Chronic sun exposure can lead to lasting changes in the skin, such as actinic keratoses, some of which may progress if left untreated. At Meyer Clinic, our approach focuses on early intervention and clinically proven treatments that help restore skin health while reducing future risk.
Daylight PDT at Meyer Clinic
Daylight Photodynamic Therapy is a well-established, clinically proven treatment for sun-damaged skin. At Meyer Clinic, we use Ameluz®, a prescription topical medication that works in combination with natural daylight to selectively target damaged or abnormal cells.
This treatment is commonly used to treat actinic keratoses (also known as solar keratoses), Bowen’s disease and can help reduce the risk of certain early skin cancers, including superficial basal cell carcinomas, developing in the future.
How Daylight PDT Works
Daylight Photodynamic Therapy (Daylight PDT) is an established treatment for actinic keratoses, Bowen’s disease and areas of sun-damaged skin, particularly on the face, scalp, decolletage and arms. It can also help address early sun-related changes and wider areas of damage caused by long-term sun exposure.
During treatment, a prescription gel called Ameluz® is applied to the affected skin. The gel is taken up more by damaged cells than healthy ones and is then activated by natural daylight. This process helps to clear sun-damaged cells while leaving the surrounding healthy skin largely unaffected, meaning both visible rough patches and early, less obvious damage can be treated in one session.
Your appointment begins in clinic, where the skin is prepared and the gel is applied, followed by a set amount of time outdoors in daylight to activate the treatment.
Daylight PDT is generally well tolerated and is often chosen by patients looking for a non-surgical way to treat a broader area of sun damage. A consultation is always required so we can assess your skin and ensure this treatment is the right option for you. More than one treatment may be required.
Preventative Skin Care
Daylight PDT can also be used as a preventative treatment by targeting early, often invisible sun damage before it develops into actinic keratoses.
By treating subtle changes across wider areas of sun-exposed skin, it helps reduce the build-up of damaged cells and supports the long-term health of the skin. This proactive approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals with a history of significant sun exposure or those looking to manage ongoing sun damage and reduce the likelihood of new lesions forming over time.
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Daylight Photodynamic Therapy FAQs
Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by long‑term sun exposure. It isn’t skin cancer, but it can sometimes develop into one if left untreated. Treating it early helps keep your skin healthy and reduces future risk.
Bowen’s disease is an early form of skin cancer that appears as a slow‑growing, red, scaly patch on the skin. It stays on the surface and doesn’t spread deeper at this stage, which means it’s highly treatable. Getting it treated early helps prevent it from developing into a more serious type of skin cancer.
Yes. For some patients, 1–2 weeks before treatment is needed to soften actinic keratoses by applying a moisturiser. This helps reduce flaking and crusting, allowing the gel to penetrate more effectively.
Yes. A doctor will need to carry out an initial consultation to confirm whether you are suitable for daylight PDT.
Daylight PDT is typically much easier to tolerate than conventional (red‑light) PDT. Most patients feel only mild tingling, warmth, or slight discomfort during daylight exposure, rather than the stronger pain often linked with traditional PDT.
Daylight PDT takes about 2.5 hours in total.
The gel is applied first, followed by a 30‑minute wait indoors for the gel to penetrate, then 2 hours outside in daylight for activation.
Recovery is usually straightforward. Redness, mild swelling, dryness, and light crusting can occur for several days after treatment. Most patients find their skin settles within 5–7 days, although full healing may take slightly longer depending on the extent of sun damage treated.
Daylight PDT offers several advantages:
- Treats larger areas of sun damage in one session (more than one session may be required)
- Targets both visible and invisible (subclinical) damage
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive
- Generally less painful than traditional PDT
- Excellent cosmetic outcomes
Many patients require one treatment session, but some may need additional sessions depending on the severity of sun damage and the number of actinic keratoses present. Your clinician will advise on a personalised treatment plan.
Daylight PDT is a clinically proven and well-established treatment. When performed by trained medical professionals, it is considered safe and effective. Side effects are usually temporary and limited to local skin reactions such as redness and sensitivity.
