Sun-damaged Skin Responds Well to Laser Treatment
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System Department of Dermatology have found scientific evidence that the appearance of sun-damaged skin may be improved by treatment with a topical product that increases the skin’s sensitivity to light, followed by laser therapy.
In the new study, participants whose skin was sun-damaged – or photodamaged – were treated with a topical photosensitizer called 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and then with a pulsed dye laser. This type of treatment, known as photodynamic therapy, increased collagen levels in the skin and also produced other skin changes that are known to improve its appearance.
The results also suggest that skin with the worst sun damage may respond particularly well to this treatment.
