Comparison of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy and red light for treatment of photoaging.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Controlled clinical trial without reported randomization
PubMed 24568890 · doi:10.1016/j.pdpdt.2014.02.007
What was done
Fourteen adults with photoaged skin were recruited for a pilot controlled trial comparing 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) against red light alone applied to the forearm extensor. Outcomes evaluated before and after treatment included dermoscopy, stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), colorimetry (L*a*b* values), and microscopic examination of collagen and elastin.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, variances, or p-values. Both ALA-PDT and red light alone were reported to improve photoaging lesion appearance, increase stratum corneum hydration, decrease TEWL, and improve solar elastosis. The authors state these improvements were more obvious in the ALA-PDT group. Neither group exhibited significant changes in L*a*b* values.
Why it matters
This pilot study suggests that adding ALA photosensitization to red light therapy may enhance skin barrier and textural improvements compared to red light alone.
Limits
The sample size is very small (n=14), no quantitative results or statistical tests are reported in the abstract, randomization and blinding were not described, and treatment was tested on the forearm extensor rather than facial skin.
Cited by
- supports Red light therapy enhances collagen and elastin production in facial skin tissue.