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The Impact of Visible Light on Skin
1EMD Performance Materials, Philadelphia, PA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; howard.epstein@emdgroup.com.
Visible light, including blue light, penetrates the skin. Research is ongoing to understand its role in skin pigmentation and melanogenesis, with implications for the skincare industry.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Photobiology
- Skin Physiology
Background:
- Visible (VIS) light, encompassing blue light (400-500 nm), constitutes about 50% of the solar spectrum.
- Skin penetration of visible light has been recognized since 1938.
- Early studies lacked biological markers to assess potential skin damage from visible light.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the mechanisms of visible light-induced skin pigmentation.
- Understand the role of visible light in melanogenesis.
- Inform the skincare industry about the effects of visible light on the skin.
Main Methods:
- Currently under investigation by the skincare industry.
- Focus on biological markers to interpret light penetration effects.
- Research into VIS light-induced pigmentation and melanogenesis.
Main Results:
- Visible light, including blue light, penetrates the skin.
- Mechanisms of VIS light-induced pigmentation are being actively researched.
- Melanogenesis pathways influenced by visible light are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Visible light exposure poses potential risks to skin.
- Further research is needed to fully understand visible light's impact on skin.
- Findings may influence future skincare product development and recommendations.
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