Will BBL treat redness and sun spots?

A reader who asks about BBL for redness and sun spots is really asking whether one device covers two different signs. UCLA Health's cosmetic dermatology page speaks to both.

What the light is aimed at

UCLA Health describes how the "IPL or BBL device emits multiple wavelengths of light to target signs of sun damage during a single treatment session." Sun damage is the stated target, and the device uses multiple wavelengths in a single session.

Where redness shows up on the list

The same UCLA Health page says "Photofacial rejuvenation can simultaneously treat these symptoms", and the list that follows runs from brown spots and redness through rosacea, fine lines and pore size. Brown spots and redness sit side by side on that list. Rosacea has its own line, so it is worth knowing which of the two you are looking at in the mirror.

Reading on redness and light treatments

If your redness is rosacea, DermNet has a page on pulsed dye laser treatment, and a published paper covers pulsed dye laser treatment of rosacea. A second paper, Unconventional Use of Intense Pulsed Light, looks at the light source named in UCLA Health's description.

Choosing the sign that bothers you most

Before booking, note which sign bothers you most, the flat brown marks or the persistent redness. Readers in St. Johns, Florida, can bring that note to a consultation and ask which of the two the planned treatment is aimed at.