Impact of visible light on skin health: The role of antioxidants and free radical quenchers in skin protection (original) (raw)

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2021

Abstract

Until recently, the primary focus of photobiology has centered on the impact of UV radiation on skin health, including DNA damage and oncogenesis; however, the significant effects of visible light (VL) on skin remains grossly underreported. VL has been reported to cause erythema in light skin, Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) I-III, and pigmentary changes in individuals with darker skin types, FST IV-VI. These effects have importance in dermatologic diseases and potentially play a role in conditions aggravated by sun exposure, including phototoxicity in FST I-III patients and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma, in FST IV-VI patients. Induction of free radicals leading to generation of reactive species is one driving mechanism of VL-induced skin pathologies, leading to induction of melanogenesis and hyperpigmentation. Initial clinical studies have demonstrated effectiveness of topical sunscreen with antioxidant combinations in inhibiting VL+UVA1- induced erythema in FST I-III and reducing pigmentation in FST IV-VI. Antioxidants may help prevent worsening of pigmentary disorders and can be incorporated into photoprotective strategies. It is essential that dermatologists and the public are aware of the impact of VL on skin, especially in patients of skin of color, and understand the available options for VL protection.

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