Does Photodynamic Therapy Really Increase Collagen Production?

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.

Photodynamic therapy has many effects on a molecular level--it preferentially targets precanceous lesions (in the treatment of actinic keratoses) and can help to shrink oil glands (improving acne and enlarged oil glands called sebaceous hyperplasia).  Collagen production can be augmented, and this effect may be further improved depending on the light source used.  Using an IPL or pulsed dye laser in addition to blue light may further boost collagen production.  Both of these laser/light sources have on their own been demonstrated to increase neocollagenesis.