Are you seeing the results of spending too much time in the sun without skin protection? Laser skin rejuvenation treatments such as HALO and BBL procedures are a great way to reverse some of that sun damage. However, you should know some essential do’s and don’ts before and after your treatment to ensure you get the best results.
Many patients considering HALO or BBL procedures ask how long to avoid sun exposure after their laser treatments, but it’s also important to protect your skin from the sun before your appointment. In this post, we’ll answer common questions about what to do before and after your appointment.
What’s the Difference Between HALO and BBL Treatments?
HALO and BBL laser treatments share the same goal—improving your skin’s appearance so it looks healthy and youthful. However, they differ in how they work, the type of skin concerns they address, and how much downtime they require. In fact, our providers often recommend combining HALO and BBL during a single treatment to enhance your results. You can read more about getting the two procedures at the same time in one of our earlier blog posts.
HALO
HALO uses 2 different laser wavelengths that target the skin’s surface and deeper layers. It’s more aggressive than a BBL treatment and is a great choice if you want to address sun damage, moderate wrinkles, scarring, skin discoloration, or large pores.
BBL
Even though it’s called a laser, the BBL device uses broad-spectrum light energy to target concerns on the skin’s surface, such as freckles, pigmented and vascular lesions, and age spots. It’s gentler than the HALO laser, and treatments don’t require downtime.
HALO & BBL Before & After Photos
What Not To Do Before & After Laser Treatments
To get the best results and avoid unwanted side effects, you must follow your provider’s instructions both before and after your appointment.
Don’t spend time in the sun: You should limit your time in the sun for at least 2 weeks before a HALO or BBL treatment and several weeks after the procedure. Sun exposure increases the risk of hyperpigmentation, burns, or scarring during the procedure. When you do go outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to increase your protection.
Don’t exfoliate your skin: Avoid exfoliating the skin before a HALO or BBL laser treatment. Exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive and increase the risk of irritation during the procedure. Refrain from using abrasive scrubs or exfoliating brushes in the days leading up to your treatment and for a week or 2 after.
Don’t use retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or topical antibiotics: One week before your treatment, stop using products containing active ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients can irritate the skin and reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
Don’t skip hydration: It’s always a good habit to stay hydrated, but drinking plenty of water in the weeks leading up to your appointment can minimize swelling and speed up healing. You should also limit your consumption of salty foods.
Additional Tips
If you’re considering other med spa treatments, such as BOTOX® or filler injections, you should schedule them well before or after your HALO or BBL treatments. Also, if you’re prone to getting cold sores, our providers may recommend taking antiviral medication to prevent outbreaks after the laser treatment.
Following these instructions enhances the effectiveness of your treatment and ensures a smoother recovery process. Request a consultation using the online form to discuss your skin rejuvenation options with one of our providers. You can also call our West Des Moines practice at (515) 277-5555 to schedule an appointment.
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