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
November 20, 2007
Cons:
REDDNESS, DRYNESS, PEELING DURING THE FIRST 3 TO 4 DAYS. BUT REMINDER THAT IS THE DEAD SKIN THAT'S ON THE TOP SURFACE. THIS PROCEDURE BRING THE NEW SKIN TO THE SURFACE.
NOTHING WORKS OVER NIGHT. IF U HAD ACNE FOR 10 YEARS AS I DO. YOU WILL TRY ANTHING. BUT I LOOKING FOR A DOCOTOR IN ATL THAT IS AS GOOD AS MY DOCTOR IN STL. NOW, IF U LIVE IN STL GO TO DR. MOORE IN CLAYTON. AT LIFESTLYE CENTER BY THE COURT HOUSE. HE IS AWSOME. I EVEN THINKING TO FLY BACK HOMW JUST TO GET ANOTHER TX WITH HIM. HE VERY REASONABLE AT COST. THE BLU LIGHT KILLS THE BACTERIA IN THE SKIN. LEVULAN GETS TO THE ROOT. BUT U MUST GET THE DERMBRASION
August 13, 2007
Pros:
alternative for those who dont want to try accutane
Cons:
like any other acne treatments(oral or topicals), you have to give it time to work. w/levulan at least 3 is recommended.levulan has a downtime of at least 5 days.
effective if done by a knowledgeable doctor.. so make sure to do research before doing anything.. information is important.. ask questions..
April 30, 2007
Pros:
None.
Cons:
Expensive. Saw no results. You have to stay out of the light for 48 hours so it isn't convenient.
I have had the clearlight treatment done and I had great results from that. I think the levulan did not help my skin at all. I understand that these treatments don't work for everybody so I guess this one was just not right for me. I think the frequency of the treatment is also something that was ineffective. I went three times, once every three weeks. For the clearlight treatment I went once a week for a total of eight times. My skin stayed totally clear for eight months. I would recommend that treatment over the Blu-U
March 7, 2007
Pros:
No pain
Cons:
Made my acne worse, lots of $$$
There are different blu-u light treatments. I did the 'blu-u' blue light photodynamic therapy that requires several weekly treatments at 15 minutes each. I used to have bad acne. After 2 years on duac (a miracle), I went from 25 to 2-3 pimples a week. However, these small 2-3 pimples left redmarks. I was grateful to not be breaking out as much... But... Went to the derm and she suggested I try the blu-u light treatment for red marks and remaining pimples. Halfway though my blu-u treatment, my face is a MESS. My face has NEVER broke out so much. My entire checks are covered in cysts... in places I've never had problems with. I completely regret it. I can't even go to the grocery store because I am SOOO embarressed and people are looking at me like I am a druggie. This has been a complete nightmare, I am 25 and have NEVER IN MY LIFE broke out so bad (was even on accutane and never had it this bad). Heed this as a warning. Even if the acne clears, these new scars will take months to heal.
March 5, 2007
Cons:
REDNESS, PEELING, ITCHING, INFLAMMATION OF ACNE
I had recently just got a levulan with the blu light treatment done with a acetone scrub prior to the treatment, and have been very irritated for the last 6 days. The acne that I had before the treatment is still the same, even worse. The next day after the treatment i woke up with tons of whiteheads all over my face, and this was good because i have cystic acne and it brought some of it up to surface.I still have 3 more treatments to go and I hope that this works because I payed $2,500 for the package. I will keep you posted after my 2nd treatment.
November 30, 2011
Pros:
Transient skin smoothness
Relatively mild redness and burning (performed with IPL)
Cons:
Severe acne flare
No lasting improvement to acne
Price
I've had cystic acne for years, and light treatment with levulan was a last resort before resorting to accutane for the second time in my life. I had four treatments of ALA with IPL (intense pulsed light--current literature suggests that IPL might be more effective in severe cases of acne than Blue light) performed at a world-renowned university's cosmetic laser center. Treatments were performed at 3 week intervals. Each time, skin was cleansed with propanol; ALA was applied, left on for 90 minutes, and removed with a mild cleanser. Single pass IPL was performed @ 23J/cm2. After each treatment, skin only remained red for only a day or so. I had it done on Fridays, and always looked normal enough for class on Monday. Little to no pain, though the procedure was similar to having a rubber band slapped against the skin--mildly uncomfortable. For two weeks after each treatment I had severe acne flares, only to have smoother (but still acne-ridden) skin one week before my next treatment. This trend continued until after the last treatment, where skin eventually ceased to be smooth, and acne was as bad as ever. In sum, it didn't work for me, but studies suggest that it might work for you...I guess...
April 23, 2009
Pros:
only tried on back, upper arms, and chest.
cleared all acne!
Cons:
expensive, may get hyperpigmentation
it cleared my acne prob 75% after just one treatment. I think it took 2-3 sticks for my back, upper arms, and chest. i did get hyperpigmentation where the microdermabrasion had left marks.
i did the second treatment without the microdermabrasion and had no hyperpigmentation (im not caucasian). and the acne is 100% gone on my upper arms and chest, and i believe on my back. now i just have to get rid of the scars!
i still have a treatment left.
October 4, 2008
Pros:
helped with sundamage, pigmentation & pre-cancer spots
Cons:
48 hr indoor price
i really liked how it affected my skin. I am saving up for another treatment!
July 4, 2008
Pros:
No down time for me!
Cons:
Face broke out a little.
I have broken out for years. I was fed up and finally went on accutane years ago. The accutane really cleared my skin for a while so i recommend it to anyone who has a month of free time to break out before getting clear! I just got Dusa blue light treatment with Levulan done 2 days ago. Hour sitting with the Levulan on and then 15 mins in front of the light. Face turned red right after and now im breaking out worse than before. Im a pretty positive person, so im hoping in a few days my face will clear. Now, nothing. I will update in a few more days.
March 11, 2008
Pros:
So Far it seems to be helping
Cons:
The redness and pain 24 hours after the procedure. The cost.
I have been a difficult case for many derms. I have seen world experts in the field from Chicago. After exhausting our options including accutane - we decided to try Levulan. So far I have been impressed - most of my skin has cleared after the first treatment but the derm says I need a minimum of 3-4. The two days to follow are the worst with redness and pain. Feels like I didn't wear any sunblock on the beach in Florida for 18 hours straight with full sun exposure. We will see how long this lasts
Pros:
YOU WILL LOOK GREAT AFTERWARD