PDT, topical retinoid, TCA chemical peel and laser resurfacing can all stimulate collagen production

William Ting, MD answers: Does Photodynamic therapy really increase collagen production?

According to an article published on Medline Plus in Oct. 08, "Photodynamic therapy appears to cause molecular-level changed in aging skin that increase collagen production".

When I asked a local dr. about this, she said Light-Activated Therapy is only being used on cancer patients. It makes sense that collagen production is the key. What are your comments?


William Ting, MD
5 months ago

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves application of Levulan for a specified duration followed by exposure to the blue light as prescribed by your board-certified dermatologist. Its major effect on the skin is the photochemical reaction where precancerous lesions get preferentially inflamed and sloughed off. Collagen stimulation is a nice bonus, as confirmed by molecular markers as published in the study. However, one may see equal if not greater collagen stimulation over a period of time from regular application of topical retinoid such as Retin-A or Tazorac, TCA chemical peel and/or fractional CO2 laser resurfacing.

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