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IPL Photofacial vs. BBL: What’s the Difference? – May 2024

Updated: October 6, 2022

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IPL photofacial and BBL treatments are two of the most popular laser skin treatments available today. They are often used to reduce the appearance of skin redness, sun damage, and other signs of aging. But what’s the difference between them? In this blog post, we will compare IPL photofacials and BBLs and help you decide which treatment is right for you!

What is an IPL and what does it do?

IPL photofacials use intense pulsed light (IPL) to target and destroy the damaged skin cells that cause redness, sun damage, and other signs of aging.

The light energy is absorbed by the damaged cells, causing them to break apart and be eliminated by the body. IPL photofacials are often used to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, reduce redness, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What is a BBL?

A BBL and an IPL are very similar, with the main differences being in the technicalities. BBLs (broadband light) use a different wavelength of light than IPLs. The light energy from a BBL penetrates deeper into the skin, targeting the cells that produce pigment.

Similar to IPL treatments, BBL treatments are often used to improve the appearance of sun damage, age spots, and other signs of aging. They can also be used to reduce the appearance of redness and vascularity (visible blood vessels).

Which is better?

While both IPLs and BBLs are considered highly effective treatments, BBLs are capable of penetrating the skin more deeply than IPLs. This means that BBL treatments can be more effective at treating sun damage, age spots, and other signs of aging. However, it also means that BBL treatments may be more likely to cause side effects such as bruising and swelling and could lead to more downtime.

Which treatment is right for me?

IPL photofacials and BBLs are both effective treatments for reducing the appearance of sun damage, redness, and other signs of aging. However, there are some minor differences between the two treatments that may make one more suitable for you than the other. The main difference between the two is cost and downtime, as BBLs typically cost more than IPLs and may have the risk of higher downtime.

The bottom line

If you’re not sure which treatment is right for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our expert skin care providers. They will be able to assess your individual needs and help you choose the treatment that’s best for you!

Contact us today to schedule your consultation! We look forward to helping you achieve your goals!

ipl photofacial or bbl whats the difference

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Staff Spotlight

Lauren Siso, Esthetician

Lauren has been medical aesthetician and laser practitioner for over 10 years and is passionate about helping her clients achieve their best skin possible. Lauren truly believes that everyone deserves to feel confident in their own skin and is dedicated to helping her clients achieve that goal!

lauren siso performing dermaplaning treatment
Lauren Siso, Medical Aesthetician at ELLEMES Medical Spa

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