the single most preventable cause of acne scarring. It introduces bacteria deeper into the dermis and ensures inflammatory damage reaches collagen-producing tissue. Treat — don't touch.
After any energy-based or resurfacing treatment, use only gentle, fragrance-free skincare for the timeframe your provider specifies. Avoid retinoids, active acids, and strong ingredients until cleared to reintroduce them.
Acne management and scar remodeling are both cumulative processes. Missing sessions or stopping a series early significantly reduces outcomes. Commit to the full protocol for the best possible result.
Book a consultation at Laser Vantage — we'll assess your acne type, your scars, your skin tone, and build a treatment plan that addresses all of it strategically.
Book a ConsultationIndividual results may vary. Active acne should be substantially controlled before beginning scar remodeling treatments. Isotretinoin requires a 6–12 month waiting period before laser treatment. A consultation is required prior to all treatments.