The potential role of antioxidants in mitigating skin hyperpigmentation resulting from ultraviolet and visible light‐induced oxidative stress

Abstract

Oxidative stress is an integral element that influences a variety of biochemical reactions throughout the body and is known to play a notable role in melanogenesis. Exogenous triggers of oxidative stress, such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and visible light (VL), lead to pigment formation through somewhat different pathways, but both share a common endpoint-the potential to generate cosmetically undesirable hyperpigmentation. Though organic and inorganic sunscreens are available to protect against the UVR portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, coverage is lacking to protect against the VL spectrum. In this manuscript, we review the phases of tanning, pathways of melanogenesis triggered by UVR and VL, and the associated impact of oxidative stress. We also discuss the known intrinsic mechanisms and paracrine regulation of melanocytes that influence their response to UVR. Understanding these mechanisms and their role in UVR-induced hyperpigmentation should potentially lead to identification of useful targets that can be coupled with antioxidant therapy to alleviate this effect.

High‐energy visible light at ambient doses and intensities induces oxidative stress of skin—Protective effects of the antioxidant and Nrf2 inducer Licochalcone A in vitro and in vivo

“…Accordingly, an opsin receptor (peropsin) sensitive for blue‐violet light was identified on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and opsin receptor expression was disrupted by blue light irradiation along with an oxidative stress response . In line with these findings, Regazzetti et al identified opsin 3 as the key sensor in melanocytes responsible for hyperpigmentation induced by blue light (reviewed by ). Dendritic cells (DC) are also affected by blue light irradiation, which in vitro impairs DC maturation upon activation and subsequent allogeneic stimulatory capacity .…”

“…Hence, stabilization of epidermal carotenoid levels upon ambient blue light exposure may benefit affected patients. More in vivo randomized controlled trials are also needed to further establish the efficacy of topical antioxidants against VIS‐induced skin hyperpigmentation …”

“…More in vivo randomized controlled trials are also needed to further establish the efficacy of topical antioxidants against VISinduced skin hyperpigmentation. 47 High-energy visible light phototherapy is applied in the treatment of a number of benign and malignant skin disorders including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, actinic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma. 86 For phototherapy of eczema, UV-free blue light is effective, with local hyperpigmentation as the only side effect.…”

“…41,42 Based on these effects, photoprotection against VIS/HEVIS is increasingly advocated. [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47] Diffey and Osterwalder 48 even postulated that the labelled sunscreen sun protection factor (SPFs) may overestimate protection in natural sunlight due to the greater spectral output in the visible region compared with UV solar simulation, contributing 17% to an erythemal reaction. Adding VIS-absorbing mineral filters to sunscreens significantly improves protection against the development of VIS-induced hyperpigmentations.…”

Exploring the Applications of the Photoprotective Properties of Anthocyanins in Biological Systems

“…Melanin is synthesized in epidermal melanocytes, within specialized organelles termed melanosomes, and subsequently transferred to neighboring keratinocytes where it accumulates and shields the nuclear DNA by absorbing and scattering UVR [ 71 , 72 ]. A complex network of keratinocyte and fibroblast-secreted factors such as endothelin-1, alpha stimulating hormone (α- MSH), and stem cell factor (SCF) are described as modulators of the function of melanocytes [ 73 , 74 ]. Increased synthesis of these factors upon continuous exposure to UVR is associated with increased melanogenesis, melanocyte density, and transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes, resulting in pigmentation disorders such as melasma and solar lentigines [ 75 , 76 ].…”