A recent study from the University of Michigan Health System Department of Dermatology confirms the effectivity of topical products, plus laser treatments, to sun-damaged skin.

According to the researchers, a topical product that increases the skin’s sensitivity to light, will improve the effects of laser therapy. In the study, sun-damaged skin samples received a topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) before undergoing laser therapy.

This new procedure, now known as Photodynamic Therapy, increased skin collagen levels and triggered other skin changes that improved overall appearance. The study found that sun damaged skin responds well to the treatment. 

“This is new scientific evidence that photodynamic therapy may in fact be a useful tool to improve the appearance of the skin,” said contributing researcher Jeffrey S. Orringer, M.D. He continued, “This type of therapy has been performed in clinical practice for the past few years, but we've never had detailed molecular evidence for why it may work.”

In the past, Photodynamic Therapy has been used to treat precancerous lesions and other skin cancers. However, the literature on Photodynamic Therapy and its applications in dermatology are scarce. This study hopes to start a firm foundation for this scientific body.