Photodynamic Therapy: Q&A
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Chemical Peel Vs. Photodynamic Therapy?
I have mild acne on my face, and extremely large, VERY oily, and red pores on my nose. My general skin condition is also very patchy, dry and red in places. I have had chemical peels before, and actually use a home salicylic acid peel (15%) every few days to clear my pores, however my skin is still poor. How does PDT differ from a chemical peel, and what is the likelihood that it would improve my skin if the peels to date have not worked for me? Thanks
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4 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
anon111711
in UK
+3
Photodynamic therapy works great for Rosacea
PDT works great for rosacea which you may have and should see a dermatologists to confirm. A photo sensitizer liquid is applied to your skin then a lPL or intense light source is applied which works to shrink oil glands and kill bacteria on the skin.
+1
Photodynamic therapy for acne
The medication that is used for PDT, Levulan or Metvix, is absorbed by the oil glands. Exposure to a red or blue light then activates the medication. One of the effects of PDT is to shrink the oil glands, causing less oil production. Chemical peels clean out the pores but do not affect the oil glands. PDT is a much more effective treatment for acne than chemical peels.
+1
PDT/Blue light vs Chemical peel
This is like comparing apples to oranges. PDT penetrates much deeper than a garden variety peel. In fact, the ALA which can be used with PDT, has an affinity for oil glands and therefore is great for acne, enlarged oil glands and pores.
New York Dermatologist
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PDT is intense light plus aminolevulinic acid.
PDT, which means photodynamic therapy, is generally reserved for severe photodamaged skin with precancerous actinic keratoses. It is not a treatment for oily skin. The mild home peels that you are doing are helpful for opening the pores and reducing the production of acne. However, I would recommend that you consider seeing a dermatologist for a professional recommendation based on an actual examination of your facial skin.
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