UV Therapy

Summary Content

UV therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a medically supervised treatment that uses specific wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat a range of chronic skin conditions. It is particularly effective for conditions such as psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), vitiligo, and certain forms of dermatitis. The most commonly used types are narrowband UVB and PUVA (UVA combined with a photosensitizing agent).

During treatment, the skin is exposed to carefully controlled doses of UV light, which helps slow the rapid growth of skin cells, reduce inflammation, and relieve itching. UV therapy is typically administered in a series of sessions, under the guidance of a dermatologist, to ensure safety and efficacy. At Rejuvenation Clinic, we offer advanced UV therapy in a comfortable, professional setting, tailored to your individual skin needs. This non-invasive treatment can significantly improve skin health, enhance comfort, and restore confidence for those living with persistent skin conditions.

What is UV Therapy?

UV therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a dermatological treatment that uses specific wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light to improve and manage various chronic skin conditions. It is most commonly used to treat psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), vitiligo, and other inflammatory skin disorders. The therapy works by slowing down the overactive skin cell production, reducing inflammation, and helping to restore normal skin appearance.

There are different types of UV therapy, including narrowband UVB, broadband UVB, and PUVA (which combines UVA light with a light-sensitizing medication). Treatments are performed under medical supervision in a clinical setting to ensure safety and effectiveness. At Rejuvenation Dermatology, UV therapy is tailored to each patient's condition and skin type, offering a non-invasive, evidence-based solution to improve skin health and quality of life.

Benefits of UV Therapy

UV therapy offers a range of proven benefits for individuals struggling with chronic skin conditions:

  • Effective Symptom Relief – Reduces inflammation, itching, redness, and scaling associated with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo.
  • Non-Invasive Treatment – Delivers results without the need for injections or surgical procedures, making it a safe and gentle option.
  • Targeted Care – Specific wavelengths of UV light are used to precisely target affected areas, improving treatment accuracy and minimizing impact on healthy skin.
  • Reduced Dependence on Medication – Can lower the need for topical steroids or systemic medications, decreasing long-term side effects.
  • Promotes Skin Healing – Encourages normalization of skin cell production, leading to clearer, healthier skin over time.
  • Improves Quality of Life – Helps manage visible and uncomfortable skin symptoms, boosting confidence and overall well-being.

What Conditions Can UV Therapy Address?

UV therapy, or phototherapy, is a scientifically supported treatment that harnesses specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light to manage and alleviate various chronic skin conditions. By targeting the immune response and abnormal skin cell activity, it offers powerful relief across a broad spectrum of dermatologic concerns:

  • Atopic Dermatitis: UV therapy helps reduce inflammation and itching by calming the overactive immune responses responsible for flare-ups. It supports skin barrier repair and is especially helpful when topical treatments are insufficient.
  • Bullous Pemphigoid: As an autoimmune blistering disorder, bullous pemphigoid can benefit from UV therapy by suppressing the immune system’s inappropriate attack on the skin, helping to control blisters and inflammation.
  • Eczema: Similar to atopic dermatitis, UV therapy alleviates symptoms like redness, dryness, and itching by slowing down the skin’s inflammatory processes and promoting healing.
  • Inflammation: Whether from chronic skin diseases or localized reactions, UV light can significantly reduce inflammatory markers in the skin, leading to a calmer, healthier complexion.
  • Psoriasis: One of the most well-documented uses of UV therapy, it slows the rapid skin cell turnover associated with psoriasis plaques, reduces scaling, and improves overall skin texture and appearance.
  • Vitiligo: In vitiligo, UV therapy (particularly narrowband UVB) stimulates melanocyte activity and pigment production, helping to restore natural skin colour over time.

Conditions

What To Expect During Your UV Therapy Session

When you begin UV therapy at Rejuvenation Dermatology, you can expect a safe, comfortable, and medically supervised experience designed to deliver optimal results for your skin condition. Here’s what a typical session involves:

  1. Initial Consultation
    Your treatment begins with a thorough consultation with one of our dermatology professionals. We assess your skin condition, medical history, and treatment goals to determine the most suitable type of UV therapy—such as narrowband UVB or PUVA.
  2. Customized Treatment Plan
    Based on your skin type and diagnosis, we develop a personalized phototherapy schedule. This usually includes multiple sessions per week over a period of several weeks, with gradual increases in exposure time to ensure safety and effectiveness.
  3. In-Clinic Treatment Sessions
    Each session takes place in a private treatment room using a medical-grade light booth or hand-held device, depending on the area being treated. You'll wear protective eyewear, and sensitive areas may be shielded as needed. Sessions are typically brief, lasting just a few minutes.
  4. Minimal Discomfort
    The treatment is painless. You may feel a mild warmth, similar to gentle sun exposure. Some patients may experience slight redness or dryness afterward, which usually resolves quickly.
  5. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments
    Your progress is closely monitored throughout the treatment series. We adjust your UV dosage and frequency as needed to maximize results while minimizing side effects.

When Will You See Results?

Most patients begin to see improvements within a few weeks, including reduced inflammation, itching, and clearer skin tone. Continued sessions help maintain and build on these results. Our expert team at Rejuvenation Dermatology ensures that every step of your UV therapy journey is guided by care, precision, and a commitment to helping you achieve healthy, radiant skin.

UV Therapy FAQ:

Yes, UV therapy can be safe for most skin types when administered under professional supervision. At Rejuvenation Dermatology, treatments are customized to your individual skin tone and condition to ensure effectiveness while minimizing the risk of side effects such as sunburn or pigmentation changes.

The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated and its severity. Most patients begin to see noticeable improvement after 6–10 sessions, with full treatment plans typically ranging from several weeks to a few months. Your dermatologist will monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed.

UV therapy is generally well-tolerated, but mild side effects can occur, such as temporary redness, dryness, or itching. These symptoms usually subside quickly. Long-term risks are minimized through proper dosing and protective measures during each session. Regular follow-ups ensure your treatment remains both safe and effective.

 UV Therapy | Medical Dermatology | Calgary

Locations Where We Offer UV Therapy

Contact Rejuvenation Medical Aesthetics

Take the first step toward achieving healthy, radiant, and flawless skin. Contact Rejuvenation Medical Aesthetics today to schedule your personalized consultation and explore the advanced treatments tailored to your unique needs.