The most popular option that we recommend to most of our patients with Acne is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) It is a treatment used mainly for the decrease of skin pre-cancers (called Actinic Keratosis) But it is also commonly used off-label for facial skin rejuvenation, as well as the treatment of mild to moderate acne. PDT utilizes Ameluze (Aminolevulinic acid), a naturally occurring photosensitizing compound, to create a photochemical reaction that selectively destroys the rapidly over productive oil glands that cause acne to occur on the surface of the skin. cells. When PDT is done on an acne patient, we apply a BHA peel to help get rid of the fine top layer of any dead skin. Once the chemical peel is applied, we use the medication that penetrates deeper into the oil gland and then activate it by using our Red/Blue LightStim ProPanel. Typically 3-6 sessions is normal for mild-moderate acne. As with most acne, patients tend to scar, click here to find out how we can help you with acne scars!
‘Downtime’ is different for every patient and can range anywhere from 3 days-7 days.. Usually the ‘downtime’ is more severe for patients who have more severe active oil glands, or more severe acne. We highly recommend staying out of ALL direct light for a minimum of 48 hours post treatment. Lights including: Sun exposure, bright fluorescent light, bright T.V. lights, light coming through windows, etc.
We highly recommend that all patients seeing us for a Acne PDT to stop the use of all Salicylic and Glycolic Acids as well as any Retinol, Tretinoin & Retin-A for 3-5 days pre/post treatment. Staying out of the sun when the UV rays are at their peak as the medication we appy to your skin will make your skin more photosensitive.