A chlorin e6 derivative-mediated photodynamic therapy for mild to moderate acne: A prospective, single-blind, randomized, split-face controlled study

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of chlorin e6 derivative-mediated photodynamic therapy (STBF-PDT) for mild to moderate acne. In a single-blind, split-face study, 22 patients received four STBF-PDT sessions on one side of the face and red-light treatment (without photosensitizer) on the other. Skin lesion clearance, fluorescence spots, and physiological parameters were assessed before, after, and at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment. STBF-PDT significantly improved acne lesions, with total lesion clearance rates of 67.42±8.51% (STBF-PDT) vs. 41.05±11.97% (control) (P < 0.001). Inflammatory lesion clearance was 84.41±7.13% (STBF-PDT) vs. 50.10±13.91% (control) (P < 0.0001). Skin sebum decreased significantly on the STBF-PDT side, with no adverse reactions. STBF-PDT is a safe, effective treatment for mild to moderate acne, significantly reducing sebum secretion.