Do you have sun-damaged skin or a ruddy complexion? When it comes to reversing damage to the skin caused by the sun and other skin issues, IPL and BBL are the most popular laser services to consider.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. An IPL device uses multiple wavelengths to treat sun damage, age spots, and visible veins to improve skin texture. There’s some confusion on the difference between IPL and BBL, which stands for Broadband Light. To simplify, BBL is a type of IPL. The term was coined by the Sciton company to differentiate it from other IPL devices.

What is BBL and How Does it Work?

BBL is touted as a highly advanced version of IPL. Compared to IPL, BBL boasts superior accuracy, safety, and efficacy. What also sets BBL apart from other photorejuvenation therapies is its ability to treat darker skin.

Often, topical products are not enough to penetrate the deeper layers of skin. For optimal results, it’s best to complement your regular skincare routine with proven, effective treatments like BBL that help restore skin.

BBL works by carefully directing controlled light energy over the treatment area. The visible light spectrum involves violet to red colors, and it does not include ultraviolet light, which is what causes sun damage and skin cancer. The completely safe light energy is converted to heat as it approaches the target. The upper layers of the skin are heated gently, stimulating skin cells in the target area to regenerate.

For age spots or brown spots, the BBL reaches the pigment by penetrating the skin, fading the dark spot so that it will eventually lighten to match the surrounding skin. BBL also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers, which leads to smoother skin texture, more even skin tone, and a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, freckles, and age spots.

Patients who have undergone BBL treatments for sun-damaged skin describe the procedure as bearable, claiming it feels like a series of tiny rubber-bands are snapping the treatment area. There is some discomfort, particularly in more sensitive areas. It boils down to individual pain tolerance. For this reason, a topical anesthetic is typically applied.

One of the best things about BBL is that there is no downtime associated with the treatment. You will, however, experience some redness similar to a sunburn. Expect the treated area to darken over the next 1-2 weeks. The skin will heal and slough off, revealing new, smoother skin. Because the skin is sensitive after treatment and the weeks following, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun. Sun exposure may result in severe sunburns.

At CüR Laser and Skin, we carry the Sciton Forever Young BBL. As a system that is widely regarded as the most powerful IPL device on the market today for improving color, tone, and texture of the skin, it can be used to treat a wide range of skin issues. Not only can it help with sun damage, but the system’s multiple settings allow us to treat age spots and even spider veins and other small, visible veins. It can also be used to reduce and correct acne, facial flushing, or rosacea.

When performed by a certified technician or practioner, Sciton BBL can offer long-lasting results and little-to-no downtime. The whole procedure will take about an hour or less, depending on the size of the treatment area. To get the best results, it’s ideal to do a series of treatments. It’s rare to get the desired or optimal effects after just one procedure. We will also recommend the best skin products that will help you maintain your new skin and investment for longer.