Effects of Visible Light on the Skin^†

Abstract

Electromagnetic radiation has vast and diverse effects on human skin. Although photobiologic studies of sunlight date back to Sir Isaac Newton in 1671, most available studies focus on the UV radiation part of the spectrum. The effects of visible light and infrared radiation have not been, until recently, clearly elucidated. The goal of this review is to highlight the effects of visible light on the skin. As a result of advances in the understanding of skin optics, and comprehensive studies regarding the absorption spectrum of endogenous and exogenous skin chromophores, various biologic effects have been shown to be exerted by visible light radiation including erythema, pigmentation, thermal damage and free radical production. It has also been shown that visible light can induce indirect DNA damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, a number of photodermatoses have an action spectrum in the visible light range, even though most of the currently available sunscreens offer, if any, weak protection against visible light. Conversely, because of its cutaneous biologic effects, visible light is used for the treatment of a variety of skin diseases and esthetic conditions in the form of lasers, intense pulsed light and photodynamic therapy.

Facial hyperpigmentations and their management

“…Hem UVA hem de UVB maruziyeti melanin sentezini uyararak geç baş-langıçlı bronzlaşmaya yol açabilir. Klinik deneyim ve literatürde mevcut bilgiler ışığında, fasiyal hiperpigmentasyondan korunmak için hem UVA hem de UVB koruyuculuğu olan geniş spektrumlu, en azından 30 SPF özelliği olan ve tercihen titanium dioksid ya da çinko oksid gibi fiziksel bariyerler içeren güneş koruyucular tercih edilmelidir (26)(27)(28) .…”

Facial hyperpigmentation: causes and treatment

“…52,53 Redistribution and oxidation of pre-existing melanin cause immediate pigment darkening and occurs after low-dose UVA exposure and usually fades after 2 h. 53,54 After high doses of UVA exposure, persistent pigment darkening may develop, lasting up to 24 h. Both UVA and UVB exposure can cause melanin synthesis resulting in delayed tanning. Given clinical experience and available data, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protective sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 ideally including a physical block (e.g.…”

Update on ultraviolet A and B radiation generated by the sun and artificial lamps and their effects on skin

“…It was found that pigmentation occurred even without the presence of UV radiation. Other studies have shown that the exposure of normal skin to visible light can result in the induction of immediate pigmentation (immediate pigment darkening -IPD), immediate erythema and delayed tanning (DT) [22].…”