BBL HEROic SkinSmooth: The Non-Ablative Alternative to Laser Resurfacing

At Laser & Skin Belfast, we’re proud to offer the next generation of broadband light rejuvenation — Sciton’s BBL HEROic SkinSmooth. This advanced treatment doesn’t just target redness or pigmentation; it improves skin texture, pore size and luminosity, creating the polished, refined look of laser resurfacing — but without the downtime.

How SkinSmooth Works

SkinSmooth uses Sciton’s 640S filter, which allows wavelengths from approximately 640 to 1200 nanometres (in the red and near-infrared range) to reach the upper-to-mid dermis.

At this depth, the light is absorbed primarily by water and collagen rather than melanin or blood vessels. The absorbed light converts into gentle, uniform heat (around 40–42 °C), just enough to contract existing collagen fibres and stimulate fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin.

The epidermis remains protected throughout, thanks to Sciton’s continuous sapphire contact cooling, while the dermis undergoes subtle thermal stimulation. This controlled heating remodels the skin’s support structure without creating any visible injury, which is why SkinSmooth behaves like a non-ablative laser — it rejuvenates the skin from within rather than removing it.

How SkinSmooth Works Beneath the Surface

Unlike ablative lasers that create microscopic wounds, BBL HEROic SkinSmooth rejuvenates the skin through a process known as non-ablative photothermal stimulation. This means it remodels collagen without breaking or removing the surface layer of skin.

When light from the 640S filter is absorbed by water and collagen in the upper dermis, it gently warms the tissue to around 40–42 °C. At this temperature, collagen fibres begin to loosen slightly, and the body recognises this as a signal to repair and strengthen the area.

This mild, controlled heat triggers a biological chain reaction:

• Heat-shock proteins are released, initiating a natural repair response.

• Fibroblasts (the skin’s structural cells) become active, producing new collagen and elastin.

• The existing collagen network contracts and reorganises, giving the skin more support and resilience.

Although there’s no ablation, micro-channel formation, or open tissue, the dermis behaves as if it’s healing — tightening, strengthening and smoothing itself from within. Over time, this renewal beneath the surface translates to visibly finer texture, reduced pores and a soft, polished glow on top.

Similar Results to an Ablative Laser — Without the Downtime

Traditional ablative lasers (such as CO₂ or Er:YAG) rejuvenate the skin by vaporising micro-columns of tissue, creating a wound that triggers collagen regeneration and new skin growth. While effective, this process involves redness, peeling and several days of recovery.

BBL HEROic SkinSmooth achieves a comparable dermal response through heat alone, not destruction.

• Collagen’s triple-helix structure begins to denature and tighten at around 41 °C.

• Fibroblasts produce new collagen and elastin over the following weeks.

• As the dermal matrix remodels, the skin becomes smoother, firmer and more light-reflective.

The result is a polished, radiant complexion that looks as though it has been resurfaced — but with no downtime or visible peeling.

Why the Skin Looks “Polished”

SkinSmooth produces a visible “optical polish” because it refines the micro-architecture of the skin:

• The uniform heat smooths subtle irregularities within the upper dermis.

• Pores appear smaller as collagen tightens around follicular openings.

• Cell turnover becomes more efficient, revealing brighter, more uniform skin.

• Light reflects more evenly, creating that luminous, glass-skin appearance.

It’s not a mechanical exfoliation — it’s a biological polishing process that enhances the skin’s natural reflectivity from within.

Is SkinSmooth Safe for Darker Skin Tones?

Yes. Because SkinSmooth targets water and collagen instead of melanin, it is generally safe for darker Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–V) when performed by trained practitioners using the correct parameters.

The longer wavelengths of the 640S filter largely bypass surface pigment, and Sciton’s integrated cooling keeps the epidermis protected throughout treatment. As there’s no ablation or open tissue, the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation is extremely low.

Clients should still avoid sun exposure or tanning for two to four weeks before treatment, and always use SPF 50 daily afterwards — but overall, SkinSmooth offers a safe, inclusive solution for improving texture and luminosity across most skin tones.

How It Compares

	BBL HEROic SkinSmooth	Ablative Laser (CO₂ / Er:YAG)
Mechanism	Broad-spectrum light gently heats the dermis	Laser vaporises micro-columns of tissue
Depth of Action	Upper-to-mid dermis (0.3–1 mm)	Epidermis + mid-dermis
Temperature Range	≈ 40–42 °C	60–100 °C
Tissue Effect	Non-destructive collagen remodelling	Controlled wounding and ablation
Downtime	None	5–14 days
Outcome	Smoother texture, smaller pores, radiant glow	Dramatic resurfacing and wrinkle reduction

The Experience at Laser & Skin Belfast

SkinSmooth is a comfortable, fast treatment suitable for the face, neck, chest and hands. Most clients notice visible refinement after a single session, with cumulative benefits after a short course. There’s no peeling, flaking or redness — only a progressively smoother, clearer and more luminous skin tone over the weeks that follow.

In Summary

BBL HEROic SkinSmooth represents the latest advance in light-based rejuvenation — a non-ablative alternative to traditional laser resurfacing. By safely heating the upper dermis, it remodels collagen, refines pores, and enhances skin texture without injury or downtime.

At Laser & Skin Belfast, it captures exactly what our clients value most: science-led treatments, visible results, and the refined glow that defines healthy, youthful skin.