IPL-PDT as an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: A prospective, single-center, self-controlled study

Background High recurrence rate of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris following traditional therapy poses a significant challenge. 5-Aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) with intense pulsed light (IPL) has emerged as a promising intervention. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IPL-PDT for the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Methods In this prospective, self-controlled study, eligible patients aged from 18 to 45 years old with Pillsbury grade Ⅰ-III facial acne were included. Patients were treated with three sessions of IPL-PDT at three-week interval, with follow-ups at 3 weeks and 2 months after the final treatment. Results A total of 31 patients were enrolled. At 3 weeks post-treatment, the mean count of acne lesions decreased significantly (P < 0.001), with 87.1 % of patients achieving treatment success (defined as ≥ 75 % clearance rate of acne lesions). Recurrence rate at 2-month follow-up was 9.68 %. No severe adverse reactions were observed. Limitations This study is a single-center, self-controlled study. Multi-center study designed as randomize controlled trials involving a larger patient cohort is necessary. Conclusions IPL-PDT is a promising therapy for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, exhibiting high efficacy, minimal adverse effects, and a low recurrence rate.