Therapeutic and aesthetic uses of photodynamic therapy part one of a five-part series: the use of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of actinic keratoses and in photorejuvenation.

The utilization of aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy in dermatology has steadily been on the rise since its introduction into our therapeutic armamentarium almost 10 years ago. Clinicians are realizing the continued benefits of this therapy from a therapeutic and cosmetic/aesthetic outcome. This was first seen in the treatment of nonhyperkeratotic actinic keratoses of the face and scalp where resolution of the actinic keratoses was achieved and a cosmetic improvement noted from the therapies. Clinicians are embracing photorejuvenation utilizing aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy, which is reviewed in this article.