Photodynamic Therapy for Acne

Living with acne can harm self-confidence, be painful, and leave scars behind that cause uneven texture. The good news is that there are medical dermatology options to help with acne, including photodynamic therapy (PDT). As a hybrid treatment, it’s a great way to get your skin looking its best and feeling good, too. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our acne specialists are trained to perform photodynamic treatments that maximize the outcomes of your session.

What Is Photodynamic Therapy?

Photodynamic therapy is a hybrid acne treatment that combines blue light therapy with a medication called Levulan. When these two therapies are combined, they work together to clear acne and improve the skin’s texture over time. This therapy kills the bacteria responsible for acne and helps prevent acne from returning, meaning you’ll have clearer skin in the long term.

PDT requires multiple office visits, but you typically start to see results after the first session. During your acne consultation, a dermatology specialist will discuss this treatment, how it works, the results you can expect, and other facts with you.

How Photodynamic Therapy for Acne Works

Photodynamic therapy treatment begins with applying a medication called 5-aminolevulinic acid, or ALA, to the skin. Blue light activates the medication, helping it shrink the oil-producing glands. At the same time, that blue light eliminates the bacteria that causes acne (C. acnes), which helps prevent acne breakouts from happening again. This plays a major role in reducing acne scarring, particularly in acne types that lead to skin tissue damage.

The Photodynamic Light Therapy Procedure

Photodynamic therapy for teen and adult acne is completed over multiple office visits, and it’s best to schedule at least three to five treatments two to four weeks apart. If you choose PDT, you can expect the following steps.

Preparation

There is no significant preparation for photodynamic therapy. The treatment is performed in-office, and your provider will apply the medication and blue light to the treatment area. However, if you have a history of cold sores, inform your dermatology provider, as they may prescribe preventative medication like valacyclovir to avoid an outbreak post-procedure. Also, avoid using skincare products that might irritate your skin or clog your pores before the treatment. For example, if you use a retinol, prescription retinoid, or any other topical that exfoliates the skin, speak with your provider about stopping that before the treatment. On the day of the procedure, you should come with clean skin.

During the Procedure

Usually, a photodynamic therapy session lasts between 15 and 90 minutes. The exact length of time will depend on the area being treated, the size of the area, and how aggressive the treatment is planned to be. For example, treating the face may take less time than treating the face, neck, and back. After the skin is cleansed and Levulan is applied, the medication is left on the skin to be absorbed by the target cells.  This is left in place usually for at least 15 minutes but may be left for several hours if indicated.

The blue light portion of the treatment is then performed for up to 20 minutes. Some protocols may involve multiple short light exposures with breaks in between. Sometimes red light is also added.  After the light treatment, the skin is cleansed again.

Recovery

You can return to school or work immediately after the treatment. However, staying out of the sun for at least 48 hours after your treatment is critical. Sun exposure can further activate the residual medication on the skin which can lead to burning or blistering. Additionally, this guideline is even more important to prevent hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone if you have darker skin.  There may be some downtime, depending on how aggressive the treatment was.  You may have redness and peel for up to a week afterward.

Benefits of Photodynamic Light Therapy

Photodynamic light therapy is incredibly effective, and acne patients have been satisfied with the results for many years. The procedure can be uncomfortable but is well tolerated by most.  It targets the oil-producing glands themselves, which makes it a good starter treatment for those with stubborn acne or moderate to severe acne.

Additionally, photodynamic therapy for acne can be long-lasting, with results lasting up to 18 months. Lastly, PDT can treat issues such as actinic keratosis, so patients with other skin conditions may benefit in multiple ways when they choose this procedure.

Photodynamic Therapy Side Effects & Risks

Photodynamic therapy is largely safe and has few side effects. However, it can cause irritation and redness; some people have minor swelling. Remember that although there may be some mild discomfort, most people tolerate it well.  If you are concerned about those symptoms, over-the-counter pain medication can provide relief.

Additionally, staying out of the sun for at least 48 hours after the treatment is critical. If you need to go outside or into the sun, use SPF 30 with zinc oxide in the active ingredients, as it is a full-spectrum sunblock.

Is Photodynamic Therapy for Acne Covered by Insurance?

PDT for acne is generally not covered by insurance, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical necessity. However, some insurance companies may cover the acne medication Levulan but not the light therapy portion of the procedure. For any insurance-related questions, be sure to check to see what is covered by your specific plan. Our office may be able to help.

Photodynamic Light Therapy at Schweiger Dermatology Group

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we offer photodynamic light therapy to help clear the skin and even out its texture. Our acne experts will help you determine if you are a good candidate for PDT based on your goals, lifestyle, and health. PDT takes commitment to the healing process and schedule, but it’s worth it if you seek long-lasting results. Contact us today or find a location near you to schedule a consultation with one of our dermatology specialists.

Reviewed by Dr. Jeremy Fenton.

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