Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that utilizes light activated or photosensitive drugs and a controlled beam of light is administered to the treatment area. Although, PDT is mainly used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer. It is also used for cosmetic purposes.
How Photodynamic Therapy Works
The procedure is actually a very basic process. A photosensitizer, which can be in a form of an injectable fluid or a topical cream or lotion, to selectively administer the site of treatment.
The drugs are made to affect cancer cells or skin lesions rather than healthy cells. So even though the skin absorbs it, the chemicals would only retain on the affected regions. Although, the time of wait may vary from minutes to hours and even days for the actual photo-treatment.
Benefits of Photodynamic Therapy Over Traditional Treatments
One of the most appealing advantages of PDT is its non-surgical, minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional procedures that might involve excision or harsh chemical peels, PDT delivers results with little to no downtime. This makes it ideal for busy individuals looking for a lunchtime procedure with minimal risk.
The precision of PDT also ensures that only the targeted abnormal cells are affected, preserving the surrounding healthy tissue—a feature that significantly reduces the risk of scarring or long-term damage, especially in facial treatments.
Devices and Application Techniques in PDT
The device used to ‘activate’ the medicine may also differ depending on the where the site is. If the affected area is on the leg or arm, physicists can opt to use a larger machine.
Otherwise, they use small, hand held devices to selectively administer the light rays. Some PDTs even use small fiber optic lasers to completely focus the site.
The wavelength of the light would also determine how far it would penetrate the human body. And although each drug is activated by receiving a certain frequency of light, they all release an active form of oxygen that ‘burns’ the cells, directly destroying the defective cells and while the body quickly replenishes after a few days.
In addition to this, PDT also destroys the blood vessels within the affected area, disabling the nutrients to reach the defective cells while the healthy cells fill in. It may even stimulate the immune system to attack the tumor cells.
FDA-Approved Uses Beyond Skin Treatment
However, it does not necessarily mean that the PDT can only cure the skin. In the US, the FDA has also approved this procedure as a invasive way to relieve esophageal and non-small cell lung cancer.
Although, this does not mean that treating internal tissues will be easy. Since light waves can only pass about 1 cm from the skin. Aside from this, PDT is also less effective when treating large tumors because light cannot pass far into these dense form of cells.
PDT for Cosmetic Skin Concerns
But for skin problems that can be easily touched up by this, such as acne, dark spots and other skin lesions due to aging, PDT can be a miracle worker because it has minimal side effects and downtime.
Patients can undergo treatment and leave with nothing but a reddish complexion, meaning they can resume their daily activities without any hassles.
However, its popularity may take a toll on since the procedure is only recommended for fair or light skinned people. Darker skinned individuals may experience discolorations or brown patches on site of treatment and since they are also naturally photosensitive, they may also feel slight irritation.
Cosmetic Applications of Photodynamic Therapy for Acne and Aging Skin
In addition to its cancer-fighting capabilities, Photodynamic Therapy for acne treatment has become increasingly popular among dermatologists.
The therapy works by targeting sebaceous glands and reducing oil production, making it particularly effective for patients with moderate to severe acne. It also helps unclog pores and kill acne-causing bacteria, offering a long-term solution without the need for systemic antibiotics.
Moreover, PDT has shown promise in reversing sun damage and reducing fine lines and wrinkles, making it a powerful tool for non-invasive anti-aging skin treatments.
What to Expect After Photodynamic Therapy
Post-treatment care is critical for achieving the best outcomes from PDT. Patients are typically advised to avoid direct sunlight for at least 48 hours, as the skin remains sensitive to UV exposure.
Mild redness, swelling, and a sunburn-like sensation may occur but generally subside within a few days. Most dermatologists recommend applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and soothing moisturizers to accelerate healing.
With consistent aftercare and follow-up treatments, PDT for skin rejuvenation can deliver visibly clearer, smoother, and more youthful skin.