Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically proven treatment used to target precancerous lesions, sun damage, and certain types of acne. By combining a photosensitizing agent with a specific light source, PDT selectively destroys abnormal or overactive cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Though it’s less invasive than surgery, PDT can trigger visible redness, swelling, and peeling as part of the healing process. The way you prepare and care for your skin before and after treatment plays a critical role in both comfort and outcomes.
At Dr Rossi, we emphasize that PDT is not just a light procedure—it’s a cellular reset that benefits from thoughtful pre- and post-care. He uses it everyday in his clinical practice.
How Photodynamic Therapy Works
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Photosensitizer applied: A topical solution (like aminolevulinic acid) is absorbed by abnormal or overactive cells.
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Light activation: Blue or red light activates the compound, generating reactive oxygen species that damage the targeted cells.
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Controlled injury: The body clears treated cells, stimulating repair and healthier skin turnover.
This controlled oxidative process is effective but can create inflammation, redness, and peeling—making recovery support essential.
Pre-Procedure: Preparing Your Skin
In the week before PDT, focus on strengthening your barrier and avoiding triggers:
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Pause actives: Stop retinoids, exfoliating acids, and other sensitizing products 3–5 days before.
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Hydrate: Use barrier-focused moisturizers to ensure skin is resilient.
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Avoid tanning and excess sun: Sunburn or tanning increases risk of irritation.
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SPF daily: The Day Formula SPF 30 protects against UV-induced inflammation leading up to your session.
Post-Procedure: Managing Redness and Peeling
After PDT, the skin often looks sunburned, and peeling is expected. Proper support reduces downtime and improves comfort:
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Gentle cleansing: The Purifier BiPhasic Cleanser removes impurities without disrupting sensitive skin.
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Inflammation control: The Catalyst Serum helps calm redness and supports repair at the cellular level.
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Barrier recovery: The Night Synthesis overnight concentrate rebuilds resilience with peptides and lipids overnight.
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Strict sun avoidance: Use The Day Formula SPF30 daily (reapplying every 2 hours) and avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48–72 hours post-treatment.
Recovery Timeline
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First 24–48 hours: Redness, warmth, and swelling are common. Stay indoors, avoid heat, and keep skin cool.
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Days 3–7: Peeling and crusting may develop as damaged cells shed. Stick to gentle, hydrating skincare only.
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Week 2: Redness fades, new skin appears smoother and clearer. Continue barrier repair and sun protection.
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Weeks 4–6: Full results become visible with improved tone, texture, and clarity.
Why Inflammation Control Matters
PDT deliberately activates inflammation to destroy abnormal cells—but too much inflammation can delay healing and cause uneven pigmentation. The Biotheriac™ Complex, found in The Catalyst and The Night Synthesis, helps regulate inflammatory signaling, calm skin reactivity, and speed recovery.
This means less downtime, fewer complications, and better cosmetic results.
Final Thoughts
Photodynamic therapy is a powerful treatment for both medical and cosmetic concerns, but its success depends on how you prepare and heal. By reducing sensitivity beforehand, protecting against UV, and supporting barrier recovery after, you can achieve clearer, healthier skin with less discomfort.
At Dr Rossi, we treat recovery as part of the treatment—not an afterthought. Because the true goal of PDT isn’t just destroying abnormal cells—it’s restoring balance, resilience, and confidence in your skin.
Photodynamic Therapy: How to Prepare and Recover for Best Results
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically proven treatment used to target precancerous lesions, sun damage, and certain types of acne. By combining a photosensitizing agent with a specific light source, PDT selectively destroys abnormal or overactive cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Though it’s less invasive than surgery, PDT can trigger visible redness, swelling, and peeling as part of the healing process. The way you prepare and care for your skin before and after treatment plays a critical role in both comfort and outcomes.
At Dr Rossi, we emphasize that PDT is not just a light procedure—it’s a cellular reset that benefits from thoughtful pre- and post-care. He uses it everyday in his clinical practice.
How Photodynamic Therapy Works
This controlled oxidative process is effective but can create inflammation, redness, and peeling—making recovery support essential.
Pre-Procedure: Preparing Your Skin
In the week before PDT, focus on strengthening your barrier and avoiding triggers:
Post-Procedure: Managing Redness and Peeling
After PDT, the skin often looks sunburned, and peeling is expected. Proper support reduces downtime and improves comfort:
Recovery Timeline
Why Inflammation Control Matters
PDT deliberately activates inflammation to destroy abnormal cells—but too much inflammation can delay healing and cause uneven pigmentation. The Biotheriac™ Complex, found in The Catalyst and The Night Synthesis, helps regulate inflammatory signaling, calm skin reactivity, and speed recovery.
This means less downtime, fewer complications, and better cosmetic results.
Final Thoughts
Photodynamic therapy is a powerful treatment for both medical and cosmetic concerns, but its success depends on how you prepare and heal. By reducing sensitivity beforehand, protecting against UV, and supporting barrier recovery after, you can achieve clearer, healthier skin with less discomfort.
At Dr Rossi, we treat recovery as part of the treatment—not an afterthought. Because the true goal of PDT isn’t just destroying abnormal cells—it’s restoring balance, resilience, and confidence in your skin.