Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a doctor-led, light-based treatment for sun-damaged skin. A light-sensitising lotion is applied to the area, where it is taken up by sun-damaged skin cells. Light then activates the lotion, prompting those cells to renew over the following days. Because the lotion concentrates in sun-damaged cells, the surrounding healthy skin is largely left alone, so downtime is usually short. As the skin renews it can also look smoother and more even, with softer fine lines and less redness and brown patchiness. PDT is not offered at many clinics, and at Skinfresh your skin is assessed by Dr Frances before any treatment. It sits alongside our other treatments for pigmentation and sun damage.

Suited to people with sun-damaged, weathered skin on areas such as the face, scalp, arms, chest and hands who would like to improve its condition and appearance. It can also help with the look of rosacea, congestion, enlarged pores, fine lines and superficial pigmentation. Every plan starts with a medical skin assessment: Dr Frances or one of the nurses looks at your skin first, and if any spot needs medical attention in its own right she will talk you through the right next step. PDT is not right for everyone, and your suitability is confirmed at that assessment.

• Doctor-assessed and doctor-led, using a genuinely medical treatment
• A light-sensitising lotion that concentrates in sun-damaged skin cells
• Can treat larger areas in a single session
• Usually short downtime, with the skin renewing over about 7 to 10 days
• Can also improve the look of fine lines, redness and brown patches

At Skinfresh we use daylight PDT, a gentler, more comfortable version of the treatment. The skin is prepared beforehand, sometimes with a Hydrafacial about two weeks ahead. On the day, the area is cleansed and a light-sensitising lotion is applied, which absorbs into sun-damaged skin cells. You then spend around two hours in daylight to activate the lotion, before returning to your nurse who checks the skin and guides your aftercare. Over the following seven to ten days the treated skin becomes pink and gently flakes as it renews, revealing smoother, fresher-looking skin beneath. Any redness settles as the skin recovers, and your team will talk you through how to care for it.

Photodynamic Therapy is planned around a medical skin assessment with Dr Frances, so the fee depends on the area and the plan and is confirmed at your assessment.