Do you have skin that's less-than-perfect? Levulan® may be the solution you've been seeking. First introduced to North America in 1999, it's now becoming the treatment of choice for those who want skin-saving results without surgery.

How does it work?

According to Dr. Robert Sleightholm, Director of Surgery at Brampton Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Clinic, Levulan® has two main components: an aminolevulinic acid solution (a substance found naturally within your body) and blue light therapy. First, a physician or therapist applies the clear aminolevulinic solution with a cotton swab applicator to skin that's plagued by either acne, acenic scarring or both. Left to absorb into your skin for up to an hour, the solution preps the treated area for the Blue Light portion of the process by increasing the skin's sensitivity to light. Next, the Blue Light therapy is shone onto problem spots for eight minutes, killing the acne-causing bacteria and destroying any Actinic Keratoses (AK) lesions.

What conditions does it treat?

Though mainly used to treat precancerous skin lesions known as AK lesions and mild to moderate acne, Levulan® can also treat:

• Oily skin and slow the growth of oil-producing sebaceous glands
• Sun damaged skin
• Fine skin lines and creases

Spot check

While the face is the area most likely to be treated, Levulan® can be used safely on any part of the body, says Sleightholm. Other popular sites: the back, chest, scalp and forearms.

Is it for you?

"Unlike lasers, which can only be used on people with lighter skin tones, this process works on everyone," says Sleightholm. "Not only is it effective on 16-year-olds with darker skin, it's also great for fair-skinned 65-year-olds with problematic skin. It doesn't discriminate," he says. If you are generally sensitive to any type of light - such as the sun or blue light - you're not an ideal candidate for this treatment.

Quick change

"To see a significant change in the tone, texture and appearance of skin, we advise that patients commit to five treatments," says Sleightholm. "While you'll see small changes and improvements after only one, five treatments will give you results you want."

Note: For best results, Sleightholm advises booking each procedure two to three weeks apart, until you reach the recommended five treatments.

Side effects

While each patient is different and will have different reactions to Levulan®, you may experience some of these side effects.

During the actual treatment:

• Tingling sensation at the application site
• Stinging or prickling feeling of the treated area

Immediately and in the weeks following the treatment:

• Dry, scaly patches of skin at or around the site that will peel
• Changes in skin colour
• Reddening (like a mild sunburn) or swelling

Note: All side effects are temporary and should improve by the end of the first week post-treatment. If symptoms are still present after three weeks, speak to your doctor.

Money talks

A five-treatment package, along with the initial consultation, follow-up skincare products and home maintenance check-ups ranges between $1800 and $2200.

Fast fact

Laser shy? Breathe easy. Blue Light therapy is not a laser. It's actually just a bright light designed to treat skin problems.