Cutaneous Interaction with Visible Light: What Do We Know
Recommended Citation
Cohen L, Brodsky MA, Zubair R, Kohli I, Hamzavi IH, and Sadeghpour M. Cutaneous Interaction with Visible Light: What Do We Know. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020;89(3):560-568.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-11-2020
Publication Title
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
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 as well as in 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 post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
PubMed ID
32289393
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
Volume
89
Issue
3
First Page
560
Last Page
568
