By Lindsey Bowman, RN
If you’re from California—or currently living here—you’ve probably been personally victimized by UV exposure. The sunny, laid-back lifestyle comes with a cost: sunspots, broken blood vessels, and rosacea are all common side effects of prolonged UV exposure. But don’t worry, we’ve got a solution! Phototherapy treatments like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and BBL (Broad Band Light) are game-changers for addressing pigmentation issues and restoring your skin’s natural glow. While they may sound different, IPL and BBL use the same technology—just different brand names.
Understanding Pigmentation: Browns and Reds
Sunspots, Age Spots, and Hyperpigmentation – The Browns
Brown pigment or darkened areas of the skin go by many names: liver spots, sunspots, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. These unwelcome visitors are usually caused by prolonged sun exposure, but other culprits include skin injuries, acne, and hormonal changes. When your skin is exposed to these factors, melanin production ramps up, leading to clusters of tan or brown pigmentation.
These spots can pop up anywhere but are most commonly found on the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. And here’s the kicker—they tend to darken and multiply as we age.
But don’t worry, IPL/BBL treatments can help fade these stubborn spots, giving you back that even skin tone.
Redness, Rosacea, and Broken Blood Vessels – The Reds
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that often shows up as persistent redness or episodic flushing, especially on the cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead. It can also present with pustules (those pesky ‘pimples’) and broken blood vessels, known as telangiectasias or ‘spider veins.’ Other symptoms might include burning or stinging sensations.
While the exact cause of rosacea is still a mystery, many experts believe increased inflammation plays a role. Genetics and environmental factors like UV exposure are also potential triggers. If rosacea runs in your family, you might be more prone to it. Regardless of the cause, IPL/BBL offers an effective way to manage redness and restore balance to your skin.
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How Can IPL/BBL Help?
IPL/BBL is a non-invasive phototherapy treatment that uses light energy to target and destroy unwanted pigments in the skin. The technology behind it, known as selective photothermolysis, uses thermal energy (heat) to specifically target chromophores—components in our skin responsible for absorbing and reflecting pigment. These chromophores are what give us those brown spots, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and broken blood vessels.
The beauty of selective photothermolysis is that it only targets unwanted pigment, leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. The result? A clearer, more even complexion with reduced browns and reds.
What Else Does IPL/BBL Do?
Beyond just tackling pigmentation, IPL/BBL offers a range of skin rejuvenation benefits. The light energy heats the top layers of your skin, triggering your body’s natural healing process and stimulating new collagen production. This helps improve:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin texture and tone
- Overall skin quality
What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Appointment
Before Your Appointment:
- Avoid sun exposure, retinols, acids, and exfoliants for 5-7 days
- We encourage using SkinMedica’s Even & Correct Serum or Alastin’s Regenerating Nectar before treatment.
- Arrive with a clean face (no makeup, please!).
- To minimize redness and swelling, consider pre-medicating with an antihistamine like Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Claritin.
During Your Appointment:
- We’ll take photos for your chart to track progress.
- Your skin will be cleansed, and ultrasound gel will be applied.
- Treatment begins! You’ll feel a warm sensation, like a rubber band snap—it’s fairly comfortable.
After Your Appointment:
- You can apply makeup right after the treatment.
- Expect some skin sensitivity for 3-5 days.
- Avoid sun exposure, retinols, acids, and exfoliants for another 5-7 days.
- Mild redness and swelling may occur and can last up to 2-3 days.
- Around day 3-5, you might notice a ‘coffee ground’ appearance on the treated areas—don’t scrub or exfoliate! Let it naturally slough off.
- Continue to use Even and Correct or Alastin Regenerating Nectar
Is IPL/BBL Right for You?
If you’re struggling with brown spots, redness, or rosacea, IPL/BBL could be the perfect solution for you. Not only does it tackle pigmentation issues, but it also serves as an excellent maintenance treatment for overall anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. With little to no downtime—you can even wear makeup right after—it’s convenient for those with busy schedules.
Ready to say goodbye to those pesky browns and reds? Contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss how IPL/BBL can help you achieve your skin goals. We can’t wait to help you put your best face forward!
