There are multiple paths to radiant skin, which may leave you wondering which treatment to choose to address concerns such as aging symptoms, sun spots, rosacea, and other damage. BBL® and HALO® laser each offer unique benefits but work somewhat differently. Which approach is suitable for your skin? We compare and contrast HALO and BBL below to give you some answers.
What Is BBL Light Therapy?
BBL® HERO™, also called photofacial, uses an advanced intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to destroy pigmented skin cells and blood vessels that cause redness. Collagen production is triggered as your skin absorbs heat and light energy, and the skin gradually brightens and rebuilds. Studies show that BBL treatments can help your skin look and “behave” younger at the cellular level.
BBL treatments target skin concerns such as:
- Sun spots, age spots, and other sun damage
- Rosacea, freckles, and dark spots
- Pigmented or vascular lesions
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Acne or acne scars
- Unwanted hair
It’s important to note that BBL works best at the surface level on lighter skin tones, and you may need multiple treatments to achieve your desired results. Selecting an experienced provider who can safely administer treatments while helping you achieve your aesthetic goals is essential.
What Is HALO laser?
Patients seeking a highly customizable treatment often prefer HALO hybrid fractional laser. It combines ablative and non-ablative skin resurfacing, efficiently targeting damaged skin at different depths during a single treatment. Like BBL, HALO triggers collagen production to build healthier, smoother skin.
HALO effectively treats concerns such as:
- Wrinkles, fine lines, and other visible signs of aging
- Sun damage
- Discoloration, dullness, and uneven skin texture
- Enlarged pores
- Scars
- Pigmented lesions like birthmarks, freckles, and age spots
Because HALO’s settings are so customizable, it’s considered one of the safest treatments, especially for patients with hyperpigmentation and darker skin tones. However, it typically requires a longer recovery window than BBL and other gentle skin rejuvenation treatments.
BBL vs HALO Side-by-Side Comparison
So, how do these two popular treatments match up to deliver youthful, glowing skin? Let’s break down some key differences:
| Treatment Method | BBL (Broadband light) | HALO (Dual laser wavelengths) |
| Number of sessions | May require at least 3 sessions to achieve your desired results | More likely to achieve your desired results during a single session |
| Recovery | Gentle approach with virtually no downtime | Longer recovery window (a few days to a week) |
| Risks | Safe for Fitzpatrick skin types 1 through 5; not ideal for darker skin tones | Safe for all skin types |
| Results | Up to 1 year | 1 to 2 years |
While BBL and HALO are both safe, effective skin rejuvenation treatments, BBL uses a gentler approach. However, it may require more sessions to attain the glow you’re after. On the other hand, HALO can help you address multiple concerns with noticeable results after a single session, but it requires a lengthier recovery.
Combining HALO and BBL Treatments
We help many patients achieve comprehensive rejuvenation by combining BBL and HALO laser treatments. This approach is particularly beneficial if you want to minimize aging symptoms, address sun damage, target pigmented spots, and improve your skin’s overall glow.
During your personalized consultation, we’ll assess your skin, discuss your goals, and determine which treatment can deliver the safest and best outcome for your needs—HALO, BBL, or a combination of treatments. You can learn more about the benefits of combining various light and laser treatments in our related blog post.
Get Started
Are you ready to explore which treatment approach can help you radiate confidence? Let’s embark on the journey together. Please request a consultation online or call my practice at (817) 442-1236.