Aminolevulinic Acid for Acne
Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a photo sensitizing agent which causes skin to become more susceptible to light. Used in conjunction with photo dynamic therapy, or blue light therapy, its action decreases production of sebum and eradicates the bacteria around hair follicles that can cause acne. At high doses, permanent changes to the sebaceous glands occur. The trade name for Aminolevulinic acid is "Levulan".
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History
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Light therapy has been an acne treatment since the 1940s. Sunlamps that emitted harmful UVA and UVB rays were used to clear excess sebum and speed the healing process of damaged skin, until antibiotics made light treatment unpopular. In 2002 a paper in "Cosmetic Dermatology" by Dr. Ranella J. Hirsch of the Department of Dermatology, State University of New York, discussed a process in which systems in a "safer" spectrum made light treatment more acceptable.
Acne can be genetic or due to diet, lifestyle or excess sebum production. Dr Hirsch's research found that visible light could activate "Porphyrins" which attack acne-causing bacteria, whatever the cause. When Aminolevulinic acid was discovered it was first used with red light. The treatment cleared acne for many weeks, but caused painful side effects. Now used with blue light, Aminolevulinic treatment for acne is mostly successful with no side effects.
Treatment
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Amolevulinic acid is applied directly to the affected areas by a health care professional or your doctor. This is usually done the day before light treatment to allow the acid to be absorbed by the skin. The next day your doctor will use blue light to treat the acne. After treatment, most patients will notice a considerable improvement in the condition of their skin. Several treatments once or twice a week for several weeks may be required.
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Effects
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Apart from tingling, treatment is pain free. Patients experience a sunburn-like feeling but also notice a tightening of the pores and general improvement. The treatment makes the skin sun sensitive so it's necessary to keep out of direct sunlight for at least two days after the procedure, or wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade treated areas. A high factor sun screen is also recommended during this period.
Advantages
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Topical use of Aminolevulinic acid has the advantage of being non-invasive, pain free and producing good results. The redness often associated with acne decreases and as it is not toxic, many applications are possible. The process eliminates the need for surgery and there are none of the side-effects that can occur with other therapies such as bleeding or blistering. The method is standard so no special treatment skills are required.
Other Benefits
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Research in Japan for treating acne on the body combined oral doses of Aminolevulinic acid with light therapy. Significant improvements were reported in the appearance of the acne with the advantage that large areas could be treated at one time. After blood tests, no liver dysfunction was found and researchers concluded that oral administration of ALA was safe and the treatment was effective.
Aminolevulinic acid is now approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in conjunction with photo dynamic therapy as a skin cancer treatment. Clinical trials at the National Cancer Institute have shown Aminolevulinic acid to be a powerful tool in treating brain tumours. Orally administered, ALA makes cancerous cells fluorescent under ultra violet light, thus making them easier to remove.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit woman image by Jarek Miarka from Fotolia.com
