Recent scientific research has shown the use of chlorin, phthalocyanines, and porphyrins derivatives as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy in the treatment of various pathologies, including some of the major skin diseases. Thus, the main goal of this critical review is to catalog the papers that used these photosensitizers in the treatment of acne vulgaris, psoriasis, papillomavirus infections, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and skin rejuvenation, and to explore the photodynamic therapy mechanisms against these conditions alongside their clinical benefits.

Recent scientific research has shown the use of chlorin, phthalocyanines, and porphyrinsderivatives as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy in the treatment of various pathologies, includingsome of the major skin diseases. Thus, the main goal of this critical review is to catalog the papers that usedthese photosensitizers in the treatment of acne vulgaris, psoriasis, papillomavirus infections, cutaneousleishmaniasis, and skin rejuvenation, and to explore the photodynamic therapy mechanisms against theseconditions alongside their clinical benefits.