Got acne? If traditional acne treatments aren’t working or if you’re ready to try something new, ask us about photodynamic therapy for acne. This one of a kind treatment offers an improved method for treating acne with a high degree of safety and a quick recovery time. Call today… clearer, smoother skin is waiting.

What Is Photodynamic Therapy?photo-dynamic-therapy-santa-monica

Photodynamic therapy treats acne by targeting bacterial growth, a primary cause of the problem. It also fights oil production by enlarged sebaceous glands. The treatment starts with a deep cleansing. After the skin is clean, we apply Levulan, a medication that contains Aminolevulinic acid (a naturally occurring substance found in every person). The Levulan remains on the skin for about 30 minutes so that it can be absorbed by the skin. Then we activate the treatment using a specific wavelength of blue light.  This treatment reduces the bacteria that cause acne and slows oil production. Thus, Photodynamic therapy targets two of the primary causes of acne (bacteria and oil) for a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your skin.

Does Photodynamic Therapy Work?

Photodynamic therapy is a very safe, very effective treatment. Patients typically notice improvement in their skin after the very first treatment with optimal results after just three or four treatments. Our patients love the results they see. If you’re tired of acne treatments that don’t work, try something new. Photodynamic therapy can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin. It is an excellent option for patients with moderate to severe acne.

Many of our patients opt for photodynamic therapy after trying topical acne treatments and antibiotics without the results they want. It is an excellent alternative to Accutane without the many potential side effects.

What Else Can Photodynamic Therapy Do for Me?

Photodynamic therapy is an ideal option for acne, but that isn’t all it can do. It is also an excellent option for skin rejuvenation and for actinic keratoses. The process is similar but the Levulan is applied for a longer period of time, usually 60 minutes.  We again use blue light to activate if we are treating actinic keratoses and we use intense pulsed light to activate if we are rejuvenating the skin.

Photodynamic therapy is excellent for treating acne, removing damaged skin cells, fighting pigmentation problems, and treating sun damage.   Call us today and ask about photodynamic therapy.