IPL (intense Pulsed Light) or BBL (Broad Band Light) as it is known in the USA is a versatile tool. By changing the filters used and other parameters it can be used for the treatment of active acne, pigmented lesions, vascular problems such as Telangiectasia, skin rejuvenation and hair removal. Although in several of these applications there are laser solutions that are more effective and offer faster results the versatility of IPL and its relatively low initial cost are major benefits.
The use of BBL for Skin Rejuvenation
An emerging application for IPL is its use in BBL mode for skin rejuvenation. Research by Dr Bitter and colleagues at Stamford University in California has suggested that regular ( 2 - 4 treatments /year) can significantly slow the appearance of aging of the skin. Further research has also shown that BBL treatments are having an effect at the gene expression level and are tending to reduce the aging effects in key gene expressions.
In this respect BBL treatments have become a prophylactic anti aging approach, which is already popular in Japan and gaining ground in the USA and Europe.
