Is Photodynamic Therapy a Good Acne and Rosacea Treatment?

PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY ( known as PDT) is an excellent for the treatment of acne and acne scarring. The treatment begins with the application of a photosensitive serum to the area to be treated  ( face, neck or decollate) .  Specific wavelengths of light then activate the serum , which in turn kill acne bacteria while  another spectrum of laser light reduces the redness  and inflammation and results in skin rejuvenation.On the other hand, this is not a recommended treatment for Rosacea .  Broadband light alone ( without the photosensitizing serum) is the best remedy to reduce broken capillaries and the redness of Rosacea.

While there is nothing that works better than Accutane, a series of PDT under the supervision of an experienced board-certified dermatologist can be a close second when combined with conventional therapies, e.g. oral/topical antibiotics, hormonal medication, topical acne creams. Photodynamic therapy otherwise known as PDT utilizes Levulan (levulinic acid, a naturally occurring breakdown compound of hemoglobin, part of red blood cells) and Blue light (~410nm wavelength). The effect of Blue light on acne is quite modest but gets potentiated substantially when preceded by application of Levulan. PDT involves 2 protocols, i.e. incubation time (duration of Levulan left on the skin) and exposure time (duration patient spends in front of a Blue light source). An experienced clinician can expertly manipulate PDT protocols to maximize clinical benefits while minimizing downtime. Staying away from bright light sources, e.g. sunlight, bright indoor lighting, computer screen, would be advisable for the first 48 hours. It is thought that PDT makes acne prone skin better by helping to shrink oil glands, minimizing colonies of bacteria responsible for acne and thereby making conventional acne therapy work even better.

PDT is a great treatment for acne and usually takes 4 treatments at 2 weeks apart at a cost of $350 per treatment. Levulan solution is applied to the skin for 45 minutes then a Blu U light is applied for 15-20 minutes. It is totally painless and very effective. You do look quite red for 2-3 days but it is so worth it.