Evaluation of 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photorejuvenation of neck skin

• This prospective study compared the photorejuvenation efficacy of red-light, red-light-PDT, IPL and IPL-PDT on the neck skin.
• A series of skin analyses were carried out before and after treatment.
• IPL-PDT and red-light-PDT mediated with ALA showed better rejuvenation effect.
• Partial irradiation of the thyroid did not affect the function and volume of the thyroid.

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the outcomes of the combination of red light or intense pulsed laser (IPL) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of photodamaged neck skin.MethodsThe anterior of the neck was divided into four 2 cm × 2 cm sections and randomly assigned to red-light, red-light-PDT, IPL or IPL-PDT group. ALA cream of 5% was applied to PDT regions for 2 h prior to light irradiation. Treatment was repeated once. The stratum corneum (SC) hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), L*, a*, b* values, melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), skin elasticity and skin thickness were examined by a blinded investigator. The function and volume of thyroid were also measured.ResultsAfter red-light-PDT, IPL-PDT and IPL treatment, the appearance of photoaging lesion was improved. The SC hydration, L* value, elasticity and thickness increased, whereas the TEWL and MI value decreased. These changes in red-light-PDT and IPL-PDT group were more obvious than IPL group. The a* and EI value increased in red-light-PDT group. No significant change was noticed in red-light group. Partial irradiation of the thyroid did not affect the function and volume of the thyroid.ConclusionIPL-PDT and red-light-PDT showed better rejuvenation effect than IPL or red light alone on the neck skin.