Better skin with BBL and my favorite medspa, AesthetiCare.
Skincare is something I routinely geek out about– and with good reason. You have to take care of your skin– and you have to start right now. There are many ways to do this, but starting with a solid regimen of cleansing, fighting existing damage, moisturizing, and protecting is a good initial game plan.
The sun is one of the biggest contributing factors to lackluster skin + uneven tone. Plain and simple: sun damage = skin that appears old. My diligent approach to skincare started in my 20’s, but I spent a ton of time as a kid avoiding sunscreen because it was sticky and stung my eyes, and then more than a fair amount of my teens in tanning beds. (I shudder to think of that now– roasting myself to a lovely shade of tanned leather for the sake of Homecoming, yikes.)
My sun damage was starting to rear its ugly head: brown sunspots (not to be confused with freckles) on the tops of my cheekbones and forehead, and a few broken capillaries smattered about my face. I knew these spots were only going to get worse and more prevalent– because that’s how sun damage works. The damage that’s done in your teens shows up in your 30’s. (How lovely!)
Thankfully, modern technology and the amazing staff at AesthetiCare had my back. After a skin consultation– totally free! KC friends, you should book right now– the AC team determined my skin would benefit most from a few rounds of Forever Young BBL treatments to address both the visible and yet-to-appear sun damage.
What is Forever Young BBL?
BBL stands for BroadBand Light. A tool uses pulses of light to safely deliver heat and energy to the skin. This zaps brown and red spots, boosts collagen production, and provides an overall refreshed, youthful look. Forever Young is the protocol of using multiple passes with the tool to increase the effectiveness of the procedure— i.e., more bang for your buck and better results! And the staff at AesthetiCare are not only well-versed in Forever Young BBL, but also experts in the field and routinely train other medspas on how to use it. (Talk about being in good hands– combined, the staff at AC have over 110 years of experience in skin + body rejuvenation!)
Forever Young BBL Benefits
- A reduction of sun/age spots, rosacea, and redness. BBL eliminates fine vessels that cause redness + brown spots caused by melanin.
- An improvement in skin elasticity. As the light pulses and blasts spots at the cellular level, the body boosts collagen production to heal those treated areas. Collagen is what keeps our skin youthful and plump, and an increase in collagen reduces fine lines and amps up skin firmness and elasticity. That youthful glow is back!
- No downtime. A round of Forever Young BBL treatment isn’t going to have you hiding in your house for weeks waiting for your skin to heal. It’s non-invasive and gentle enough that you can return to work and/or social activities immediately. For example, I got my first round done on a Friday evening, and then woke up Saturday morning + put on makeup for a blog shoot– no one was the wiser.
What to Expect During + After Your Treatment
For my Forever Young BBL treatments, I was in the very capable + expertly-trained hands of Amy at AesthetiCare. At every stage, she communicated exactly what she was about to do, why she was doing it, and what to expect. This was so helpful! (Especially considering your eyes are covered during the procedure to protect ’em from the light. Not being able to see made Amy’s commitment to informing me of the process all the more comforting.)
While Forever Young BBL is non-invasive, it’s not painless. It is quick, though: each little pulse is like a quick snap of a tiny rubber band. It stings a little, yes, but it’s over as quickly as it started. As the procedure goes on (remember multiple passes over the same areas for maximum results!), it can get increasingly uncomfortable. Not unbearable, by any means, but it’s not like you could easily doze off and have a little nap.
There are several rounds during one treatment of Forever Young BBL on the face: a filter to address red spots, a filter to address brown spots, and a filter that tightens the skin. The filters for reds and browns will be used with both a larger guide (for bigger areas like the sides of the face + cheeks) and a smaller guide (for smaller areas like the nose and around the eyes). The skin tightening filter is used over the submental, aka the area underneath and to the side of your chin.
Throughout my procedures, Amy was carefully monitoring my skin. She was looking for areas of pigmentation to “pop”; i.e., get darker, which indicated BBL was doing its job. She was also checking in on my pain level, making sure I was comfortable, and allowing my skin to cool between rounds. (She even used a tool that blew super-chilled air onto my face for a few seconds when things got particularly warm.)
Each visit to AesthetiCare for a Forever Young BBL treatment took about 45 minutes. My skin was red and had a slight tingling to it for about a half hour to an hour after. During the first round, my sunspots really popped, and then turned almost black. (This sounds scarier than it was– the spots were still small + faint enough to be covered by makeup.) This is called micro-crusting and is a good thing. Those micro-crusts flaked off in a few days and took the brown spots with ’em. More even skin was left in their place. Praise the skin gods!
Since the first round blasted off a lot of my surface pigmentation, I didn’t have much micro-crusting after the second, third, or fourth rounds. (Amy was re-targeting the tool to aim deeper into my skin, further boosting collagen and zapping melanin that hadn’t made its way to the surface just yet.) This made makeup coverage post-treatment even easier because you honestly couldn’t tell I had been under the laser just hours before– which makes Forever Young BBL so convenient.
What does Forever Young BBL cost?
Each Forever Young BBL face treatment at AesthetiCare runs $399. You can also do your neck and chest, plus combine treatments. It’s best to go in and have a consult (everyone on Team AC is a boss, but Amy is my girl) and see what the experts recommend.
January 2019 special: buy one round of BBL for your face and get your neck treatment for free! That’s $200+ in savings– and you know your face and neck gotta match!
My Results
I loved my Forever Young BBL experience– if you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw me gushing on Stories about how happy I was after each round of BBL. Four treatments and my skin is visibly more even. Now let’s have a look at my skin now…
Visia pics are obviously snapped with a freshly-washed face to get the best detail. To give you an idea what my skin looks like when I have makeup on, feast your eyes on this:
Everyone loves a comparison shot, so who am I to deny you? This really shows off the results of my Forever Young BBL experience:
Note: although you can experience results after just one round of BBL (and I definitely did!), patients usually need anywhere from three to five treatments to address all the vascular and pigmentation issues.
My biggest BBL victory: those sunspots are long gone! (Especially my arch nemesis, that big brown bad boy under my right eye!) But it’s really incredible BBL has done for the appearance of my face in general– it’s more youthful and there’s a glow to it that would take some strategic JLo-level highlighting to achieve with makeup. I’m wearing less makeup these days (even during shoots) because I find I don’t need it. My skin is less red than it was before, especially around my nose and mouth. I hadn’t realized how bad those areas were until they were evened out via BBL and my overall tone improved.
And speaking of tone…
Okay, now that’s some redness reduction! This feature of the Visia shows the reds in the skin, and I clearly experienced some huge gains in this area with Forever Young BBL.
Because we were making tiny injuries to the skin with the use of broad band light, I’ve gotten a little collagen boost as my face repaired itself with new, healthy skin at the cellular level. This makes the fine lines around my eyes look fainter, which is a nice bonus. Plumper, more youthful skin is the gift with purchase when it comes to Forever Young BBL; it’s mainly a light treatment to address pigmentation issues, but the collagen boost is a bonus!
I’m planning on getting a round or two of Forever Young BBL with AesthetiCare every year to maintain and build on these results. Studies show that with regular BBL (typically on a yearly basis), your skin actually begins to age in reverse at the cellular level. (Excuse me, WHAT?!) Extrapolate it over time– think about how killer my skin will look at 40? 50? 60?! There is absolutely nothing wrong with aging, but doing it as gracefully as possible is the goal– and Forever Young BBL can help you do just that.
January Update:
You’ve probably heard me rant about whatever you do (skincare-wise) to your face, you should also do to your neck, chest, and the backs of your hands. I decided to take my own advice last month and head back into AesthetiCare for a round of BBL on my neck and chest.
These areas are notoriously neglected– especially the chest. It is always an afterthought when it comes to SPF protection, and I certainly didn’t think of it first and foremost later in life when I started paying attention to my skin in terms of a skin care regimen. As a result, I have some sun damage there. And what better to zap sun damage than with a BBL treatment!
Even though the neck is a fairly sensitive area, I would say it was even more tolerable than BBL on the face. The chest was a breeze, too– just a quick snap with each light pulse and that was it. I didn’t get nearly as hot after multiple passes like I did with BBL on my face, either. Overall, the treatment was really tolerable!
I want to thank the AC team for being amazing and helping me realize some seriously glowy, even skin! I cannot recommend AesthetiCare enough, pals– quite frankly, they know skin better than anyone in the business. Please let me know if you have any questions and if you’re in the Kansas City or Lawrence areas, book your free consult! You can also find ’em on Insta and FB– where they are always running specials!
Linking up with Elegance & Mommyhood, Curly Crafty Mom, Living on Cloud Nine, Adri Lately, Meet at the Barre, Threads for Thomas, Nancy’s Fashion Style, A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Shelbee on the Edge, Michelle’s Pa(i)ge + Northwest Blonde, and Pink Sole.
Wowzers…this is cool and as always, you are drop dead GORGEOUS!!!! Happy weekend ahead doll! xo
Thanks, mama! Hope you have the best Friday + weekend ahead!
Oh that looks amazing! I seriously need to try that!
Raindrops of Sapphire
I am so happy with the state of my skin right now!
This sounds like an amazing procedure and I love that there is no downtime!
I would love to try it!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
The downtime is so minimal! It’s amazing!
I’ve never heard of this but seems awesome – would love to try it sometime soon! Thanks so much for sharing beautiful girl!
-Emily | http://www.TheEmilyEdition.com
It’s an amazing treatment! Thanks for stopping by, babe!
I was such a sun worshipper in my youth….so I can totally relate to this. And what an incredible difference!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
BBL is seriously amazing- it can turn back the clock!
That sounds really interesting!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: PINK CORDUROY
Thanks, Monica!
This treatment sounds great!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
Thanks, babe- it’s amazing!
This treatment sounds amazing! The results are wonderful too. Thanks for sharing.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks for stopping by, Kathrine!
I have never heard of this, but WOW. I can really see the results and I love them! You looked great before, but now you look phenomenal!!!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you so much, Carrie- I am definitely over the moon with these results! 🙂
This is so informational. Thanks so much for sharing this with us! Your skin is beautiful.
Edwige | http://www.hypnozglam.com
Thanks, Edwige! I am so pleased with my results, too!
Girl- your skin looks AMAZ!!!! Didn’t think you could get an cuter and …. bam.
xoxo
You are literally the sweetest- and you KNOW I’m hooked on AesthetiCare!
your skin looks really great babe!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Thank you, sista!
Love the review.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Thank you!
Okay girl, I SEE YOU! I have been obsessed with your Insta stories on this and your results are amazing!
Haha, I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying ’em!
I am convinced I need BBL now! Need to get in to see Aestheticare stat!
Make that appointment, girlfriend- you will not regret it!
I’m impressed you can really see the difference!
It’s so important to take care of your skin!
Chic on the Cheap
Seriously, skincare is SO keyyyyy!
First off you are gorgeous! This sounds like a great option for skin care. You can see how much better your skin is getting with the treatments!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
You are too kind, Ruth! I have always been a skincare junkie, but the idea of clinical-grade medspa treatments to address skin issues have me SO excited because you can get some amazing results!
I am always so confused about what treatments MedSpas offer and what I need- it sounds like your MedSpa knows exactly what they are doing and BBL sounds so beneficial!
This was totally me before going to AesthetiCare- I would read something in a magazine, hear about something on a blog, etc., and I never knew what I ACTUALLY needed! The team at AC steered me in the BBL direction and I’m so happy they did!
I am convinced I need BBL now! This post and your stories have been so helpful!
Yessss, girl- I’m so glad it has been helpful!
That is amazing! I’ve never heard of this treatment, but I am all about skincare as well. Skincare gets me much more excited than makeup. I’m really happy that you were able to get good results and that you shared this experience with us <3 Have a lovely day!
-PerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com
I’m right there with you- because for makeup to look its best, it needs a good foundation, ie, good SKIN! Thanks for swinging by, sister!
Wow, a big difference.
I did not know about this treatment but I could notice a big difference!!
Caring for the skin is essentially important. I enjoyed seeing your results. Thanks for sharing your experience.
It’s Lizzie | Facebook | Instagram
I am SO pleased with my results- it’s crazy how bright + even my skin is now!
The results are really impressive, your skin looks much more rejuvenated 😀
Now you can shine even harder hehe
Sending all the love!
With love and light,
Patricia & Miguel
http://www.freeoversea.com
Thank you so much, guys! Trying to get on your glow level 😉
With makeup beautiful, without makeup you are naturally beautiful
Thank you!
Woooow the results are amazing!!
I mean you looked fabulous before too – not to get me wrong 😉 but the final results speak for itself, I also have some problems with redness and so on, so I’ll definitely check out if we have something similar here in Germany too 😉
Happy weekend dear ♥
xxx
Tina
http://styleappetite.com/en/la-sultana-marrakesch-hammam-spa/
You will have to look into it, girlfriend- I cannot recommend this treatment enough! So great for revealing radiant, even skin!
Wow, great post- I can see the difference and I am impressed about the effect – it’s works great
I am seriously loving my results! Thanks, Karolina!
Wow, amazing results, you are glowing!!!
Fashion and Cookies – fashion and beauty blog
Thanks so much, Vale!
Holy Toledo! Those results are impressive and what an awesome treatment. Skin care is very important and I am glad you shared your experience. I will definitely look into it and will pass this along to my mom. She loves all things skin care. Happy Friday lady and wishing you a marvelous weekend!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Yessss- your mom would love this! I introduced my mom to AesthetiCare and now she’s hooked, too!
I definitely spent too much time in the sun and in those awful tanning beds when I was younger. What a great treatment! Your results are amazing! Thank you for sharing all of the details!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I was so lucky to be in the hands of the amazing staff at AesthetiCare- they knew exactly what my skin needed!
Wow! I am seriously impressed! I’ve been looking into similar treatments and have been wondering at the effectiveness. Your post could not have come at a better time! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience!
I’m so glad you found this helpful, Laura! I seriously cannot recommend BBL enough!
Omg! this is like a miracle , love the results
Bisous
http://www.gallech.com/
Thanks so much, Rita- it really is an awesome treatment!
That sounds fascinating! Skincare is something I’m paying a lot more attention to now.
I’m totally with you- the older I get, the more skin is a top priority!
Your skin always looks amazing! Thanks for the review!!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Thanks for swinging by, sis!
It’s great the treatment works so well for you! We are usually very sun safe here but I do wonder if I should check out something like this anyway in case I have got sun damage to my skin – almost inevitable here despite all of the sunscreen you have to wear!
Hope that you are having a nice weekend. I had a busy day yesterday but today will be much more relaxed 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Yess- you guys have such serious UV exposure and SPF can only do so much!
Glad your Sunday was relaxing, babe- those are the best!
Wow the results are clearly amazing I would love to try it xoxo Cris
https://photosbycris.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-beach-look-from-heaven.html
Thanks so much!
Very cool Ashley! Your skin looks amazing.
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel
Thanks, doll!
Wow, this looks like such a great treatment to help restore skin’s health! I need to look into getting this done because after having Aviah, I definitely noticed what looks to be like more freckles, but they can even be something else, who knows! Your skin looks so healthy. It looked good before, but looks even more luminescent after the treatments. Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great weekend so far!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
Thank you so much, sista! I am loving the improvements- and yes! I think getting BBL done every year or so earlier on (in our 30s rather than starting in our 50s) is the key to serious results!
That looks amazing!! And you look great! 🙂
I’m doing pulsed light treatment to get rid of my facial hair.. I’m wondering if it also does something like this for my face.
YouTube | Blog: Geekette in High Heels | Instagram
Thank you! And I think there are many different types of lasers/light that do different things based on their strength + how deep they go. You would need to check with your derm! 🙂
Your skin looks so good! Lovely post! You look gorgeous!
https://carinazz.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Carina!
Wow, what a difference! If I could go back in time and tell my younger self anything, it would be to take care of my skin and start using great products in my 20’s! I’ve had laser treatment done on my face before, and now I want to do it again!
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
Seriously, I would go back and time and punch myself in the face when I tried to get into a tanning bed, hahahaha!
Oh so great darling
xx
http://www.sakuranko.com
Thank you!
Interesting! thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thanks!
Nice post 🙂
XoXo
– Helena Primeira
– Helena Primeira Youtube
– Primeira Panos
Nice post 🙂
XoXo
– http://helenaprimeira.blogspot.pt
– https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR7r3FXnEML_Umu51r2q4lw/videos
– https://www.facebook.com/PrimeiraPanos/?fref=ts
Thanks girl!
Such an amazing result!
xo, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
Thanks, Jane! I am so pleased!
Your skin looks amazing!! I have so much redness in my skin! I need to look in to this!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
I had NO IDEA what the reduction in redness would do for my overall complexion- it really was a game-changer!
Definitely see and love the result. These facial treatments are just what the skin needs.
http://www.fashionradi.com
I totally agree- my skin looks brand new!
Wow your skin looks amazing!!
xx- Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2018/10/checked-blazer.html
Thanks, Nina! Happy Monday!
Its always so important to take care of your skin! People don’t do it enough or they wait too long before starting a proper skincare regiment!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
This is so true- starting sooner rather than later yields amazing results over the long term!
Oh my goodness, this is amazing! I need to find a place in London which does BBL. Thank you so much for sharing doll xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
Yes, girlfriend- you will LOVE IT!
Oh wow that is incredible.. thanks for sharing the before and after shots.. you can really see the difference.
Thank you so much, lady!