What is Nordlys?
Nordlys by Candela uses Selective Waveband Technology (SWT), a refined form of intense pulsed light that emits only the wavelength band suited to each specific target.
That light is absorbed by melanin in pigmented spots and by haemoglobin in blood vessels, converting to heat exactly where it is needed. At DR. SUPRANEE CLINIC, Nordlys is used for dark spots, freckles, sun-damaged skin, facial thread veins, persistent redness and inflammatory acne.
The Applicators We Use
The Nordlys platform accepts several applicators. Our clinic uses the two that cover the most commonly presented skin concerns.
VL 555 — 555-950 nm
Strong melanin absorption combined with deeper penetration, making it the choice for darker pigment and deeper vessels. It can be used across a broader range of skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-IV).
Used for: dark spots, solar lentigines, sun-damaged skin, larger vessels, and overall photorejuvenation.
PR 530 — 530-750 nm
High haemoglobin absorption, which suits superficial vessels and redness. This is also the applicator used for the inflammatory acne programme.
Used for: fine facial thread veins, facial redness, rosacea, poikiloderma of Civatte on the neck and chest, inflammatory acne, and pigment that has not responded to VL 555.
What Sets Nordlys Apart From Standard IPL?
- Dual filtration. Wavelengths beyond 950 nm are filtered out. Those wavelengths are absorbed by water in the skin and produce heat that contributes nothing therapeutic, so removing them reduces unnecessary heating of the epidermis.
- Sub-millisecond pulse control. Pulse duration is adjustable from 0.5 to 99 milliseconds and is matched to target size — short pulses for fine vessels, longer pulses for thicker ones.
- Clinical Intelligence. The system calculates a starting energy from the skin type and degree of tan entered by the practitioner, beginning at the lower end of the therapeutic window and adjusting upward according to how the skin responds.
How Nordlys Treats Inflammatory Acne?
Acne begins when sebaceous glands overproduce sebum, which becomes trapped in the hair follicle and leads to irritation and inflammation.
Nordlys reduces the blood supply feeding the sebaceous gland, which slows sebum production. Filtering ensures only the vessels supplying the targeted gland are affected, leaving surrounding vessels alone.
The programme responds best to inflammatory acne — red, raised, tender lesions. Comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads) is not the primary target of light-based treatment.
Who Nordlys Is For?
- Dark spots, solar lentigines, freckles and uneven pigmentation
- Sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands
- Facial thread veins, persistent redness and rosacea
- Mottled red-brown discolouration across the neck and décolletage
- Inflammatory acne with papules and pustules
- Anyone wanting skin rejuvenation without downtime
Sessions and Treatment Time
- Photorejuvenation, pigment and vessels — around 20 minutes per session depending on the area. A visible change often appears after the first treatment, with three or more sessions recommended for the fuller effect, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
- Inflammatory acne — a typical course is 4 treatments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart.
The second session usually produces a less dramatic change than the first, because the most responsive pigment and vessels are cleared early. Many patients return for one or two maintenance sessions a year. Your doctor will determine the course appropriate for you.
What to Expect Afterwards?
- Mild redness and possible swelling for the first 2-3 days, particularly across the cheekbones and around the eyes
- A warm or slightly tingling sensation for up to 3-4 hours after treatment
- Pigmented spots darken over the first 2-3 days, then fade and flake away within about a week — this is part of how the treatment works
- Do not pick or scratch any crusting that forms, as this can lead to scarring
- Avoid sun exposure and use SPF 30 or higher for a month before and after treatment
Consistent sunscreen use meaningfully lowers the risk of post-treatment hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation.
Clinical Evidence
- Photorejuvenation — a study of intense pulsed light in facial skin conditions across 349 patients reported an overall success rate of approximately 92% (Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology, 2007).
- Facial telangiectasia — a study on intense pulsed light for facial telangiectasias reported that 83% of patients showed greater than 50% improvement in cleared vessels (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2001).
- Inflammatory acne — a clinical evaluation of IPL for facial acne vulgaris reported an overall effective rate of approximately 85% (Chinese Journal of Dermatology and Venereology, 2009).
Individual results will vary depending on skin condition, the concern being treated and aftercare.
Please Consult the Doctor First If You
- Have recent sun exposure, a suntan, or have used self-tanning products within the past month
- Are pregnant
- Have an infection, active inflammation or an unhealed wound in the treatment area
- Have recently taken isotretinoin for acne
- Have a history of keloid scarring
- Have a history of skin cancer, or any mole that has changed in appearance
- Have a photosensitive condition or take photosensitising medication
Areas with tattoos or permanent make-up cannot be treated over. This list covers the main precautions only. Full suitability is assessed by the doctor at your appointment.
Consult Dr. Supranee to assess whether this programme is suitable for your skin concerns.
Dr. Supranee consults every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 13.00-18.00
For more information
Call 098-829-0922 or