BBL (broadband light therapy) and its predecessor IPL (intense pulsed light therapy) are renowned for undoing sun damage including brown spots. However, this powerful technology can do much more, which is why it is one of the most popular lasers at VIDA. BBL is a non-invasive light energy procedure designed to reverse the signs of aging—and that includes enlarged pores. The light energy is delivered to the deepest layers of the skin in order to kick-start cell regeneration.
The signs of aging are many, including skin laxity, poor tone, subpar texture, and of course lines, wrinkles, brown spots—and bigger pores. A split-faced, randomized, control study in 2021 found that BBL is an effective tool for minimizing pores. The full results can be found in Journal of Dermatological Treatment. It is one of the first studies that focuses exclusively on enlarged pores and BBL treatment.
Turning Back the Clock with BBL
The study considered 25 patients who underwent five BBL treatments spaced two weeks apart. This is a fairly aggressive approach, and keep in mind that your unique BBL treatment (including number of initial treatments and how far apart they are) will be discussed during your consultation. The patients then underwent BBL on half their face, while the other half of their face served as the “control” area.
The researchers looked at various objective measurements via VISIA-CR imaging. They examined how much sebum (oil) the skin released, water loss of the skin, and hydration levels of the skin throughout the study. Prior to the treatment, the average number of facial pores of the participants was 835.88. This dropped to 801.44 after BBL treatments. No long-term side effects were reported, though redness is common for a while after BBL treatments and any dark spots tend to get darker before “sloughing away.”
What to Know About BBL
Of course, the number of pores wasn’t actually reduced. We are born with a certain number of pores, and those pores can be enlarged or minimized over time by a number of factors. Instead, this “reduction” in pores is actually a reduction in the appearance of pores. When pores are shrunk to a small enough size, they are no longer detectable.
Look at a child’s face and you won’t be able to spot any pores most of the time. As we get older, our skin becomes more lax, we secrete more sebum, and our pores tend to get clogged. This clogging can be caused by sebum, topicals (like sunscreen or makeup), sweat, pollution, and dead skin cells. While clogged pores aren’t harmful, they are unsightly and can make a person seem older than they are.
A Case for BBL in the Summer
Most of the time, it is recommended that BBL be enjoyed as a winter treatment. That’s the season where you can undo sun damage of years past. It is important to avoid the sun for a couple of weeks after a BBL treatment in order to allow for maximum healing while your skin is vulnerable. However, considering that BBL clearly addresses more than “just” brown spots, BBL can also be a great summer treatment.
This time of year, you might notice your skin is oilier than normal. If you want to keep your skin (and pores) in check, starting your series of BBL sessions right now can be a great approach to summer skin care. You don’t need to avoid the sun entirely after your session, but a renewed commitment to sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for a couple of weeks is a good idea.
VIDA is home to an impressive array of laser and energy-based devices like BBL. Not every laser is the right fit for every client, but BBL is a good match for many skin tones, types, and concerns. In some cases, it can be best to mix and match lasers and light energy devices. Find out which technologies are right for you during a consultation. Connect with VIDA today by calling the office, or simply complete the online contact form for the quickest response.
