Light-based treatments have revolutionized how we address common skin concerns like sun damage, age spots and rosacea. While intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacials have been a mainstay in aesthetic medicine for decades, BroadBand Light® (BBL) is the next generation of photorejuvenation technology. When patients visit us at our Naperville location asking about the differences between these treatments, we share our experience with both technologies and explain why BBL has become our preferred choice for achieving outstanding results.
What Is IPL?
IPL technology uses multiple wavelengths of light to target various skin concerns. Think of it as a flash of light, similar to a camera flash, that penetrates the skin’s surface to address issues like hyperpigmentation and facial redness. The light energy converts to heat when it reaches its target, removing damaged or pigmented cells to restore a clearer, more even complexion.
What Is BBL?
At its core, BBL is essentially an upgraded version of IPL. Developed by Sciton, an industry leader in energy-based devices, BBL is widely considered the gold standard in photofacial technology, featuring a novel design that translates into a more powerful, precise and comfortable treatment. It is also more efficient — it could take five or more IPL treatments to achieve the same results you’d see with BBL after one to three. Your provider can customize the device with unprecedented accuracy, adjusting settings like wavelength and pulse width based on your skin type (and concerns) to ensure the safest and most effective treatments.
The Evolution from IPL to BBL
IPL technology was developed in the 1990s as one of the first broad spectrum light-based treatments for addressing photodamage and skin irregularities. While effective for its time, IPL systems have limitations in terms of precision, consistency and range of treatable conditions.
BBL is hailed as a significant advancement in photofacial technology, delivering higher energy levels with greater accuracy and improved results. The system’s sophisticated capabilities allow for more targeted treatments that can treat specific skin concerns while protecting the surrounding tissue, making it possible to achieve better outcomes in fewer sessions.
Is Either a Laser?
Neither IPL nor BBL are lasers, but both are light-based therapies. What exactly is the difference? A laser delivers a beam of light that is monochromatic, coherent and highly selective, which means it uses a single wavelength to target a specific chromophore and trigger a reaction — like the melanin in a hair follicle or brown spot, the hemoglobin in blood vessels, or the water in soft tissues. In contrast, IPL and BBL are polychromatic, using a broad spectrum of visible light to treat certain skin conditions and restore a more youthful appearance.
Lasers prefer more exact, defined targets, like the pigment found in hair, while IPL and BBL are ideal for treating diffuse targets, such as facial redness — it’s one of the reasons we prefer lasers over IPL for removing unwanted hair. However, polychromatic light is still beneficial for your skin, especially when using an advanced device like the BBL® HERO™ from Sciton.
Key Differences Between IPL and BBL
Treatment Precision & Power
BBL HERO utilizes Quick Change Smart Filters™ and dual-lamp technology to deliver more precise, powerful treatments. Our team can adjust the energy output based on your skin type and concerns, ensuring optimal results while maintaining your comfort. More traditional IPL systems, by comparison, do not offer the same level of customization or control over the light energy delivered into your skin, which affects the efficiency and outcome of treatment.
Comfort & Safety
BBL HERO features an integrated sapphire crystal cooling mechanism that maintains your skin’s temperature throughout treatment. This advanced cooling technology allows for higher energy settings while keeping you comfortable. Traditional IPL treatments often require lower power settings to prevent discomfort, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Treatment Time
BBL can treat larger areas more quickly than traditional IPL systems. The device’s advanced technology allows for faster pulses and broader coverage, significantly reducing your time in the treatment chair. A full-face treatment with BBL typically takes about 30 minutes, compared to 45 – 60 minutes with IPL. You can also achieve your desired results in fewer sessions.
Range of Applications
BBL offers versatility that surpasses the capabilities of traditional IPL. Whether you’re dealing with the signs of aging or specific skin conditions, BBL can effectively treat:
- Sun damage and age spots
- Facial redness and rosacea
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Vascular lesions
- Active acne
- Skin laxity
- Uneven skin texture
- Enlarged pores
BBL’s sophisticated technology can tackle various skin concerns in a single treatment session, saving you time while delivering superior results.
Long-Term Benefits
Research has shown that BBL can actually change the genetic expression of skin cells to behave more youthfully. A landmark study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology demonstrated that regular BBL treatments can alter the expression of genes associated with aging, essentially making your skin look and act younger at a molecular level.
Making Your Choice
The decision between IPL and BBL depends on more than just the technology itself. Every patient’s skin tells a unique story, and choosing the right treatment requires thoughtful consideration of your individual needs, goals and circumstances.
When evaluating your options, consider these factors:
- Treatment goals and skin concerns
- Desired timeline for results
- Budget and treatment frequency
- Skin type and tone
While IPL can still effectively treat certain skin conditions, BBL HERO offers superior results with little to no downtime. The advanced technology, improved comfort and documented long-term benefits make it an excellent investment in your skin’s health and appearance.
The SMooth Solutions Difference
At SMooth Solutions Medspa, we’ve chosen to offer BBL HERO treatments exclusively because we believe in providing our clients with the most advanced and effective solutions available. As Naperville’s leading experts in energy-based devices, our experienced practitioners have extensive training with BBL technology and can customize treatments to address your specific concerns while ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the process.
Transform Your Skin With BBL Technology
The science behind BBL’s superiority is clear – from its precise targeting capabilities to its proven ability to change how your skin ages at a cellular level. At SMooth Solutions Medspa in Naperville, we’ve seen remarkable transformations in our patients who choose BBL treatments, achieving results that surpass traditional IPL therapy.
Take the first step toward revitalized skin by scheduling a consultation at our Naperville location. Our expert team will evaluate your skin’s unique needs and develop a customized treatment plan just for you. Get started by calling us today at 630-381-8952. You can also get started with convenient online booking or by using our FREE virtual consultation tool.