Clear Your Acne with PDT Acne Treatments
If you struggle with acne and try endless acne treatments only to find they don't work, don't despair. New treatments pop up every day, which may give you relief. One of the most promising is PDT. Learn more about this effective treatment and how it may help you.
What is PDT acne treatment?
PDT is short for Photodynamic therapy. This is a special treatment of acne that uses a photosensitizing agent applied the skin and activated with a light source. It is safe and effective for moderate to severe acne. It rejuvenates skin and improves acne in one procedure.
The photosensitizing agent used in this treatment is Levulan®. This agent proliferates bacteria cells, oil glands and even sun-damaged cells.
The light source can be a visible blue light, intense pulsed light, or laser. The light activates the Levulan® destroying bacteria - oil glands shrink, pore size shrinks and your skin appears brighter, smoother, and healthier.
What happens during the acne skin treatment?
Go for the treatment with freshly cleaned skin, without any makeup, sunscreens, and moisturizers. The assistant cleans your skin further with an acetone scrub or microdermabrasion.
The assistant applies a clear, painless solution to your skin, and leaves it on for 30-60 minutes. A light source activates the solution for a few minutes after which the solution is washed off.
The treatment will not only help with acne you presently have but also targets sebaceous hyperplasia, small bumps on your skin, reduces oiliness, and shrinks your pores making your skin appear much smoother.
The average patient needs three to five treatments spaced two to four weeks apart.
What happens after the treatment?
After the treatment, patients experience mild tingling. For several days, your skin feels like you have a sunburn. It is important to avoid sunlight for 36 hours - even sun through car windows. Sunlight contains the spectrum of rays that can activate the chemical and you get a much deeper peel.
PDT is proving to be an effective weapon in the war against acne. Speak to your dermatologist about acne treatments that use these methods and you will be on your way to clearer, more beautiful skin in no time.