Acne.org Products
Phototherapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
PDT as it’s called is an incredibly painful procedure, but one that may produce lasting results. It’s a less invasive option than isotretinoin for severe acne that doesn’t cause so many potentially lifelong side effects. However, it works by permanently disabling skin oil glands, and what happens long term when you do that remains unknown. Proceed with caution.
Phototherapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Photodynamic Therapy? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 22, 2007
Cons:
Hiding for a couple days with an awful "sunburn"
Works. If you've got the money don't hesitate to try this procedure.
April 27, 2021
It’s been a decade later, has your acne come back?
Did you experience premature aging?
February 7, 2007
Pros:
face not so red, did not hurt half as much as the pixel laser.
Cons:
none do far but, i'll keep my fingers crossed.
i just had the procedure done an hour or so ago. my face really isn't that red!! i hope that means its still going to work. i had a pixel laser done 2 months ago . . . which led to 2 days of beautiful skin. . . then a month of the worst break outs i have ever had. although it could be blamed on the fact that i just started birth control. i'll update everyone in a week
the doc said it would take about a week to see results
January 6, 2007
Pros:
it works
Cons:
it's expensive
I suffered from not terrible but annoying cystic acne (hormonal I think) and my skin is too sensitive to withstand a lot of harsh creams eg BP, retin-a, etc. This treatment was like a miracle! Dr. Lisa Kellett of DLK on Avenue in Toronto prescribed a series of 6 treatments consisting of microdermabrasion, then levulan applied (left on for 1 hr) and then IPL. You have to stay out of the sun completely (even if you are indoors stay away from the windows) for 48 hours, which is annoying. For anyone whose face turned red, it is because you got exposed to sunlight! If you don't, it is not painful and redness goes away after a day or so. You might flake a bit but that's it. Treatments are spaced about 4 weeks apart. This has been the ONLY thing that has cured my acne and now it's been about 6 months since my last treatment and I still have ZERO blemishes. Only downside is it is very expensive. but the peace of mind is worth it. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2021
Waiting for my first appointment but not sure
I have my first appointment booked, but I’m worried about the long term side effects.
can any of the people in the past review posts answer these questions:
It’s been a decade later, has your acne come back?
Did you experience premature aging?
February 20, 2009
Pros:
Day 7 of first of 3 treatments, and looking/feeling much better. Peeling near complete.
Cons:
What they don't tell you is you WILL break out. It draws out all oils from overactive glands. Praying this works. Plan on recuperation time of 4-7 days.
Redness didn't bother me. Tightness and then peeling was uncomfortable, but doable. The breakouts are depressing for sure (but try not to touch..i've noticed it makes it much worse. Needs to go through natural cycle of flushing out bad stuff). They did NOT forewarn about breakouts which is dissappointing. Crossing fingers that this is all part of the repair process. Dr. also prescribed nicotinomide to get me off antibiotics. It's supposedly a natural alternative to reduce inflammation. Also anyone who gets cystic acne should consider themselves in the moderately severe to severe category. Who are we kidding? It's awful and i'm dissappointed medical science has not progressed more in this area. But i'm truly optimistic/hopeful for this procedure. Definitely WORTH DOING! Hang tough!
March 25, 2008
Pros:
little down time, low cost compared to lasers/peels etc.q
Cons:
burning sensation the next day (for me) that lasts almost all day.
I love this treatment. I have had 2 done - the first (in Feb.) I saw no improvement but the Dr. told me that up front. Had the 2nd two weeks ago and see a big difference in texture/pore size and my face is less oily. I really have no breakout issues, just trying to heal damaged skin from teen acne. I have tried IPLs, thermage & TCA peels - none evened out my skin tone like this one appears to be doing and it costs less! My Dr. uses the IPL laser (not the blue light) and I am ok day one, tomato red day two, look like wax day three and then normal (but flaky) for about the next 5 days. After about a week make sure to exfoliate - don't do it too early as the skin may not be ready to come off. I planned on 3 treatments but I am willing to do more as I like what I see so far.
March 6, 2008
Pros:
NONE
Cons:
increase my oil production, increase pimples, expensive...
I tried 4 sessions, 2 weeks a part 1 - metvix + red light;
2 - metvix + blue light;
3 - metvix + blue light;
4 - metvix + ipl. Metvix is similar Levulan
February 22, 2008
Pros:
Improves overall skin texture and eliminates breakout cycles.
Cons:
pricey, about four days to heal
Combining the Blu-u/Levulan treatment with the other four steps in Bill's Acne Solution ([link removed]) will clear your skin fast, with long-lasting results. Beware the medical professional who performs this procedure. When done correctly, it is the best acne treatment available.
January 12, 2008
Pros:
Works, but not a long-term solution.
Cons:
Cost me $5,250.
I'm almost 21 and have been on Accutane 4 times at double doses. I took it 3 times in high school and again last year. Yep it sucks. It's a shame I have one of the most persistent cases on the planet, but that's the way it goes... Anyway, right now I'm doing Natural Cures/Antibotics/Luvulan for my skin. I mainly am having the Luvulan done just to reinforce my skin. Blemishes have been reduced and sometimes I go a week without breaking out...which is great because that's like a record for me. I really couldn't tell you how good Luvulan is because I've got a very serious condition. If you have mild acne or acne because you're not genetically prone, I think you should get it done as it will keep you clear in the long run.
December 12, 2007
Pros:
waiting to see
Cons:
Redness, itchyness, peeling.
Got it done today...had the ala put on last night. So far all i see is redness on my cheeks and jaw area. But hope fully thats a sign of it working. skin seems to be very irritable to...but its only been a few hours haha so cant really say much...
Pros:
Reduced pore size, reduced sebum production, scars fade, smoother skin texture. Any new pimples (which are few) go away in a day or two.