GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Acne / Scar / Texture · Active inflammatory acne

Photodynamic therapy evidence for Active inflammatory acne

B 59.6 / 100 Supported 74 RCT/meta · 49 clinical/observational · 46 case · 363 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2014 Last 5 years 25% Positive results 50% Negative results 12 Korea/Asia 36

Known in Korea as

PDT 광역동

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 Effect of 5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy followed by sequential 30% supramolecular salicylic acid treatment in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris: a prospective, randomized, split-face controlled study. Clinical and experimental dermatology · 2025 · PMID 40420552

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: 5-Aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe acne. However, it is associated with adverse effects, such as erythema, and requires multiple sessions. Supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) is a type of chemical peel with good anti-inflammatory effects and mild adverse effects.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 A comprehensive systematic review on the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and relapse rates of modern procedural therapies for inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne vulgaris. Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 40993442

Abstract summary (English) Procedural therapies are increasingly recognized as effective adjunctive treatments for acne vulgaris alongside topical and systemic options. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the efficacy, safety and relapse rate of various procedural therapies in managing acne vulgaris. Data from 160 studies involving 8121 patients were analyzed across four major databases up to 2024.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Two-step photodynamic therapy for facial acne: a randomized controlled trial of pain reduction with 630 nm red light laser. Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 40192834

Abstract summary (English) Although topical 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (5-ALA PDT) is an effective treatment for facial acne, many patients report significant pain during the irradiation phase, compromising adherence. Two-step PDT, which modifies irradiance in two phases, has been proposed to reduce pain without compromising treatment efficacy. In this single-center, assessor-blinded randomized trial, 26 patients with facial...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Systematic review of vascular lasers for the treatment of inflammatory active acne vulgaris. Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 40167813

Abstract summary (English) Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder with significant emotional and psychological impacts. Conventional treatments often have limitations, prompting exploration into alternative therapies like vascular lasers and light treatments. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of vascular lasers (IPL, PDL, Nd:YAG) on inflammatory acne lesions associated with acne vulgaris.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Acne and the cutaneous microbiome: A systematic review of mechanisms and implications for treatments. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2024 · PMID 39269130

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a pervasive skin disease characterized by inflammation of sebaceous units surrounding hair follicles. It results from the complex interplay between skin physiology and the intricate cutaneous microbiome. Current acne treatments, while effective, have major limitations, prompting a shift towards microbiome-based therapeutic approaches.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Topical riboflavin versus 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate acne: A split-face randomized study. Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy · 2024 · PMID 39709022

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: ALA-PDT has been widely used in mild to moderate acne vulgaris worldwide. However, very few studies used riboflavin-PDT to treat acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and adverse events of riboflavin-PDT to treat mild to moderate facial acne, and compare it with ALA-PDT on a non-inferiority basis.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 Photodynamic Therapy in Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery · 2024 · PMID 39552358

Abstract summary (English) Acne is a multifactorial disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an energy-based treatment shown to be safe in acne vulgaris, although the mechanism of action of PDT in acne is incompletely understood. This review summarizes the clinical features of and treatment efficacy in acne patients treated with PDT.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 A chlorin e6 derivative-mediated photodynamic therapy for mild to moderate acne: A prospective, single-blind, randomized, split-face controlled study. Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy · 2024 · PMID 39226754

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of a chlorin e6 derivative-mediated photodynamic therapy (STBF-PDT) in the treatment of mild to moderate acne patients. METHODS: In this prospective patient single-blind randomized split-face controlled study, patients diagnosed with mild to moderate acne were treated with...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 The impact of energy-based devices on sebum in acne vulgaris: A systematic review. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024 · PMID 39129257

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a widespread inflammatory skin condition associated with increased sebum production, abnormal keratinization, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation. Overactive sebaceous glands (SGs) produce excess sebum, promote Cutibacterium acnes growth, and affect acne development. Energy-based treatments (EBDs), including light therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), lasers, and radiofrequency...

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Study of different pre-treatments in the comparison of the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy · 2024 · PMID 39089477

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of CO2 fractional laser and microneedling pretreatment combined with ALA-PDT for moderate-to-severe acne, aiming to optimize clinical treatment. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (CO2 fractional laser + ALA-PDT), Group B (microneedling + ALA-PDT), and Group C (ALA-PDT). Each group underwent photodynamic therapy once a week for 3 weeks.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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