Clearing up the Confusion; Skincare vs Clinical Treatment and IPL vs BBL

Deciding between skincare and clinical treatments

It’s the decision many of us struggle to choose between when it comes to deciding how to best combat our skin woes. The highly coveted ingredient Retinol is often a popular consideration due to its reputation in treating a range of skin issues, however, is it always the most effective choice? Depending on the intensity and the type of each skin issue, should determine the skin journey you choose to embark on. For instance, those stubborn dark spots and dynamic wrinkles that have graced us with their presence due to factors such as over sun exposure and repetitive muscle movements; the need for clinical intervention is required, if serious results are desired. Wrinkle relaxers are the most effective treatment when it comes to reversing the appearance of deep skin folds. They work by temporarily paralysing the targeted muscles which results in a relaxed and smoothed appearance. The results take about two weeks to appear and will last three to five months. Other clinical treatments such as the laser resurfacing ACTION II, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and moderately deep wrinkles.

Skin tone inconsistency from acne scarring and pigmentation from brown sunspots and red blood vessels are ideally treated with IPL laser treatments such as SOLARI™. Whilst the SkinPen® works its magic to target acne scars, pigmentation, and more, by creating controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural process to heal itself when wounded.

Other skin grievances such as mild pigmentation, acne, and static wrinkles can often be prevented and maintained with medical-grade skincare, with the additional help of occasional individualised treatments. Static wrinkles are those not caused by repetitive movement but rather through genetics, lifestyle factors, and the natural process of decreasing collagen. Ingredients such as Vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, Hyaluronic Acid, and yes, Retinol are likely to contribute to making a difference, the extent of the difference you wish to see should help in determining your personal skincare journey. Allow skincare a couple of months to start to see effective results on such skin issues, if then you are not satisfied, clinical treatments are generally the next best point of action. Amongst your skincare routine, occasional treatments such as the incredible Hydrabrasion, known more commonly as Medical Microdermabrasion is incredible for combating those frustrating blackheads, pimples, and cysts are all caused from a build-up in the pores. Whilst regular dates with the Healite II, will make a significant improvement in eliminating acne-causing bacteria, acne scarring and collagen production and skin rejuvenation.

IPL and BBL – is one really better than the other?

Truth be told, there is actually not much difference between the two. BBL stands for Broad Band Light, and IPL for Intense Pulsed Light. The main difference is in the way they have been marketed.  Both are very effective light therapy treatments that work by delivering a constant, non-invasive steady stream of light energy and heat.

Both IPL and BBL technologies have the following benefits and features;

• Use contact cooling ensuring a comfortable procedure
• Work through the use of a range of light waves that target haemoglobin and melanin and heat the skin to stimulate collagen production
• Ensure results in reducing fine lines, acne scarring, appearance of freckles and sunspots, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone and texture
• Use non-invasive light waves to rejuvenate skin
• Treat skin on any area of the body

Some like to argue that BBL offers more effective results through a higher intensity of light to better heat the skin, however, the two offer the exact same benefits and functions. The number of treatments required for maximum benefit for both treatments varies on the individual patient. The SOLARI™ is a guaranteed safe and effective IPL treatment.