Living in the Pacific Northwest, we often underestimate the power of the sun. Whether it’s UV exposure from summer boating on Lake Washington or the reflection off the snow during ski season, our skin accumulates damage year-round.
For residents in Bellevue searching for ways to correct this damage, BroadBand Light (BBL™) Therapy frequently appears as a top recommendation. But what exactly is it? Is it a laser? Is it a facial?
Below, we break down the science behind this advanced technology and explain why it is a widely adopted intense pulsed light (IPL) device on the market today.
Defining BBL: Not Quite a Laser
While often grouped with laser treatments, BBL is technically a high-intensity form of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).
Unlike a traditional laser, which uses a single, focused wavelength of light, BBL utilizes a broad spectrum of light wavelengths (hence the name "BroadBand"). This allows the device to target multiple skin concerns simultaneously.
The technology, developed by Sciton®, delivers pulses of light energy into the upper layers of the skin. This energy gently heats the skin’s surface, stimulating renewed cell production.
How It Works: Targeting "Reds and Browns"
The primary function of BBL is to target specific chromophores—elements in the skin that hold color. The device is versatile because it can be filtered to target two distinct issues:
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Melanin (Browns): The light energy is absorbed by excess pigment in sun spots, age spots, and freckles. The heat breaks down this pigment, which causes the spots to darken and eventually flake off.
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Hemoglobin (Reds): The light targets the blood vessels responsible for redness, broken capillaries, and rosacea. The heat collapses these tiny vessels, making them less visible on the skin's surface.
BBL vs. Traditional IPL: What is the Difference?
Patients often ask if BBL is the same as the IPL treatments that have been around for decades. While the concept is similar, BBL has a few distinct characteristics.
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Power and Precision: BBL is a truly powerful IPL device, delivering light energy more efficiently than older systems.
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Safety and Comfort: BBL features advanced cooling technology that keeps the skin surface cool while the heat targets the lower layers, making the treatment more comfortable.
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Customization: Because of its broad range of wavelengths, providers can customize the treatment for different skin types and specific conditions in a single session.
Beyond Just Skin Correction
One of the most distinct aspects of BroadBand Light therapy is its ability to do more than just correct damage—it may actually change how skin ages.
A study by Stanford University found that regular BBL treatments can alter the gene expression of aged skin cells. The study suggested that skin treated with BBL periodically appeared to have a genetic profile closer to younger skin, suggesting that the treatment is effective not just for fixing past damage, but for maintaining skin health over the long term.
What Conditions Does BBL Treat?
Because of its versatility, BBL is often the go-to recommendation for:
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Sun Damage: Removing sun spots and solar lentigines on the face, chest, hands, and shoulders.
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Rosacea and Redness: Reducing generalized facial flushing and visible spider veins.
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Acne: Utilizing blue light filters to kill acne-causing bacteria deep in the pores.
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Skin Texture: Stimulating collagen to improve firmness and reduce fine lines.
What to Expect After a BroadBand Light Treatment
After your BroadBand Light (BBL) treatment, you may experience mild redness or warmth in the treated areas, similar to a light sunburn, but these effects typically subside within a few hours, making BBL a convenient option for those with busy schedules. However, following post-treatment care instructions is important, including avoiding direct sun exposure and applying sunscreen regularly to protect your skin.
Results from BBL may be seen within as little as a week, revealing clearer, brighter, and more even-toned skin. As collagen production increases over time, you’ll notice improvements in skin texture and a reduction in fine lines, pigmentation, and sun damage.
Summary
BroadBand Light Therapy allows for non-invasive skin rejuvenation. By harnessing the power of light to target pigment and stimulate collagen, it offers a solution for the specific skin concerns we see most often here in Bellevue—sun damage, redness, and early signs of aging. Learn more by speaking with one of our specialists.
