We have been using photodynamic therapy, also known as PDT, for acne and photorejuvenation. This is a treatment that has been used for several years treating other skin conditions. It is safe simple and very effective in stubborn cases.

After the skin is cleansed, a medicine, 5-aminolevulenic acid (5-ala) is applied to the entire skin surface. The 5-ala is left on for about 15 minutes. It’s then removed and the skin exposed to either a blue light (DUSA-blu, or Clear light) with a wavelength of 410nm or a pulsed dye laser with a wavelength of 585nm.

This part of the treatment takes about 10 minutes. Results over the last 6 months have been very encouraging. After a series of three treatments most patients have seen improvement in acne, and the skin becomes smoother and the color more even. A number of articles have recently been published regarding this treatment.