BBL Photofacial: What Is It + How Does It Work?
Is your skin feeling dull, uneven or just a little lackluster?
A BBL photofacial treatment offers a non-invasive way to manage a variety of common skin concerns, from dark spots to premature aging and everything in between.
So what exactly is a BBL and how does it work? You’re about to be just as big of a fan of the BBL photofacial as we are!
So, what is a BBL photofacial?
The BBL photofacial relies on a type of high-intensity light known as broadband. Our providers use a specialized machine to harness that light and direct it to your areas of concern. This machine also lets us customize the wavelength, which is why we can use it for many skin care concerns.
There’s even a specific filter that can target the bacteria behind most blemishes — P. acnes.
As the light affects your skin, it becomes photothermal energy and gently warms up the top layers. Photothermal energy does several different things to the skin, like reducing unwanted pigment (melanin), stimulating skin cell regeneration and promoting collagen production.
BBL photofacials offer some of the most immediate results of any cosmetic treatment. Results are so quick that our providers will constantly assess your skin during the treatment to watch for improvement. Doing this allows them to alter treatment to help you get your best results.
What can BBL photofacials treat?
BBL photofacials are one of the most all-inclusive cosmetic treatments on the market. But that doesn’t mean it loses anything by not being more targeted. The treatment is excellent for overall skin rejuvenation, but it really shines when used for:
- Areas of hyperpigmentation (such as dark spots, sun spots, age spots, etc.)
- Redness
- Breakouts
- Loose, aging skin
- Visible blood vessels
- Uneven skin texture
But you don’t have to take our word for it! BBL photofacials have also been the subject of plenty of research and the treatment has been FDA-approved.
We perform BBL photofacials most frequently on the face, but they can also be used on the back of your hands, neck, shoulders, upper arms and chest.
What does a BBL photofacial feel like?
The idea of “high-intensity” light can sound scary and many people put off scheduling an appointment because they’re worried about what it will feel like. Because knowledge is power, we want you to know exactly what to expect, but remember that everyone’s pain tolerance and experience of discomfort are different.
Our providers start every BBL photofacial by applying a clear, cold gel to the targeted areas. You’ll also be given some cool-looking eyewear to put on during your treatment to protect your eyes from the powerful broadband light.
Think of it like not looking directly at an eclipse! It’s tempting, but it can damage your vision.
When treatment begins, you’ll feel a warming sensation as the photothermal energy starts to work its magic. Some people also describe a feeling similar to the snap of a rubber band. Although briefly uncomfortable, this feeling means the BBL photofacial is working!
What to expect after a BBL photofacial
One of the best parts about a BBL photofacial is that you’ll need minimal downtime after treatment. Who wants to worry about their appearance after getting treatment to improve it? That defeats the point, right?
Our providers apply serums and SPF on your skin immediately afterward, which helps hydrate and protect your skin as it heals and regenerates. However, you may still notice some pinkness and sensitivity (similar to a mild sunburn) for a day or two.
The good news is, unlike with some other cosmetic treatments, you can safely use concealer, tinted moisturizer or foundation to cover it up.
If you’re planning to get a BBL photofacial to treat areas of hyperpigmentation, be aware that those areas may appear temporarily darker as they heal. However, this effect shouldn’t last more than a week or two before the skin flakes off or fades.
To help speed up the healing process, avoid touching or picking at your skin. We also recommend avoiding extreme heat (hot tubs, saunas, etc.) for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Will I need more than one treatment?
No cosmetic treatment is one-size-fits-all, so you’ll need to schedule a skin consultation with one of our advanced practice providers to get a customized plan. However, for most of our patients, effective BBL photofacial therapy requires a series of a few treatments.
Expect between one and three appointments before you reach your optimal results.
Luckily, BBL photofacials don’t take very much time. If you’ve got 20 minutes, you can start to work your way toward the skin of your dreams. Many people can even fit in treatment during their lunch hour!
Avoid the sun before (and after) your BBL photofacial
It’s always essential to use sunscreen (with an SPF over 35), no matter how old you are or what your skin concerns may be. However, because BBL photofacials use high-intensity light that impacts the skin in a similar way to the sun, you must avoid it before your appointment.
We strongly urge you to stay out of the sun as much as possible for three weeks before your appointment and then again for three weeks afterward.
Our providers won’t be able to perform a BBL photofacial on skin with recent sun exposure or tanning, so save yourself the reschedule and apply your sunscreen consistently.
To sum things up...
BBL photofacials are quick, easy and require minimal downtime to achieve optimal results. If you’ve been struggling with dark spots, redness, age-related concerns or nearly any other skin issues, call us to see if a BBL photofacial will work for you.
You can be on your way to your best skin in just a few minutes with Skin Pharm!
SOURCES:
Photopneumatic technology for the treatment of acne vulgaris | PMC
