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The photodynamic reaction is a photosensitiser plus light plus oxygen producing reactive oxygen species that selectively destroy target cells. It is the mechanism behind photodynamic therapy (PDT) for sun damage and severe acne.
The photodynamic reaction requires three ingredients: a photosensitiser (commonly ALA, applied topically), light of an activating wavelength, and oxygen present in the tissue. On their own each is harmless; combined, they produce a localised burst of reactive oxygen species that is toxic to nearby cells.
The selectivity comes from the photosensitiser, which is preferentially taken up by overactive or abnormal cells—sun-damaged keratinocytes, the cells of sebaceous glands, acne bacteria. When the area is then illuminated, the reaction destroys those targeted cells while largely sparing normal tissue. This is what gives photodynamic therapy (PDT) its power against actinic (pre-cancerous) sun damage and severe, resistant acne—at the cost of genuine downtime and strict post-treatment photosensitivity precautions.
Understanding the three-part reaction explains both PDT’s medical-grade efficacy and why it demands careful protocols.
Sensitiser plus light plus oxygen—each harmless alone, together a precise burst that destroys only the targeted cells.
The photodynamic reaction combines a photosensitiser, light and oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species that selectively destroy target cells—the mechanism of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for sun damage and severe acne.
