Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a photosensitizer, light energy, and molecular oxygen to cause cell damage. Cells exposed to the photosensitizer are susceptible to destruction upon light absorption because excitation of the photosensitizing agents leads to the production of reactive oxygen species and, subsequently, direct cytotoxicity. Using the intrinsic cellular heme biosynthetic pathway, to...

PURPOSE Many treatment modalities exist to counteract the effects of cutaneous aging. Ablative methods have been the mainstay for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. In recent years, nonablative techniques have been developed with the aim of achieving facial rejuvenation without epidermal damage. Light-emitting diode (LED) photorejuvenation is a novel nonablative technique that induces collagen sy...

BACKGROUND The adjunctive use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) with intense pulsed-light (IPL) treatments has been suggested to increase the benefit of IPL for photoaging; however, to our knowledge, no controlled trials have been performed. DESIGN A prospective, randomized, controlled, split-face study was designed. Twenty subjects participated in a series of 3 split-face treatments 3 weeks a...

A hydroquinone/tretinoin (HQ/tret) skin care system designed for use with non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures has recently become available. In this observer-masked study, 36 patients with moderate-to-severe wrinkling of the skin around the eyes and lips were randomly assigned to use either the 4% hydroquinone/0.05% tretinoin skin care system or placebo products, each day for 90 days. I...

Even though photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a firmly established niche treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), its potential as a treatment for other dermatoses has been somewhat neglected. It is disappointing that little clinical research has been conducted in this area, as it may prove to be even more useful for treating dermatoses than it is for NMSC. 1 Dr Gerald Weinstein and colleague...

BACKGROUND Noninvasive techniques for skin rejuvenation are quickly becoming standard in the treatment of mild rhytids and overall skin toning. Multiple laser wavelengths and modalities have been used with varying degrees of success, including 532-nm, 585-nm, 1064-nm, 1320-nm, 1450-nm, and 1540-nm wavelengths. OBJECTIVES To evaluate a combination technique using a long-pulsed, 532-nm potassiu...