Most people are affected by acne at some point in their lives, whether briefly or for a longer period of time. Mild acne is often characterized by blackheads and whiteheads, with more severe acne including papules and pustules, or even nodules and cysts. Acne affects the areas of the skin with the densest amount of oil/sebum producing glands called sebaceous glands. While the exact underlying causes of acne are not yet fully understood, 3 factors such as overgrowth of sebaceous glands, excess oil/sebum production, and the presence of bacteria called P. acnes are recognized as part of the factors behind the cause of acne. Furthermore, acne appears to be the results of additional interconnected factors such as diet and lifestyle. DMC Skin Clinic believes that successful treatment of acne should address most if not all of the known involved factors. We strive to bring the best and most advanced treatment protocols to each one of our patients.

Levulan^® Kerastick^® Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) improves the skin by decreasing oil/sebum production, clearing acne, and shrinking enlarged pores. The treatment involves a clear liquid medication that contains aminolevulinic acid (ALA) that is metabolically converted into a natural substance called protoporphyrin IX during the incubation process once it is applied on the skin. After the incubation period, the skin is then exposed to light energy which results a photodynamic reaction intended to destroy sebaceous glands and acne-causing bacteria. Normal skin is not affected by the destruction.

Tryptophan Acne PDT is one of the gentlest therapies to reduce active acne and decrease the size of enlarged pores. Tryptophan is a naturally occurring essential amino acid and is combined with riboflavin (vitamin B2) and light, undergoing a synergistic photodynamic reaction. Reactive oxygen species are produced which then deactivates both the sebaceous glands and acne-causing bacteria leaving normal skin unharmed.

• How many treatment sessions do I need?
  Most patients generally require a minimum of 3-5 sessions, depending on the desired goals.
• What is the treatment interval?
  The ideal treatment interval between each treatment is 2 weeks.
• What are the advantages of the treatment over other options?
  Levulan® PDT: Is one of the only treatments that reduce the number of oil glands present in the treated areas. This results in longer remission of acne than other treatments available. Furthermore, Levulan® PDT is localized to small area of the skin, suggesting that reactions, if any, are minor and localized.
  Tryptophan PDT: Uses natural substances to treat acne with any reactions being generally mild. Furthermore, Tryptophan PDT does not require complete sun avoidance as the substance rapidly disappears from the skin within a few hours after the treatment.
• Is the treatment painful?
  Levulan® PDT: Apart from stinging and warmth of the treated areas, there is minimum pain and does not require any topical anaesthetic.
  Tryptophan PDT: Other than minor stinging of the treated areas, there is very little pain.
• How long does the treatment take?
  Levulan® PDT: The incubation process of the treatment generally takes 60-90 minutes with the light therapy taking about 10-20 minutes.
  Tryptophan PDT: Generally finishes in less than a hour.
• Is there any downtime following the treatment?
  Tryptophan PDT: Redness and minor swelling typically resolve in 3-4 days. We highly recommend avoiding all sun exposure for the first 24 hours. Most patients experience minor acne breakouts following the treatment.
  Levulan® PDT: Redness, swelling, and mild peeling typically resolve in 3-7 days. We highly recommend avoiding all sun exposure for the first 48-72 hours as the skin may turn darker. Sunscreen (SPF 30 and above) should contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as its main ingredient and should be strictly applied frequently for the first 14 days. Most patients experience minor acne breakouts following the treatment.