20% ALA + Red LED Light Therapy

Targeted Treatment for Active Acne

At The Skin Doctor, we offer Photodynamic Acne Therapy (PDT) as a doctor-supervised treatment for certain forms of moderate to severe acne.
It is designed for patients whose acne is persistent, inflammatory, or not responding to standard treatments alone.

PDT combines a photosensitising agent (20% ALA) with medical red LED light to help reduce active acne lesions through controlled activation of the skin’s natural pathways.

This treatment is part of a comprehensive acne management plan, not a stand-alone cure.
Your doctor will determine whether it is medically appropriate based on your skin type, acne severity and medical history.

What Is Photodynamic Acne Therapy?

Photodynamic Acne Therapy uses two components:

1. Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) 20%

A topical photosensitiser applied to the skin.
It preferentially accumulates within active sebaceous (oil) glands and acne-prone follicles.

2. Red LED Light

Activates the ALA, triggering a controlled photochemical reaction within the oil glands and superficial layers of the skin.

This activation may help reduce:

• activity of overactive sebaceous glands
  
  
• inflammation
  
  
• acne-causing bacteria on the skin
  
  

PDT is not suitable for all skin types and requires careful preparation, strict sun avoidance, and medical supervision.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for PDT?

PDT may be considered for individuals with:

• Persistent, inflammatory acne
  
  
• Moderate acne that has not improved with topical or oral treatments
  
  
• Acne associated with significant oil production
  
  
• Acne-prone areas difficult to treat with standard skincare and light therapies alone
  
  

It may not be suitable for:

• Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin without careful assessment
  
  
• Active infections other than acne
  
  
• History of photosensitivity
  
  
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  
  
• Patients unable to avoid sunlight for 48–72 hours after treatment
  
  

A consultation with a doctor is required to determine suitability.

Your Photodynamic Acne Therapy Appointment

1. Consultation & Skin Assessment

Your doctor will:

• take a full medical and acne history
  
  
• assess your skin type and acne severity
  
  
• discuss current medications, skincare, and triggers
  
  
• explain expected outcomes, risks and downtime
  
  
• outline a staged acne plan (PDT is usually one component, not the entire plan)
  
  

2. Preparation

Prior to PDT, you may be advised to:

• avoid retinoids or exfoliants for several days
  
  
• ensure strict sun protection
  
  
• prepare the skin with specific products if indicated
  
  

3. ALA Application (20%)

The treatment begins with:

• cleansing and preparation of the skin
  
  
• application of 20% aminolevulinic acid to targeted areas
  
  

The ALA is left on the skin for a controlled incubation period, usually 20–60 minutes depending on the protocol and your skin’s sensitivity.

4. Red LED Activation

You will be placed under a medical red LED light to activate the ALA.
This process usually takes around 10 minutes.

Patients may feel:

• pain
• warmth
  
  
• tingling
  
  
• mild stinging sensations
  
  

These usually settle once the light cycle is complete.

5. Post-Treatment Care

After PDT, the skin may experience:

• pain
• redness
  
  
• sensitivity
  
  
• swelling
  
  
• temporary tightness or flaking
  
  

Strict avoidance of:

• sunlight
  
  
• bright indoor lighting
  
  
• heat exposure (exercise, saunas, hot showers)
  
  

for 48–72 hours is essential to reduce the risk of a phototoxic reaction.

Your doctor will give you a detailed aftercare plan.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

The number of sessions varies depending on:

• acne severity
  
  
• oiliness
  
  
• skin type
  
  
• response to previous treatments
  
  

Some patients receive a single session, while others may require a series spaced weeks apart as part of a broader acne plan.

Your doctor will discuss expectations at your consultation.

Risks & Considerations

All medical treatments carry risks.
Possible side effects of PDT include:

• redness and peeling
  
  
• swelling
  
  
• temporary darkening of pigmentation
  
  
• photosensitivity reactions (if sun avoidance is not followed)
  
  
• crusting or irritation
  
  
• uneven response
  
  

Your doctor will discuss risks specific to your skin type and medical history.

How PDT Fits Into Your Acne Plan

Photodynamic Acne Therapy is not a stand-alone treatment.
We use it as part of an integrated plan that may also include:

• medical-grade skincare
  
  
• LED therapy
  
  
• chemical peels
  
  
• prescription topicals
  
  
• oral medications when appropriate
  
  
• lifestyle guidance for long-term stability
  
  

Our goal is to:

• calm inflammation
  
  
• break the cycle of congestion
  
  
• reduce the risk of scarring
  
  
• support long-term skin health
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the downtime?

Redness and sensitivity may last several days.
Strict light avoidance is mandatory for 48–72 hours.

Will my acne disappear completely?

PDT can help reduce inflammation and oil activity, but acne is a medical condition influenced by hormones, genetics and lifestyle.
Most patients continue with maintenance skincare and other treatments.

Is PDT suitable for darker skin?

It can be, but requires careful assessment due to increased risk of pigmentation changes. Your doctor will advise.

Photodynamic Acne Therapy at The Skin Doctor

If you have persistent or inflammatory acne that has not responded to standard treatments, Photodynamic Acne Therapy may be an option.

Our approach is:

• doctor-led
  
  
• evidence-informed
  
  
• focused on skin safety and long-term control
  
  

We will guide you through the process, ensure you understand expectations and risks, and integrate PDT into a comprehensive, personalised acne plan.