Active Acne treatment
What is Active Acne?
Sebaceous glands are connected to each hair follicle and produce sebum, an oily substance that protects the hair and skin. Hormonal changes, especially increased androgens, can enlarge these glands. Excess sebum combines with dead skin cells and the bacteria C. acnes to block pores, which leads to blackheads, whiteheads, red inflamed papules, pustules and deeper nodules.
“Active” acne means the breakouts are still happening. Treating the inflammation early is the most effective way to prevent the permanent textural changes and dark marks that follow.
What causes acne?
- Excess oil (sebum) production
- Clogged pores from dead skin cells
- Acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes)
- Inflammation
- Hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, PCOS)
- Stress, diet, heredity, certain medications and pore-clogging cosmetics
Why is acne treatment at Paad Wellness different?
Committed to: treating acne at every stage (the bacteria, the inflammation, the redness and the texture it leaves behind) with non-invasive, drug-free technologies that respect the skin’s natural healing ability and can be combined with your dermatologist’s care.
Against: harsh “one-size-fits-all” approaches that strip the skin, and waiting until breakouts have already left scars.
Vancouver’s evidence-informed skin clinic combining three medical-grade technologies (Regenlite Laser, Nordlys SWT and Sublative FRF) to calm breakouts at their source and protect your skin from scarring.
Regenlite Laser for Active Acne
What is Regenlite?
Regenlite is a clinically proven 585 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) that uses Smart Pulse technology to treat active acne and acne scars with minimal discomfort and minimal downtime. Rather than working only on the surface, it starts a transformation of the skin from the inside out.
How does Regenlite work on acne?
Regenlite’s precise wavelength triggers a controlled immune response in the skin. This reduces the inflammation associated with acne and targets the acne-causing bacteria behind the lesions. At the same time, it stimulates new collagen, which helps smooth early scarring, refine texture and even out the complexion.
What does Regenlite do for my skin?
- Calms inflamed, red breakouts
- Targets acne-causing bacteria
- Reduces post-acne redness (red marks)
- Stimulates collagen for smoother texture and early scar repair
- Suitable for all skin types and shades
Which areas can be treated?
Face, jawline, neck, chest, shoulders and back.
What can I expect?
A full-face treatment takes about 30 minutes, not including preparation and aftercare. Most patients feel only a gentle warmth. Downtime is minimal, so most people return to work straight away.
Session
~30 min (face)
Typical course
3–5 sessions
Interval
2–4 weeks
Downtime
Minimal
Nordlys Acne SWT
What is Nordlys SWT?
Nordlys by Candela is a multi-application platform that is FDA-cleared and Health Canada licensed for the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Its Selective Waveband Technology (SWT®) is a narrowband intense pulsed light (IPL). Dual filters remove unnecessary wavelengths on both sides of the spectrum, so the light reaches its target with less heat in the surrounding skin than conventional broadband IPL.
How does Nordlys SWT work on acne?
The dedicated PR 530 acne applicator (530–750 nm) delivers short, precise pulses of filtered light. The light targets the tiny blood vessels that feed the sebaceous glands and the inflamed breakouts. This helps slow oil production, calm active inflammation and reduce the redness acne leaves behind.
What does Nordlys SWT do for my skin?
- Treats inflammatory acne (red papules and pustules)
- Helps regulate oil production
- Fades post-inflammatory redness and red marks
- Improves overall skin clarity and tone
- No topical numbing needed; most patients describe it as practically pain-free
Which areas can be treated?
Face, neck, chest and back.
What can I expect?
You will wear protective eyewear while the applicator glides over the skin with a quick, light “snap” and a warm sensation. Mild redness can last a few hours. Makeup can usually be applied the same day.
Session
~20–30 min
Typical course
3–4 sessions
Interval
3–4 weeks
Downtime
Minimal
Sublative FRF (Elos Plus)
What is Sublative FRF?
Elos Plus Sublative is a non-invasive treatment that does not rely on light. It uses fractional bipolar radio frequency (FRF) energy to reach deep into the skin and stimulate collagen, giving the skin the strength it needs to stay healthy and resilient.
How does Sublative work?
The applicator contains many multi-electrode pins that deliver bipolar RF energy in a grid pattern. Each dot is a tiny treated zone, while the untouched skin around it drives the healing response. Because the energy works mainly in the dermis and leaves most of the surface undisturbed, Sublative remodels deeper tissue with less recovery than aggressive laser resurfacing.
Why include Sublative in an active acne plan?
- Refines enlarged pores and oily, congested texture
- Treats early atrophic (indented) scarring before it becomes permanent
- Rebuilds collagen damaged by repeated inflammation
- Colour-blind RF energy, so it is well suited to darker skin tones
Sublative is usually added once the most inflamed breakouts are under control, which is why it comes later in the plan below.
What can I expect?
Sublative feels similar to a facial, using the Elos Plus handpiece in place of skincare products. A topical numbing cream keeps you comfortable. The session takes about 30 minutes. Expect redness for several days and a faint grid of tiny dots that fades within a few days.
Session
~30 min
Typical course
3–5 sessions
Interval
4–6 weeks
Downtime
Several days
Which Technology Is Right for Me?
| Regenlite Laser | Nordlys Acne SWT | Sublative FRF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 585 nm pulsed dye laser | Narrowband IPL (530–750 nm) | Fractional bipolar radio frequency |
| Best for | Inflamed breakouts, bacteria, red marks | Inflammatory acne, oiliness, redness | Pores, texture, early indented scars |
| Comfort | Gentle warmth | Light snap, no numbing | Numbing cream used |
| Downtime | Minimal | Minimal | Several days |
| Skin types | All | Assessed at consultation | All, including darker tones |
Regenlite Laser
- Energy
- 585 nm pulsed dye laser
- Best for
- Inflamed breakouts, bacteria, red marks
- Comfort
- Gentle warmth
- Downtime
- Minimal
- Skin types
- All
Nordlys Acne SWT
- Energy
- Narrowband IPL (530–750 nm)
- Best for
- Inflammatory acne, oiliness, redness
- Comfort
- Light snap, no numbing
- Downtime
- Minimal
- Skin types
- Assessed at consultation
Sublative FRF
- Energy
- Fractional bipolar radio frequency
- Best for
- Pores, texture, early indented scars
- Comfort
- Numbing cream used
- Downtime
- Several days
- Skin types
- All, including darker tones
Your Personalized Active Acne Plan
Most clients get the best results from a combination approach, tailored after a free skin assessment.
1. Skin assessment
We grade your acne, review medications and skincare, and check your skin type to choose the right technologies and settings.
2. Calm the breakouts
Regenlite and/or Nordlys SWT sessions reduce bacteria, inflammation and oil production.
3. Repair and refine
Once breakouts settle, Sublative FRF rebuilds collagen, tightens pores and smooths early scarring.
4. Maintain
A home-care routine and occasional maintenance sessions help keep skin clear. Microdermabrasion or a medical facial can be added between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon will I see results?
Many clients notice less redness and fewer new breakouts after 1–2 sessions. Clearer, smoother skin builds over the full course as collagen remodels over the following 3–6 months.
Is it painful?
Regenlite feels like gentle warmth, and Nordlys SWT like a light snap. Sublative is done with a topical numbing cream. Most clients find all three very tolerable.
Can I combine these treatments with my prescription acne medication?
Often yes, and combining can improve results. Isotretinoin and some photosensitizing medications need a waiting period, so please bring your medication list to your consultation.
Can you treat back and chest acne?
Yes. Regenlite and Nordlys SWT can treat the chest, shoulders and back as well as the face.
Will treatment prevent acne scars?
Calming inflammation early is the best way to reduce the risk of new scars. For scars you already have, see our Active Acne & Acne Scar page.
Is it safe for darker skin?
Regenlite and Sublative are suitable for all skin types. For Nordlys SWT we choose settings after assessing your skin type.
Begin Your Clinical Journey
Every skin profile is unique. Schedule a complimentary, in-depth consultation with our medical aesthetics experts. We will carefully assess your physiological needs and engineer a customized “Green Beauty” treatment plan utilizing our industry-leading technologies.
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