Photorejuvenation using topical 5-methyl aminolevulinate and red light
Ricardo Ruiz-Rodríguez1, Laura López, Daniel Candelas
1Unidad de Dermatología, Clínica Ruber, Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD
|July 31, 2008
Summary
Photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate and red light moderately improved skin texture and tightness in patients with photoaging. Side effects like redness and swelling were noted, primarily with longer incubation times.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment for skin rejuvenation.
- Topical 5-methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is a photosensitizer used in PDT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical effectiveness and adverse effects of PDT using topical MAL and red light for photorejuvenation.
- To compare outcomes between different application times of topical MAL.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, prospective, split-face study involving 10 adult patients with moderate photodamage (Fitzpatrick skin types 2-3).
- Three PDT sessions were administered, with MAL cream applied for 1 hour on one facial side and 3 hours on the other, followed by red light illumination.
- A blinded investigator evaluated facial changes before treatment and two months after the third session.
Main Results:
- Moderate improvements in fine lines, tactile roughness, and skin tightness were observed, particularly on the side with 3-hour MAL incubation.
- No significant changes were noted in mottled pigmentation or telangiectasias.
- All subjects experienced side effects, including erythema, edema, and scaling, predominantly on the 3-hour incubation side.
Conclusions:
- Methyl aminolevulinate-photodynamic therapy with red light demonstrates potential for improving signs of moderate photoaging, such as fine lines and skin texture.
- The 3-hour incubation period for MAL may yield better results but also increases the likelihood and severity of side effects.
- Limitations include a small patient cohort and the absence of a placebo control group.
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