BroadBand Light (BBL) has been shown, in a landmark Stanford University study, to restore the gene expression pattern of aged human skin to more closely resemble that of younger skin — including genes associated with collagen production. This makes BBL one of the few aesthetic treatments with published evidence of a measurable effect at the cellular and genetic level, not just the visible surface of the skin.
What did the standard study find?
The pilot study, led by Dr. Anne Lynn Chang and Dr. Patrick Bitter and published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in 2013, used advanced gene sequencing to compare the RNA expression patterns of aged and photoaged skin against skin that had received a series of BBL treatments.1 The researchers found that skin aging was associated with significantly altered expression of more than 2,200 coding and non-coding RNAs. After BBL treatment, roughly 1,300 of those altered genes shifted back toward a pattern that more closely resembled the gene expression profile of younger, untreated skin.
What this means for collagen specifically?
Among the genes affected were those associated with collagen production and tissue remodeling. As BBL's light energy is absorbed by the skin, it triggers a controlled thermal response that stimulates fibroblast activity, encouraging more even collagen deposition and helping to counteract the elastosis, or breakdown of elastic tissue, that comes with aging and sun damage. The study's authors described this as evidence of functional rejuvenation at the cellular level, rather than simply a cosmetic effect sitting on the surface of the skin.
What BBL treatment looks like?
BBL is a non-ablative treatment, meaning it works without breaking the surface of the skin, which keeps downtime minimal. Most protocols involve a series of three to four initial treatments spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by quarterly maintenance sessions to sustain the gene-level benefits documented in the research. In addition to its collagen-supporting effect, BBL is also widely used to address pigmentation, redness, and overall skin tone and texture, since its broad spectrum of light energy targets multiple skin concerns in a single session.
Who BBL is a good fit for?
Because the underlying research focused on aging and sun-damaged skin, BBL tends to be an especially good fit for patients in their late 20s through 60s looking to prevent and reverse early signs of aging, including uneven tone, fine lines, and diffuse redness. It's frequently paired with other collagen-supporting treatments, such as microneedling or radiofrequency, as part of a broader anti-aging plan.