Photodynamic Therapy is a treatment that uses photosensitizing molecules, molecules that become “activated” using a light source, as well as a light source to administer a certain drug or treatment.
Photodynamic Therapy is used in the treatment of:
- Certain superficial skin cancers.
-
Acne, cystic or otherwise
-
Actinic Keratosis
-
Sun damaged skin
How does it work?
Photodynamic Therapy works in the treatment of certain skin issues, by using Intense Pulsed Light Therapy or IPL therapy. IPL therapy is a common laser-light procedure known to increase cellular turnover and stimulate collagen production in the skin.
IPL Lasers and Cellular Turnover
IPL is generally done using a flashgun that delivers a range of light energy into the skin, penetrating the surface and treating the skin. IPL is generally used in laser hair removal, laser skin rejuvenation, and laser skin resurfacing. For Photodynamic Therapy, IPL, is used as the light source in the activation of a light-activated amino acid.
These amino acids, react to the light source provided by the IPL lasers. When the amino acids become activated by the light source, they aid in the treatment of a number of skin issues. In addition, the light energy provided by the IPL laser, helps the skin to create new collagen, leading to cellular turnover. The old skin peels away, and with it goes surface blemishes from acne, to actinic keratosis, skin cancers, sun damaged skin, or discolored skin. The collagen that is produced helps create brand-new skin cells, that take the place of the former resurfaced skin cells.
