Halo vs. BBL Laser Treatment: What Is the Difference?

The difference between the two lasers is that:

• Halo uses dual laser wavelengths to address texture concerns
• BBL uses broadband light and is better for surface-level pigmentation

But there’s more to know than that! As your skin endures a lot throughout your life such as the sun’s powerful UV rays, environmental pollution, and the natural aging process, it’s important to seek treatments that can help you look and feel your best. BBL and Halo are two popular laser treatments that can help improve the appearance of your skin. While both are safe and effective in treating hyperpigmentation, each has unique advantages. Here is everything you need to know about the difference between Halo and BBL.

What Is BBL?

BBL refers to BroadBand Light. It uses multiple wavelengths of intense pulsed light (IPL) to target and improve many skin conditions through one treatment. BBL treatment is designed to target broken capillaries, redness, rosacea, and brown spots that have developed on the skin. During BBL treatment, the skin’s darker pigments are headed, absorbed, and broken down. This triggers your body’s wound-healing response and improves the appearance of the dark spot. Patients enjoy BBL as it has minimal downtime and discomfort.

What Is Halo?

Halo is another laser-based treatment that is designed to reverse any signs of aging. It is a hybrid laser that uses controlled heat to remove any damaged layers of the skin. This allows fresh, healthy cells to come to the surface. Halo uses both ablative and non-ablative lasers for deep dermal penetration. Patients often report a more youthful appearance. Any downtime associated with Halo is dependent on how severe your condition is and how deep the laser needs to penetrate to yield results.

Similarities and Differences Between Halo and BBL Treatments

Although BBL and Halo have many similarities, it’s important to do your research so you understand which is ideal for your needs.

Treatment Areas and Conditions

Here are some common conditions that both Halo and BBL can treat:

• Sun damage
• Uneven skin tone
• Acne scars
• Age spots
• Texture problems including wrinkles, enlarged pores, and fine lines

BBL is usually preferred for more superficial issues while Halo is ideal for treating the skin’s deeper layers. This means that Halo is often preferred to improve the overall skin texture, however, always factor in your individual needs and how severe your condition is to determine which treatment is best.  

Results

The results of both Halo and BBL are long-lasting and impressive and both are designed to reverse the aging process. If you make it a point to properly protect and maintain your skin, the results of your Halo treatment can last several years. This is due to the increased collagen and elastin production that the treatment offers. 

Your skin cells will continue to produce more collagen and elastic, allowing your skin to return to a youthful state. Make sure to talk to your provider about your desired results and they will be happy to make specific recommendations. 

Number Of Sessions Needed

Many patients note that they see an improvement in their skin tone following their first BBL treatment. Optimal BBL results are usually achieved after 4-6 treatments that are properly spaced out. It’s recommended to keep up with BBL maintenance at least twice per year. 

On the other hand, Halo treatments are very customizable and fit your lifestyle and desired outcome. If you want minimal downtime, you can choose to have many Halo treatments over a period of months. Alternatively, those patients who desire an outcome sooner than that can opt for a singular, more aggressive treatment that requires more recovery time. 

Downtime

The downtime for Halo and BBL treatment depends on how severe your skin conditions are and how deeply your skin needs to be penetrated. It’s standard for the skin to be red and darkened after both procedures. These abnormalities will fade after 5-7 days after treatment. It’s also common for there to be areas of dry and flaky skin that peel within 2-5 days following the treatment.

It’s always advisable to avoid exercise for 24 hours following treatment and steam/sauna conditions for 72 hours after the treatment. Feel free to use makeup roughly one day after the treatment, and always use SPF daily after any light or laser treatment.

Halo vs. BBL: What’s Right Procedure for Me?

Halo/BBL each have their use cases. It’s usually recommended that BBL treatments are used for those who have multiple blemishes on different areas of the body as it is flexible, fast, and less expensive than Halo. If you’re looking for intense facial rejuvenation, Halo treatments are usually preferred. Halo delivers highly focused results that improve the overall condition of the skin within 1-2 sessions. Our team is happy to lead you in the right direction!

Set Up a Consultation with Us Today!

When it comes to your skin, we know that you want to make the right decisions. The Metropolitan Skin Clinic is happy to sit down with you and discuss your skincare needs and goals to come up with a curated treatment plan for you. To learn more differences between Halo and BBL treatments, schedule your initial consultation with us today!