Does Photodynamic Therapy Really Work for Acne?

Photodynamic therapy is a great treatment for treatment resistant acne or as an addition to an acne treatment plan. It is performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan, a photosensitizing agent that requires a specific form of light. The combination of the two make PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) represent a dramatic advance in the war against acne.
photodynamic therapy(PDT) works in a rather subtle manner. The bacteria that is incriminated as playing a villain role in acne produces a chemical called porphyins. The blue light is attracted to these porphyrins and zaps not only the porphyrins but the nearby bacteria. The Levulan is absorbed by the skin and then activated by the light. This results in a significant decrease in bacteria and oil. PDT used in this manner is about as effective as a good antibiotic.
There are several light sources that are effective and the treatment can be done with or without levulan (levulanic acid). It is hard to predict how long the treatment will last, as this can depend on several things including the type and severity of the acne, the location of the acne, the use of levulan, and the light source used to perform the treatment. 
pdt treatment does work for acne, in part by decreasing oil production and in part by killing the bacteria that causes acne. Some patients require only one session, while others need two or three sessions to clear up their acne. Teens may need to go back for another treatment in six months to a year.
The advantages of photo dynamic therapy PDT are rapid treatment of acne lesions all over the face, no scarring, no surgical excisions and no systemic side effects. The skin appears refreshed and younger following these treatments. The procedure is easier for patients than other treatments because the side effects are minimal and healing is rapid. 
The downside of photodynamic therapy pdt is that your skin will be red and have some skin peeling (and crusting if you have skin cancers) for several days after the treatment. Some patients have an exuberant response to PDT, and experience marked redness of their skin. Temporary swelling of the lips and around your eyes can occur for a few days. Darker pigmented patches called liver spots can become temporarily darker and then peel off, leaving normal skin. This usually occurs over seven to ten days.