Abstract
Objective. The study was divided into two parts. The objective of the preliminary study was to evaluate the optimum dose and tolerance of 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (5‐ALA) compared to a placebo cream with a 633‐nm LED light in normal, healthy, volunteer forearm skin. The second study was to establish if ALA‐PDT treatments improve the signs of ageing.
Results. Threshold photosensitization was observed using 5% 5‐ALA under plastic occlusion for 30 minutes following a dose response study of forearm skin. Mild improvement was observed, using this concentration and time, for periorbital skin aging. Other anecdotal positive results of photorejuvenation are reported for facial and chest areas.