Targeting Acne with Photodynamic Blue Light Therapy

A lot of people have struggled with acne at some point in their life. It can make your teen years difficult and add unnecessary stress and frustration during adulthood. Finding a good way to manage your acne can also be challenging. At the Westchester Center for Dermatology in Scarsdale, NY, we offer safe and effective options for treating and managing acne, including Photodynamic blue light therapy (PDT).

What Is Photodynamic Blue Light Therapy?

Photodynamic blue light therapy is an FDA-approved non-invasive skin treatment. The process involves applying a light-sensitive topical medication called a photosensitizer to the skin and waiting some time for it to be fully absorbed. The skin will then be exposed to blue light that will activate the photosensitizer. 

How Can Photodynamic Blue Light Therapy Treat Acne?

PDT can be incredibly effective at treating acne because it targets the bacteria on the skin that causes acne. Acne can occur when the skin’s pores become clogged with the natural oils the skin produces (sebum), dead skin cells, debris, and bacteria. 

Photodynamic therapy can precisely target acne through the application of light-sensitive topical medication to the affected areas of the skin. When exposed to blue light, the treatment destroys the bacteria in those areas which prevents the pores from becoming infected. 

PDT treatments take around thirty minutes to complete, though this will vary depending on the severity of the acne being treated. Initially, a series of treatments spaced about two weeks apart are typically recommended until the intended outcome has been achieved. The results of your photodynamic therapy should be visible between two weeks to two months after your treatment. 

Other Benefits of Photodynamic Blue Light Therapy

PDT offers several benefits over other acne treatments. The treatments are quick and painless, and there is no visible scarring caused by the treatment. In fact, photodynamic blue light therapy is associated with minimal-to-no side effects. The treatment can also help to minimize pore size and reduce oiliness. 

Other Options for Treating Acne

At the Westchester Center for Dermatology, we also offer other acne treatments that may be better suited for your skin condition or used in combination with PDT. When you come in for your consultation, our team will analyze your skin and the severity of your acne to find the ideal treatment for you. The treatments we provide include:

Chemical peels – This skin treatment involves applying a chemical solution to the surface of the skin to eliminate bacteria and damaged skin, revealing a new, healthy layer of skin.

Laser skin resurfacing – Using a Fraxel laser, this treatment vaporizes the surface layers of the skin to initiate new skin growth. It can also improve the appearance of acne scars.

Topical treatments – We may recommend prescription topical medications and lotions to kill bacteria and prevent breakouts.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are ready to take action against acne, blue light photodynamic therapy may be the right treatment for you. Contact the Westchester Center for Dermatology in Scarsdale, NY today to schedule an appointment with cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kriegel.