Wait, There are Light Rays in My Moisturizer?!: DermaDoctor Photodynamic Therapy Lotion Review

Perhaps I should have reviewed this yesterday in my “Best New Beauty Innovations of 2011” post, but it was actually that very post that inspired one of my readers to draw my attention to DermaDoctor Photodynamic Therapy Moisturizer ($85.00, DermaDoctor.com) (and thank you!).  The lotion is the first of its kind, requiring activation by UV light, which in turn causes the release of red-wavelength light into the skin.  Pretty wild!

The Exact Technology

Even with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and diligent sun avoidance, UV light still manages to get through to your skin through your curtains while you’re sitting at home, car windows while you’re driving to work – you get the idea.  According to DermaDoctor.com, this typically minute amount of UV exposure is enough to be absorbed by a specific polyphenol in Morinda Citrifolia Extract (Noni Fruit).  By the law of conservation of energy, the molecule must convert this absorbed light energy into a different form – i.e., heat, increased kinetics (movement), and, most importantly, a focused red wavelength of light (648nm) – which happens to be equivalent to that of the red LEDs used in IPL laser treatments.  (!)  Encapsulating this polyphenol with an inert tricalcium phosphate particle creates a complex capable of transmitting the visible red light to the skin.  (!!)

Clinical Results

It sounds almost too good to be true – a specific polyphenol in Noni fruit absorbs dangerous UV light and re-emits it as beneficial red wavelength light – but it apparently is so.  According to data from DermaDoctor.com, after just one week of regular use:

• 96% of the participants said their skin appeared smoother;
• 71% of the participants said their skin appeared firmer and more radiant;
• 63% of the participants said that their skin appeared to have a more uniformed complexion;
• 50% of the participants said that their skin appeared to have less lines.

This is not unlike (significantly more expensive) red-wavelength IPL therapy, which has been shown in the journal Lasers in Surgery and Medicine to create a significant decrease in wrinkles (26-36 percent) and an increase in elasticity (14-19 percent) over the course of 12 weeks.  What can I say – I’m impressed!

DermaDoctor Audrey Kunin, M.D. Explains the Technology

On the Today show, Dr. Kunin explained the technology; here’s the video on YouTube:

Dr. Kunin on the Today Show with Photodynamic Therapy Lotion

Some Questions that Remain

Despite all of the great data surrounding DermaDoctor Photodynamic Therapy Moisturizer, some questions remain unanswered, such as:

• Does applying a heavier layer of cream result in more light release, and hence a more effective firming treatment?  It seems that this would be the case; however, it would be interesting to know the optimal amount of cream to use for the greatest effects over time.  (If I were manufacturing this product, I would encapsulate the cream into capsules, so that the desired amount was pre-measured and hence easy-to-use).
• How much cream is needed for documented results?  (Typically, companies suggest a dime-sized amount, but was this the amount used in the trial?)
• How long does the effect last?  Can it be reapplied for greater results?

Altogether, however, I think that this may be one of the most innovative product releases ever, and the preliminary data is rather astounding.

Overall Opinions

DermaDoctor Photodynamic Therapy Moisturizer may be the first moisturizer in seven years to temporarily tear me away from my beloved Skinceuticals CE Ferulic (although it is likely that the light rays would still reach the skin with a serum underneath, IPL phototherapy is typically conducted on clean, dry skin, and I want to get the full effect).   Although a bit pricey, I’m going to order and use DermaDoctor Photodynamic Therapy Moisturizer for a month or two and assess the results versus my normal regimen.  Stay tuned!  🙂

Product Rating: 10/10

• High concentration of proven ingredients: 3/3
• Unique formulation or new technology: 3/3
• Value for the money: 3/3
• Sunscreen: 1/1

Coupon Codes

• Get 10% off at DermaDoctor.com with the code GRT10.  (Hurry – Expires January 20, 2011)
• OR Get 10 free samples at DermaDoctor.com with the code 10SAMP.  (Hurry – this one also expires January 20, 2011)
• After January 20, 2011?  Get 5% cash back when you sign up with Ebates.com.  Rebates take about four months to receive, but they actually send a check!

Have an experience with DermaDoctor Photodynamic Therapy Moisturizer or IPL therapy you’d like to share?  Feel free in Comments below!