Levulan & Blue Light | Acne Treatment | Golden State Dermatology

Photodynamic Therapy for Acne, Actinic Keratosis & Sun Damage.

Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy with Levulan is a breakthrough treatment for acne, sun damage, and decreasing Actinic Keratosis (pre-cancerous spots). It is a non-invasive procedure in which a solution called Levulan is applied to the face. Levulan, composed of aminolevulinic acid, is a compound found naturally in the body and causes a chemical reaction that enhances the skin’s sensitivity to light. After the solution is absorbed into the skin for about 30 minutes, the skin is exposed to a high intensity blue light, which causes a chemical reaction that destroys damaged skin cells. The reaction of the light on the Levulan-treated regions also decreases the amount acne-causing bacteria and Actinic Keratoses.

This procedure often causes a tingling or slight stinging sensation, as well as some reddening in the treated area with dry, scaly, or crusted patches that may peel.

Photodynamic therapy decreases most facial lesions within seven to ten days. In addition to decreasing the number of acne-causing bacteria, the treatment also shrinks the sebaceous glands where acne starts, offering long-term relief from acne. For the best outcome for acne treatment, it is recommended to complete four to eight Photodynamic Therapy treatments, done two to three weeks apart.