EASILY mistaken for something really quite different, the BBL Laser Treatment – which stands for BroadBand Light – is a quick, non-invasive light therapy that aims to rejuvenate your skin through intense pulses of light.
Promising to target pigmentation, sun damage and vascular skin issues, alongside signs of ageing skin like fine lines, acne scarring and even rosacea, it probably comes as little surprise that it has become exceedingly popular amongst the A-list crowd and a secret lunchtime hack for dermatologists and beauty insiders.
So, how does it work? In very simple terms, it uses IPL technology (Intense Pulsed Light) that sends short bursts of light and penetrates the skin to stimulate collagen and cellular renewal: it aims to actually change the gene expression of your ageing cells. Leading the way is Sciton, an industry leader when it comes to medical and aesthetic lasers, and the founder of this very treatment back in 2004.
In 2020, the brand went a step further and launched the BBL® HERO™ (High Energy Rapid Output) to the market, a version nine times more effective than others, and in 2024, unveiled a platinum upgrade to the already powerful predecessor, the BBL® HEROic™ (HERO with Intelligent Control).
The Clinic Holland Park
Not only used for your face but can be used across the entire body, from neck and shoulders to arms and legs, this device can treat multiple areas with a single device and requires little to no downtime – hence why many have nicknamed it a “lunchtime” treatment. But what truly sets this version apart is the intelligent delivery system that boasts cutting-edge sensors that adapt the treatment in real-time, customising energy levels to your skin’s exact needs.
But let’s be honest, we are promised immediate results in every direction we look, so I visited The Clinic Holland Park to find out whether or not it actually provided the results it boasted. Founded by Jennifer Doyle, a Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon, one of Sciton’s Key Opinion Leaders and a member of the board of Aesthetic Medicine, this wellness destination in West London brings the elite beauty and surgery methods that we are all in search of to the privacy of a more residential area.
The Clinic Holland Park
The first part of my appointment was a VISIA Skin Analysis – a rigid scan that photographs the left, right and front of your face that uncovers both surface-level issues and subsurface damage: from showcasing the effects of too much UV and finding all the red areas, to highlighting wrinkles and texture problems. Personally, one of my main issues was redness, but as someone who has tried all the creams and serums, I didn’t have a huge amount of hope that 30 minutes would do much to help.
Once the eye protection was put on, Jenny started with the treatment. The bursts of light were lightly felt and weren’t much more painful than small zaps onto the skin. As quickly as it had started, it was already over and I was given a face mask to cool down my skin. Whilst there is really no downtime, there is a recommendation to avoid extreme sun exposure and also to wear SPF as your skin is a little more sensitive.
Before and after results of reduced redness with BBL® HEROic™ at The Clinic Holland Park
Within the first three days, I saw a lot of my dark spots surface and then shed – it felt like I was witnessing a renewal. After a week, my skin texture had settled, some of my scarring had faded and somehow I was beginning to witness far less redness. But the proof was really documented a month later when I returned to see Jenny again. We did the facial scan once again, and my redness was reduced by 49%, spots had faded and there was a very evident glow.
In an age of filters and fillers for flawless skin, BBL HEROic™ stands out as a high-tech solution that doesn’t overpromise or underdeliver. It might be time to book a trip to The Clinic Holland Park, and to step into the light – quite literally.
by Imogen Clark
The Clinic Holland Park, 142-144 Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UE
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