BBL® HERO™ TREATMENTS

For acne treatment, there is a highly effective protocol called Forever Clear BBL™.

First, blue light destroys Cutibacterium acnes (acne bacteria). Next, yellow/broadband light reduces inflammation and redness. Finally, the infrared stage (SkinTyte) stimulates healing and reduces the risk of post-acne marks. Together, these steps target acne at its source by reducing Cutibacterium acnes bacteria and the inflammation they drive.

Concerns such as a constantly red face, easily flushed skin, a red décolleté area, and rosacea can often be improved with BBL. The doctor selects the appropriate filter to direct light toward hemoglobin. Hemoglobin absorbs the light emitted by BBL. That light is converted into thermal energy and begins heating capillaries and superficial vessels. Then controlled heating coagulates proteins, thickens the vessel wall, and partially or fully closes the vessel so visible redness disappears.

After the procedure, the body gradually breaks down the closed vessels and reduces visible redness. Skin tone becomes more even. Keep in mind that BBL works with superficial vessels, not large veins.

After BBL, the body triggers natural repair processes, and in the first days there may be mild redness, sensitivity, and possible slight swelling but without pain, crusting, or blisters. This settles quickly and is generally quite comfortable.

The doctor selects the appropriate filter to target melanin. Under the effect of light and heat, melanin breaks into micro-particles.

BBL breaks pigment into micro-particles. Some of them rise to the surface of the skin and gradually shed, and some are removed naturally through the lymphatic system. As a result, spots lighten and skin tone becomes more even. If pigment spots were large, they may initially darken after the procedure and then shed within about 5 days. This is how the skin eliminates unwanted pigment.

If you’re interested in pigmentation in more detail, read our article on Hyperpigmentation.

BBL triggers “molecular processes” that make cells “younger” at the level of DNA and proteins. It activates genes that stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, suppresses genes associated with ageing, and increases expression of “youthful” genes. Procedures have a cumulative effect. This is supported by research (Chang et al., Stanford, 2012). In patients who do BBL regularly from age 30, skin “ages more slowly” at the gene-expression level ("Rejuvenation of Gene Expression Pattern of Aged Human Skin by Broadband Light Treatment: A Pilot Study").

Before BBL, a clear cooling contact gel is applied and protective goggles are worn. During the procedure, the patient experiences a bright flash of light and quick, light snaps like a rubber band against the skin. In sensitive areas (nose, lips), you may feel warmth, mild tingling, or mild burning. Compared to laser resurfacing, BBL is dramatically gentler.

Many people are scared because the skin is red immediately afterward, but BBL is a no-downtime procedure. Usually, you can be seen in public the next day. Just make sure to use sunscreen.

You can read real patient reviews on our main page and on Google.

Yes, it can.

It’s very common for clients to come to our clinic with more than one concern, and that’s completely normal. Especially after age 30, problem skin may be accompanied by accumulated pigmentation, visible vessels, rosacea, and “the cherry on top”: age-related changes such as lines and wrinkles.

Usually, with this combination, during the first procedure we treat the vessels with BBL first, reducing redness and vascular reactivity. After recovery, we can move on to combined treatment for acne and pigmentation and skin-texture renewal using other BBL filters and the MOXI laser, plus SkinTyte (infrared light). In some cases, multiple steps can be done in one visit, depending on individual factors. These are highly effective but non-aggressive procedures.

Because BBL triggers “molecular processes” that make cells “younger” at the level of DNA and proteins, skin quality and tone can be significantly improved. In any case, the plan is always individualized after a doctor’s examination. Book a free consultation at Promeds Clinic in Derby or Cambridge to receive an individual treatment plan.

BBL, MOXI, and SkinTyte by Sciton can be used together in one procedure and deliver the best effects. While BBL improves skin from within, the fractional MOXI laser is used to improve the skin surface. As mentioned earlier, BBL is the best solution for rosacea, pigmentation, and acne. MOXI improves tone and smoothness; SkinTyte (infrared light) improves firmness, reduces pores, provides an anti-ageing effect, and removes pigmentation from the upper layers of the skin.

The term “BBL” has become marketing. Not every device is BBL. In the Asian market, there are other IPL devices presented as BBL. After BBL became popular, many brands began calling their IPL “BBL,” although the original BBL is Sciton technology. BBL (BroadBand Light) is not just a generic name, it is a registered trademark (brand) of Sciton (USA). The correct full name is: BroadBand Light by Sciton.

If a clinic advertises BBL but the platform name is not Joule/mJoule and the Sciton brand is not mentioned, then the clinic is using standard IPL, not BBL. True BBL exists ONLY on the Sciton Joule/mJoule platform with a BBL / BBL HERO handpiece, and these are among the most expensive platforms in the world. Sciton has invested in research over the last 30 years, and the quality of this technology is undeniable.

You can verify whether a clinic uses genuine BBL by Sciton on the Sciton website. At Promeds Clinic, we use the original BBL technology. You can verify it by clicking here and typing "Derby" in the City field on Sciton's website.

If a clinic advertises BBL but the platform name is not Joule/mJoule and Sciton is not mentioned, then it is standard IPL, not BBL. True BBL exists ONLY on the Sciton Joule/mJoule platform with a BBL / BBL HERO handpiece.

The difference will be noticeable in how it feels during the procedure. True BBL feels like warm clicks, has built-in cooling, and is comfortable. Other IPL devices can cause stronger heating, burning, sometimes uneven flashes, and sometimes the smell of overheated skin. It’s not the same thing, even though both are light-based.

BBL results are typically faster and achieved in fewer sessions, while IPL devices (from expensive to cheap) can also reduce pigment but more gently and more slowly, requiring more sessions. IPL is usually cheaper per session, but when you compare session count and effectiveness, BBL tends to win. In other words, 2–3 BBL sessions can be comparable in effectiveness to 5–6 IPL sessions.

Sciton, Inc. was founded in 1997 in the USA (California, Palo Alto). The founders are engineers and laser-physics specialists focused on medical laser technology rather than “salon” cosmetic devices. The name “Sciton” combines the words Science and Photon, reflecting a scientific approach to light technologies.

In the late 1990s, the aesthetics market already had CO₂ lasers, IPL, and early dermatology lasers. However, they were aggressive and unstable, with a high risk of burns and long, painful recovery. Sometimes procedures were so painful that patients decided never to do laser again. Sciton’s goal from the start was to create more controlled, modular, and safe light systems for skin, making them comfortable and easy to tolerate while also improving effectiveness.

In the early 2000s, Sciton began developing skin resurfacing systems and erbium (Er:YAG) lasers used in soft-tissue surgery, dentistry, and dermabrasion. With extensive experience and research, Sciton introduced BBL in 2004 as their advanced IPL version with more precise pulse/energy control and built-in cooling.

Later, the technology was integrated into the modular Joule platform in 2008. This was one of the company’s key breakthroughs. Joule is not one device and not one laser. It is a modular platform to which different handpieces/technologies can be attached. This allowed clinics to use one high-quality base platform for multiple indications, combining several light and laser technologies within one system. The evolution with Joule could be compared to moving from a button phone to a smartphone that combines computer and photo/video camera functions.

BBL HERO (High Energy Rapid Output) was introduced around 2019. It’s a newer, more powerful, and faster version of BBL, with significantly higher treatment speed, improved cooling, more even energy delivery, and the ability to treat larger areas.

In 2021, an even more modern version of the platform appeared, mJoule (Micro Joule), in a more compact, convenient design, with a faster updated interface and optimization for BBL and MOXI.

mJoule is the base platform with a touchscreen and built-in medical software with procedure protocols (BBL, MOXI, HALO, etc.). If you see JOULE / mJoule on the device casing, it means it is an original product by Sciton. The platform works either as IPL/BBL (light) or as a laser depending on which module/handpiece is attached.

Currently, there are several modules: BBL HERO, MOXI, HALO, Contour TRL. The module is the part the doctor holds and places on the patient’s skin, emitting light pulses; the module name identifies the treatment handpiece.

This is exactly the mJoule platform we currently use at Promeds Clinic in Derby and Cambridge for BBL treatments.

BBL is not just a one-off “beauty” procedure. It is a carefully planned, gentle medical treatment. A dermatologist selects the appropriate protocol only after an examination.

Protocols are like a doctor’s prescription and treatment plan. The doctor determines the depth of the concern in the skin, which filters and power settings to use, and how many procedures are needed.

Main protocols used at Promeds Clinic:

• BBL Forever Clear BBL – treats the cause of acne.
• Hyperpigmentation Protocol – targets pigmentation.
• Vascular Protocol – treats vessels/rosacea and reduces redness.
• SkinTyte – firms and lifts the skin.
• Forever Young BBL + MOXI – activates “youth genes,” renews the skin, evens facial tone.
• Forever Bare BBL – removes unwanted hair.

Consultation at Promeds Clinic is free. Book a consultation to determine your treatment plan.

Do not use retinoid creams, acids, scrubs, or aggressive peels before treatment as advised. Use SPF 50 sunscreen. If you take retinoid medications or undergo hormonal treatment, inform our dermatologist during the consultation.

Results after BBL appear on days 3–7. The skin looks better and better as your cells recover. As mentioned earlier, it is scientifically proven that BBL stimulates “youth genes.” In patients who do BBL regularly from age 30, skin “ages more slowly” at the gene-expression level (Stanford Forever Young BBL study).

The BBL effect does not “wear off”; it has a cumulative effect by stimulating collagen production. Removed pigment or closed vessels do not return to their previous form. However, BBL does not eliminate the underlying predisposition to new pigmentation or rosacea, and it does not solve hormonal issues.

Yes, you can try it to feel and understand the BBL procedure. After the first session, there will be a positive effect. The skin often looks more radiant and toned. But if there is a clear concern (pigmentation, rosacea, acne), it is usually recommended to do at least 3 sessions for the best result. Often, buying a course of several procedures is more cost-effective. Below you can see the results of one BBL procedure.

Yes. You can do BBL with any metal implants in the teeth or jaw, and with metal plates in bone tissue after maxillofacial surgery. BBL light does not heat metal in the jaw because it works within the skin to a depth of up to 2 mm.

During pregnancy, BBL and other laser or light-based skin procedures are not recommended. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, hormones are especially sensitive, and there is a higher risk of pigment and vascular changes in the skin. It’s better to wait; after childbirth and after finishing breastfeeding, you can proceed with BBL.

Yes. BBL helps reduce pimples, inflammation, and redness; it reduces post-acne pigmentation, speeds healing, and makes the skin look more even and healthy. During adolescence, acne often coincides with hormonal changes, and after BBL acne may appear again. However, the health, appearance, and tone of the skin will be much better, and after adolescence the complexion can become even as if acne never happened.

There are also more complex cases where adolescence is combined with genetics. If parents have problem-prone or oily skin, this can create major issues for teenagers. In most cases, teenagers don’t yet know how to care for their skin; they often over-dry it with harsh products, squeeze pimples, remove makeup poorly, and don’t use sunscreen. This quickly leads to severe inflammation and later a person may have lifelong scars, redness, various marks and comedones, and uneven texture. If genetically prone skin is not treated properly during adolescence, later it becomes much harder and sometimes nearly impossible to restore smoothness and even tone. Often this is visible to the naked eye by the presence of post-acne marks and scars in one of the parents. Many of us have seen adults who no longer have acne but still have traces left from teenage acne.

Therefore, if a teenager with genetic predisposition develops acne, it’s important to see a dermatologist right away. As the saying goes: take care of your skin from a young age. Book now for a free consultation at Promeds Clinic in Derby or Cambridge.

BBL can be done from age 14. Under 14 is not recommended because the skin is developing very actively. Forever Clear BBL is officially designed to treat acne in teenagers aged 14–15+. Under 18, BBL can only be done with parental/guardian consent. Under UK law, any cosmetic procedure, including non-invasive treatments such as BBL, IPL, or lasers, requires consent from a parent or legal guardian.

You can wear makeup the next day after the procedure. If you had the procedure in the evening, you can apply a light foundation, concealer, and powder in the morning. Under makeup, apply SPF 30–50 sunscreen and a moisturizer. Brushes and sponges must be clean. It’s better not to use dirty brushes on skin after BBL. The skin barrier is weakened for the first three days, so avoid stiff brushes and rubbing motions. For the first three days after BBL, it’s better not to use matte foundation or full-coverage products. The skin starts renewing and needs hydration.

Tip: if your foundation is heavy, mix one drop of foundation with one drop of any moisturizer and apply gently with hands or a soft clean brush/sponge. To speed up recovery, as the first layer, we recommend Medik8 Ultimate Recovery: https://www.promeds.co.uk/medik8-ultimate-recovery-30ml

Yes, you can. The areas with permanent makeup are simply not treated during BBL, and a protective cover is used if necessary. Tattooed areas should not be treated. Tattoo ink may absorb light energy, resulting in a change in ink colour or a risk of epidermal damage.

BBL is not intended for tattoo or permanent makeup removal, because tattoo pigment sits quite deep in the skin and is removed with a different type of laser.

After BBL, you must not sunbathe at the beach or use tanning beds for at least 2 weeks, ideally 4 weeks. Even if you apply SPF 50, you should not actively tan in a tanning bed or on the beach after BBL. This is one of the most important post-procedure rules to avoid pigmentation. Whenever you go outside, SPF 50 is required. Reapply SPF every 2–3 hours.

You can do BBL while using oral contraceptives, progestin-only pills, or hormonal coils (IUDs). In general, hormonal contraception is not a contraindication for BBL, but these medications can increase the skin’s tendency toward pigmentation, so sun protection is essential and you should consult a dermatologist.

BBL can be done for psoriasis in remission on selected skin areas after assessment by a dermatologist. With psoriasis, irritation of the skin from heat, light, or trauma can trigger new plaques.

If you only use topical retinoid creams, for example Retin-A (tretinoin), Adapalene (Differin), retinol creams, you should stop using them 5–7 days before BBL.

You must not do BBL while taking systemic retinoid tablets: Roaccutane/Roaccutan/Accutane/Isotretinoin. It is recommended to do BBL 6 months after completing a retinoid course. After retinoids, the skin is very sensitive and thin; if you do BBL too soon, there is a high risk of new pigmentation.