BroadBand Light (BBL) has become one of today’s most popular skin treatments for a reason: It’s fast, gentle, and effective, and it won’t cost you major time away from your usual routine. Whether you are looking to fade freckles, reduce redness, or simply give your skin tone a more even and youthful appearance, this light-based therapy can make it happen.
All it takes is a few simple aftercare steps to bounce back from your treatment and get your skin looking the best it has in years. Read on to learn all about what to do (and what not to do) in the days and weeks following your BBL session.
Soothe the Sunburned Sensation
Redness and warmth that looks and feels like a sunburn are normal for a few hours after a BBL treatment. This typically subsides the same day, but there are some steps you can take to soothe your skin in the meantime.
Start by taking an over-the-counter pain relief medication to ease any discomfort. Throughout the rest of the day, keep your skin cool by applying a cold compress or a soft, damp cloth for a few minutes at a time.
Resist the Urge Pick at Dark Spots
If you’re trying BBL to get rid of freckles or dark spots, you may be surprised to see them getting even darker for a few days following your treatment. Don’t worry—this is temporary. Within a week or so, these spots will naturally slough off and leave behind a more evenly pigmented complexion.
Here’s the hard part: You will need to avoid picking or scrubbing at these spots, as tempting as it may be. Picking too soon may leave behind a scar or discoloration. Let these spots naturally fall off on their own—the results will be well worth the patience.
Use Gentle Moisturizing Products
Opt for a gentle, unscented cleanser and moisturizer to keep your skin clean and hydrated as it recovers. Do not use drying or exfoliating topical products, such as those that contain:
- Retinol
- Glycolic acid
- Salicylic acid
If you’re unsure what to reach for, our aestheticians will happily recommend their favorite post-BBL skincare products during your visit.
Stay Out of the Sun
For 4 weeks before and after your BBL treatment, do your absolute best to avoid prolonged sun exposure or tanning beds. No matter the season, follow the No. 1 summer skincare tip and diligently wear SPF—preferably a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Keep the sun protection up between your treatments if you have multiple sessions. Your skin will be extra sensitive to UV rays after each visit.
As Healthline recommends, make sure to let your provider know about any medications you take, as some can cause increased photosensitivity.
Wear Makeup With Caution
You can put makeup on right away, as long as you don’t have any blisters or areas where your skin is too sensitive. When you take your makeup off, use removers that won’t dry your skin out, and be careful not to scrub at the surface.
Before long, you may not feel the need to cover up with cosmetics at all. Just take a look at the results you can expect in our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you would like to learn more about laser skin resurfacing or BBL treatments at our medical spa near Washington, DC, please request a consultation online or call (703) 560-2850.
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