Photofacial: What You Need to Know Before Your Appointment

New ways to reverse skin damage, remove age spots, reduce facial redness and improve texture are always in high demand. Your skin tone changes naturally over time, and sun damage can cause reduced skin elasticity in skin cells. Just a few hours of sun exposure can result in skin discoloration and brown spots.

So, how can you combat the constant abuse your skin takes to reduce signs of aging and promote skin rejuvenation in the deeper layers of skin? This article covers everything you need to know about Photofacial which is a light-based treatment and how they help with an array of skin conditions. 

What Is a Photofacial?

A photofacial, or light-based skin rejuvenation, is a type of facial treatment that uses broadband light, or BBL, to improve the appearance of facial skin. BBL  treatments use light energy that’s absorbed by the skin’s pigment, causing it to break down. This can reduce evidence of sun damage, age spots, redness, and other forms of hyperpigmentation on the skin’s surface. BBL treatment can also stimulate collagen production at the same time, resulting in smoother, firmer skin. Photofacials are typically performed in a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart.

How Does It Work?

BBL light-based skin rejuvenation sessions concentrate a broad spectrum light beam on the skin’s surface to target the pigment that causes brown spots and red spots. To promote collagen creation, the dermis is heated throughout the procedure. Small blood vessels respond by constricting, gradually giving skin a smoother, healthier appearance.

Acne can also be treated using BBL procedures that target and eliminate acne-causing bacteria irritating the skin through the application of precise bursts of light. Scars associated with acne, such as discoloration or redness, can be further targeted with light-based skin rejuvenation treatments. During the treatment, the patient wears protective eyewear to protect against the light emitted by the BBL device.

Who Can Get Photofacial Treatment?

Most people are good candidates for photofacials. However, those with naturally dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI) may be at risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (or PIH) As such, it’s important to consult a qualified skin professional to determine whether BBL photofacial treatment is right for you. 

Can Pregnant Women Get Photofacials?

Most pregnant people can safely get photofacials, but we recommend getting physician approval before undergoing any type of treatment. 

What Does a Photofacial Do?

BBL therapy typically involves multiple laser treatments using different wavelengths of light for optimal results. A skin care specialist uses a handheld device that emits broadband light over a target treatment area for specific concerns. BBLphotofacial uses bright light waves to:

  • Treat skin discoloration
  • Ease multiple skin conditions (including severe acne)
  • Remove unwanted hair from the face
  • Reduce signs of aging
  • Reverse sun damage Promote skin rejuvenation
  • Promote younger-looking skin
  • Reduce diffuse redness on the face
  • Promote new collagen growth
  • Rid broken blood vessels
  • Reduce fine lines
  • Heal broken capillaries and vascular lesions

During a photofacial, the light penetrates from the outer layer of the skin through to deeper layers of skin cells.

Light-based treatment being done on young lady's skin.

Benefits of Photofacials

Phototherapy can reduce symptoms of many common skin issues. It results in younger-looking skin, damage reversal and a clearer complexion. Many people are choosing photofacials over other types of treatments, such as chemical peels, for the following reasons:

  • Less treatment time
  • Less recovery time
  • Long-lasting effects
  • Minimal pain
  • Noninvasive and safe

Does BBL Photofacial Hurt?

BBL treatments are typically well tolerated by patients with only mild discomfort often described as a rubber band snapping. Still, some patients can experience more discomfort with photofacial therapy — especially if they have sensitive skin.

How to Minimize Pain

To minimize discomfort, cool ultrasound gel is applied to the skin. Additionally, the handpiece is equipped with a cooling crystal that helps soothe the skin during the procedure. Overall, BBL light-based skin rejuvenation is a safe and effective treatment with minimal discomfort for most patients.

BBL Photofacial Side Effects

BBLphotofacial laser treatment is a safe and noninvasive treatment for a wide range of common skin concerns. Some side effects are normal and may include:

  • Mild redness
  • Minor swelling
  • Blistering
  • Bruising
  • darkening of pigment 

These mild side effects can last from several days to one week. Your Vitayc skin speicalist will ensure proper at-home steps to reduce redness, swelling and promote a fast healing process. Most individuals will experience just one or two of these side effects; cases where patients experienced all of these together are extremely rare. Severe side effects are also very rare. If you feel your side effects aren’t normal, contact a professional for advice.

Close up photo of BBL light based treatment on skin.

Is BBL Photofacial Worth It?

If you’re considering an BBL photofacial, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the money. While BBL photofacials can be pricey, they offer a number of benefits. First, they’re relatively painless compared to other cosmetic procedures. Second, there’s no downtime needed — you can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.  Finally, BBL photofacials can produce long-lasting results and are generally safe for all people.

Individual Needs

BBL photofacials can be used to treat a variety of skin problems. If you’re looking for a way to improve the appearance of your skin without surgery or injections, BBL could be right for you depending on what type of skin problems you’re experiencing and how much they impact the quality of your life. Talk to a board-certified dermatologist to see if it’s a good fit for your individual needs.

Thinking of Trying BBL Treatments?

Throughout history, people have looked for ways to reverse the effects of aging, remove hair painlessly and improve skin texture. Vitalyc is a leader in the practice of photofacials, and we offer noninvasive treatment to counteract damage. We are dedicated to providing premium medspa services to help you get that confidence you want to achieve. Find out more about our services or schedule an appointment at 866-868-2248, or contact us online for a free consultation. Our team of qualified professionals is ready to tailor an individual treatment program to your needs.