Visible light. Part I: Properties and cutaneous effects of visible light - 10/04/21

Doi : 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.02.048

Evan Austin, BS ^a,^b, Amaris N. Geisler, BS ^c, Julie Nguyen, MD ^a,^b, Indermeet Kohli, PhD ^d, Iltefat Hamzavi, MD ^d, Henry W. Lim, MD ^d, Jared Jagdeo, MD, MS ^a,^b,^⁎
^a Department of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
^b Dermatology Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, New York
^c CUNY School of Medicine, New York, New York
^d Department of Dermatology, Photomedicine and Photobiology Unit, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan

^∗Correspondence to: Jared Jagdeo, MD, MS, Department of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203.Department of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203

Abstract

Approximately 50% of the sunlight reaching the Earth's surface is visible light (400-700 nm). Other sources of visible light include lasers, light-emitting diodes, and flash lamps. Photons from visible light are absorbed by photoreceptive chromophores (e.g., melanin, heme, and opsins), altering skin function by activating and imparting energy to chromophores. Additionally, visible light can penetrate the full thickness of the skin and induce pigmentation and erythema. Clinically, lasers and light devices are used to treat skin conditions by utilizing specific wavelengths and treatment parameters. Red and blue light from light-emitting diodes and intense pulsed light have been studied as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatments for acne. Pulsed dye lasers are used to treat vascular lesions in adults and infants. Further research is necessary to determine the functional significance of visible light on skin health without confounding the influence of ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths.

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Key words : chromophores, lasers, optical radiation, photobiomodulation, photodermatitis, phototherapy, porphyria, visible light

Abbreviations used : BL, COX, CPD, EMR, EUV, IPL, IR, LED, OPN, PDL, PDT, PLE, PWS, RL, RNS, ROS, UV, UVR, VL

Plan

	Funding sources: Dr Jagdeo is supported by a National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) award (K23GM1173090).
	Date of release: May 2021.
	Expiration date: May 2024.
	IRB approval status: Not applicable.
	Reprints not available from the authors.