Photodynamic therapy uses a chemical reaction activated by light energy to selectively destroy specific tissues and treat sunspots, certain types of skin cancer, rosacea, acne and sun-damaged skin.
A photosensitising medication is applied topically on the skin and a narrow band of (red or blue) light is administered to cause a moderately deep exfoliation and target damaged tissue and sebaceous glands.
When skin is exposed to a light source of an appropriate wavelength, its photosensitiser molecules are activated to produce oxygen intermediates that destroy the targeted cells. Recovery time is around two weeks after each treatment and usually one to three sessions are required.
