Comparison of Pre- and/or Postphotodynamic Therapy and Intense Pulsed Light Treatment Protocols for the Reduction of Postprocedure-Associated Symptoms and Enhancement of Therapeutic Efficacy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) are commonly used in the setting of photorejuvenation. Patient expectations for minimal to no downtime associated with these procedures has become an increasingly important issue. In an attempt to define a topical skin care regimen that would reduce procedure-related symptoms and possibly enhance therapeutic efficacy, 4 separate topical products were examined. Avène Thermal Spring Water (Laboratoires Dermatologiques Avène, Les Cauquillous, France), NIA 24™ (Niadyne, Inc, Research Triangle Park, NC), MimyX™ cream (Stiefel Laboratories, Coral Gables, FL), and Biafine® (OrthoNeutrogena, Los Angeles, CA) were studied individually in the setting of either PDT or IPL treatments. The results of these studies indicate that a pre- and/or postprocedure topical skin care regimen can be beneficial in reducing postprocedure symptoms.