People who have annual or biannual broad band light (BBL) treatments during a five- to 11-year period can reduce, even delay, long-term skin aging signs, according to a not-yet published study.
Jason Posner, M.D.Conducted by Los Gatos, Calif., dermatologist Patrick Bittner, Jr., M.D., and Boca Raton, Fla., plastic surgeon Jason Pozner, M.D., the study looks at long-term use of Sciton’s Forever Young BBL for skin revitalization. The researchers studied 15 BBL patients, ages 38 to 69 years and with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV. Researchers evaluated changes in perceived age for up to 11 years in patients who had initial BBL treatments and at least one maintenance treatment a year.
In post-treatment photos of patients’ skin five to 11 years after their initial BBL treatment, the authors found that while patients aged an average of nine years during the study, skin aging in the treatment area was evaluated as not aging.
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They used the device’s visible infra-red light, 515 nm to 1400 nm, adhering to treatment protocols for BBL therapy, based on manufacturer recommendations for skin type. The physicians did no other aesthetic procedures on these patients during the study.
According to the researchers, this is the longest blinded evaluation of visual skin quality post BBL treatment. Still, one of the limitations of the study is that there is a small number of patients. Other limitations: before and after photos were non-standardized and evaluators didn’t have specific grading criteria.
Despite limitations, the authors conclude their study shows that patients who maintain annual or biannual BBL phototherapy treatments can reduce and delay signs of sun damage, telangiectasias, freckles and poor skin texture. More studies are needed to confirm the results.
