Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is another phototherapy option for treating acne. Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied topically one hour prior to exposure to a low-power light source (such as a pulsed excimer laser or a halogen source). The ALA is metabolized in the pilosebaceous units to protoporphyrin IX which is then targeted by the light. This results in the destruction of the sebaceous glands and damage to the hair follicles and epidermis (123,124).