Visible Light Protection Strategies for Diverse Populations

Visible light (VL; 400-700 nm) constitutes nearly half of solar radiation and has distinct biological effects on human skin. High-energy visible light (HEVL), particularly blue light (400-490 nm), contributes to erythema, persistent pigmentation, and photoaging. Emerging data also demonstrate synergistic pigmentary interactions between VL and long-wavelength ultraviolet A1 (UVA1). Individuals with skin of colour (SOC) and patients with visible-light-sensitive dermatoses are particularly susceptible to the cutaneous effects of visible light. This review aims to provide an evidence-based overview of VL interactions with skin, the mechanisms driving VL-induced cutaneous changes, and current VL-directed photoprotection strategies, with emphasis on their relevance for SOC populations and visible-light-sensitive dermatoses.

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies addressing VL properties, cutaneous biological effects, and VL-specific photoprotection, including sunscreens, pigments, novel organic filters, antioxidants, and behavioural approaches.

VL, especially blue light, induces oxidative stress, melanogenesis via opsin 3-mediated pathways, and degradation of dermal extracellular matrix. Tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides and pigmentary titanium dioxide provide the most effective and cosmetically acceptable VL protection, reducing HEVL transmission by up to 80-97% and improving clinical outcomes in melasma and other hyperpigmentation disorders. Novel organic UV filters such as TriAsorB™ expand absorbance into the VL spectrum, while adjunctive topical and oral antioxidants may attenuate VL-induced oxidative stress. VL may exacerbate photodermatoses, including autoimmune connective tissue diseases, porphyria, and solar urticaria.

VL is a biologically active and clinically relevant component of sunlight with disproportionate effects in SOC and certain photosensitive dermatoses. Optimal photoprotection requires a multimodal approach integrating UV and VL protection through physical measures, tinted formulations, emerging broad-spectrum filters, antioxidants, and patient-centred photoeducation. Standardised VL-protection labelling and further clinical research are needed to guide future practice.