Cutaneous interaction with visible light: What do we know?

Leah Cohen, Merrick A Brodsky, Raheel Zubair, Indermeet Kohli, Iltefat H Hamzavi, Mona Sadeghpour

Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2023;89(3):560-568

PMID: 32289393

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Visible light has been used therapeutically in dermatology for years for a variety of cosmetic and medical indications, including skin rejuvenation and the treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic conditions, among others. Until recently, visible light was thought to be relatively inert compared to its spectral neighbors, ultraviolet and infrared radiation. However, recent literature has described the ability of visible light to cause erythema in light skin and pigmentary changes in individuals with darker skin types. Concern surrounding its potentially damaging cutaneous effects has been raised in both the medical community and social media outlets. In this article, we provide an evidenced-based review describing what is currently known about visible light, focusing on its role in dermatologic diseases including disorders of hyperpigmentation such as melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Address: Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.; Clinic 5C, Spokane, WA.; Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.; SkinMed Institute, Lone Tree, Colorado. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.115

Link outs

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Humans, Ultraviolet Rays, Light, Skin, Infrared Rays, Hyperpigmentation, Erythema