Photodynamic Therapy For Anti-Aging Skin Care
What is photodynamic therapy?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that uses a photosensitizing drug (a drug that becomes activated by light exposure) and a light source to activate the applied drug. The result is an activated oxygen molecule that can destroy nearby cells. Precancerous cells and certain types of cancer cells can be treated this way. The procedure is easily performed in a physician’s office or outpatient setting.
PDT essentially has three steps. First, a light-sensitizing liquid, cream, or intravenous drug (photosensitizer) is applied or administered. Second, there is an incubation period of minutes to days. Finally, the target tissue is then exposed to a specific wavelength of light that then activates the photosensitizing medication.
Steps:
- application of photosensitizer drug
- incubation period
- light activation
Although first used in the early 1900s, PDT in the modern sense is a fairly new, evolving science. Current PDT involves a variety of incubation times for the light-sensitizing drug and a variety of light sources depending on the target tissue. The basic premise of PDT is selective tissue destruction. Although the photosensitizer may be absorbed all over by many cells, atypical or cancerous cells take up more of the drug and retain the drug for a longer duration than normal tissues.
At present, the primary limitation of available PDT techniques is the depth of penetration of the light and ability to target cells within at most 1/3 of an inch (approximately 1 cm) of the light source. Therefore, tumors or atypical growths must be close to the surface of the skin or treatment surface for PDT to work.
PDT is currently used in a number of medical fields including oncology (cancer), dermatology (skin), and cosmetic surgery.
Photodynamic Therapy For Anti-Aging Skin Care
In the attempt to treat certain skin problems and disorders, many turn to special treatments when regular skincare products alone don’t seem to make the cut. Photodynamic therapy is one of the latest procedures that is proving to be highly effective in treating everything from the signs of aging, to skin lesions, and even eliminating cancerous skin cells.
Photodynamic therapy itself is a combination of two types of treatments together: a light source and a photosensitizing drug. When the two are used together, this allows it to be very potent in destroying damaged skin cells. Those suffering from skin cancer or early symptoms may want to look into this type of treatment to improve, heal, and restore the skin. The treatment effectively destroys both precancerous and cancerous cells.
In terms of anti-aging, photodynamic therapy has also proved to be successful. During research, studies found that the therapy not only eliminated cancerous skin cells, but also happened to reduce the signs of aging. Multiple sessions greatly reduced the appearance of crow’s feet, skin roughness, and discoloration of the complexion.
In order for photodynamic therapy to work, first a photosensitizing drug, such as a cream, liquid, or intravenous drug, is applied to the area. Then there is a brief waiting period for the photosensitizing drug to take effect. This can take between a few minutes to a few days and varies from person to person. When ready, the area is then exposed to the special light source, which triggers the medication.
The presence of photodynamic therapy has made it highly popular for use in the fields of oncology, dermatology, and cosmetic surgery. Aside from its main use in treating skin lesions and eliminating cancerous and precancerous skin cells, photodynamic therapy is also beneficial to those experiencing skin disorders. Dermatologists currently use this method to treat a variety of common skin problems, including rosacea, acne, oily skin, warts, psoriasis, and enlarged sebaceous glands, to name a few.
In terms of anti-aging, photodynamic therapy is able to increase a production in the skin’s collagen levels, resulting in firmer and suppler skin. Additionally, the skin’s top layers are also treated in a way that allows the epidermis to grow back stronger, healthier, and vibrant. Luckily, this method does not make individuals more sensitive to natural sunlight, although photosensitivity can occur after the treatment has been done, but gradually fades with time. During this period, it is advisable to wear sunscreen.
Before pursuing this alternative, it is best to consult with a professional photodynamic therapy physician. The best candidates for photodynamic therapy are those with fair skin and lighter complexions. Individuals with darker skin tones are more prone to experiencing discoloration or brown patches on the areas of treatment. Those that are naturally photosensitive should also be cautious about choosing photodynamic therapy, since a light source is used directly on the skin, which can lead to irritation.