Enlarged pores can be a struggle to treat. At Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, one of the most effective treatments for this common condition is broadband light (BBL) therapy. It is the second generation of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and can be used to manage several issues including rosacea, light scarring, skin laxity, hyperpigmentation, and much more. It is often considered part of the laser family, but it actually uses energy-based energy. A recent study in the Journal for Dermatological Treatment assessed the effectiveness of BBL specifically for enlarged pores and found that it is a safe treatment that works.
The study, published in 2021, describes BBL as a non-ablative, non-invasive skin tightening treatment that has shown positive results for many skin conditions in various studies. However, analyzing how well BBL shrinks pore size has rarely been done and has not been reported at all in peer-reviewed journals. The authors set out to determine both the efficacy and safety of BBL treatments for large pores using a measuring technique.
Results are In for BBL
The relatively small study included 25 patients. Each received five BBL treatments every two weeks. It is not uncommon for lasers to require multiple rounds of treatments for optimal results regardless of what issue is being treated. For each participant, half of their face was treated with BBL and the other half was not, serving as the control side. Quantitative information was gathered via pore measurement using a VISIA-CR imaging system. Additionally, evaluation of skin sebum, skin surface hydration, elasticity, and trans-epidermal water loss were measured using various standard devices.
Before treatment, the average number of pores on the face was just over 835. This reduced to 801 after full treatment. However, it is important to note that no treatment actually removes pores. Instead, the pores had shrunk such a degree that they were no longer measurable. The researchers conclude that BBL is safe and “mildly effective” for reducing detectable pores.
Maximizing Results
Pores are enlarged for various reasons, most often due to debris lodging within them. BBL is not going to actually remove debris from the pores, but rather works to tighten the skin. If you want to tackle enlarged pores, routine treatments that include extractions are going to be helpful. This can be combined with BBL to further tighten the skin (and, in turn, shrink the appearance of pores). Those with excess sebum may also benefit from procedures that control oil production, which is prone to clogging the pores. Finally, using medical-grade skin care products at home can help improve the quality of skin including pore size.
Combining in-office treatments like extractions with at-home regimens while undergoing routine laser skin rejuvenation every few months is a popular approach for many clients. One of the best things about BBL is that it is safe for men and women with all skin tones and types. Considering it helps with various conditions, you will also benefit from results beyond “just” shrunken pores. It is especially popular for treating hyperpigmentation, in which the brown spots literally flake away like coffee grounds a few days after each treatment.
Caring for the Skin You’re In
Our skin is our largest organ and it is always changing—this means your treatments should keep up and adjust, too. This is especially true with changing seasons. What worked a few months ago may no longer work and that’s why you deserve to have experts in your corner.
Combination therapies that include BBL will help you get better results faster. Thanks to the design of BBL technology, you can also undergo other therapies during the same treatment in many cases. For example, microneedling can also help with enlarged pores (and works best with ongoing sessions every 4 – 6 weeks). We can work together to create a customized plan just for you that takes your skin’s needs and your goals into account. To find out more and schedule a consultation or appointment for BBL, get in touch with us today. Call Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care or complete the online contact form.