Understanding Laser & Light Therapy: Aeroalse vs. IPL & BBL
When choosing an in-clinic skin treatment for issues like acne, redness, pigmentation, rosacea or texture, a lot comes down to how the device delivers energy—its pulse duration, wavelength, depth, and safety. Let’s break these down, so you can see what makes the Aerolase Neo Elite stand out.
How Aerolase Neo Elite Delivers Energy
From the information provided by Aerolase:
Pulse Duration: Neo Elite uses a 650-microsecond (µs) pulse at a 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength.
Depth: Because of its wavelength and pulse, it can penetrate deeply into the dermis. It targets sebaceous glands, dermal vasculature, pigment, inflammation—all without excessive heat damage at the surface.
Safety: That 650 µs pulse is shorter than the thermal relaxation time of many of the skin’s target structures. That means energy is delivered efficiently before heat can spread to unintended tissue—minimizing risk of injury, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), scars, or burns. It’s designed to be safe for all skin tones.
What Are IPL & BBL? How Their Energy Delivery Differs
Both IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and BBL (BroadBand Light) are light-based treatments rather than true lasers. Here’s how they differ:
Spectrum vs. Single Wavelength:
IPL / BBL devices emit a broad spectrum of light (multiple wavelengths), filtered to target pigment, blood vessels, etc. The energy is less focused than lasers in many cases.Pulse Durations:
Unlike devices with very short, highly controlled pulses (like Neo Elite), many IPL/BBL treatments use longer pulsed light durations. Because they cover a broader range of wavelengths and often affect more superficial skin layers, they have to balance efficacy with comfort and safety. Specific durations can vary widely by device and settings.Cooling & Filtering:
IPL/BBL devices often rely heavily on cooling (e.g. chilled tips or cooling air) and filters to protect the skin’s surface and to prevent damage, especially in skin of color.Depth & Selectivity:
Because of their spectrum nature, they may not penetrate as deeply in certain wavelengths or may require multiple sessions to achieve what a more focused, higher-energy laser can achieve. Also, controlling how much energy reaches an exact target (sebaceous gland, deeper vessels) is more challenging because light is broadly scattered.
Aerolase vs. IPL and BBL
Precision vs. Scatter
Aerolase uses a single, focused 1064 nm wavelength with a 650-microsecond pulse.
This means energy goes exactly where it’s needed (oil glands, pigment clusters, tiny vessels) without damaging the surrounding skin.
IPL and BBL scatter broad light across multiple wavelengths, which is less targeted and less effective for deeper issues like acne, scars, or stubborn pigmentation.
Safe for All Skin Tones
Neo Elite was designed to treat every Fitzpatrick skin type (I–VI) safely.
Because it delivers energy faster than the skin can spread heat, there’s minimal risk of burns or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
IPL/BBL can be riskier on medium to deeper skin tones and often require conservative settings that limit results.
Comfortable Treatments
Most clients describe Aerolase sessions as gentle warmth with no need for numbing creams or heavy cooling devices.
IPL/BBL often feel like “rubber band snaps” on the skin and need strong cooling to make them tolerable.
Minimal to No Downtime
Aerolase treatments don’t cause peeling, scabbing, or weeks of redness.
Clients can walk out of the treatment room and go back to daily life.
IPL/BBL may cause temporary darkening of spots, swelling, or redness that takes longer to fade.
Targets Multiple Concerns at Once
Neo Elite can treat acne, pigmentation, redness, aging, rosacea, and more in a single device.
IPL/BBL are more limited to pigment and redness, often requiring other treatments for texture, acne, or deeper concerns.
Fewer Sessions for Results
Because Aerolase penetrates deeper and works on the root causes of skin concerns, clients often see results in fewer treatments.
IPL/BBL may need more sessions to achieve the same results—especially for deeper or more complex issues.
When Someone Might Choose One Over the Other
Here are scenarios and what tends to make Neo Elite a better fit vs. IPL/BBL, depending on your skin concern and type:
If you have medium-to-dark skin and are worried about discoloration or burns → Neo Elite tends to be safer because its pulse duration and single-wavelength design reduce collateral heat.
If your concerns are deep acne scars, pigmentation under the skin, or vascular issues → Neo Elite can reach deeper structures more reliably.
If you want less downtime or have sensitive skin prone to PIH → Neo Elite is often more forgiving.
If your concern is lighter sun spots, surface pigmentation, general redness, or you’re using treatment for maintenance → IPL or BBL may work well, especially if you have lighter skin and you’re ok with a series of treatments.
Aerolase Neo Elite’s strength lies in its ability to deliver energy deeply, quickly, and safely—thanks to its short pulse and appropriate wavelength. It tends to outperform traditional IPL/BBL for stubborn skin issues, skin of color, or when downtime and side effects are big concerns.
IPL and BBL still have their place: lighter concerns, mild pigmentation, general skin tone improvements, and maintenance. But for deeper, more complex issues, Neo Elite often gives better results with fewer risks.
