Chemical Peel Vs. Photodynamic Therapy?

Question

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

David Hansen, MD · Answer

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.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

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.

Paul L. Hester, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The chemical peels you have been using are likely to help with clearing the build up of cellular debris that can clog the skin and promote acne. You may want try to improve your acne control  by adding a simple light therapy to your regimen  before advancing to off-label use pf Photodynamic therapy for your oil issues.  Blu-U is an effective light therapy for acne at all ages and all skin types. It is very popular because it is simple and requires no social downtime. The narrow band blue light is applied to the affected skin and creates penetrating heat that reduces the bacteria known to cause acne. Each treatment consists of just 17 minutes of exposure to the Blu-U light. A typical patient may require 2 treatment sessions per week for 4 weeks and then may choose to do occasional maintenance sessions to keep their acne under control. 
Health and Happiness, Dr. Hester

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

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.

Gary Goldenberg, MD · Answer

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.

Chemical Peel Vs. Photodynamic Therapy?

Answers (5)