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Chromophores in human skin
1Department of Photobiology, St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, London UK. ar.young@umds.ac.uk
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Human skin absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) via endogenous chromophores like DNA and melanin. Understanding these absorbers is crucial for UVR protection and therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Photobiology
- Dermatology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Human epidermis contains endogenous chromophores that absorb solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR).
- Key UVR absorbers include DNA, urocanic acid, amino acids, and melanins.
- Melanin's insolubility hinders direct spectral analysis, requiring indirect methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of endogenous chromophores in UVR absorption by human skin.
- To understand the photobiological and clinical consequences of UVR absorption.
- To assess the utility of exogenous chromophores in UVR protection and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Indirect spectroscopic methods to analyze melanin properties.
- Review of existing knowledge on chromophore function and UVR effects.
- Discussion of skin action spectroscopy and exogenous chromophore applications.
Main Results:
- Melanin's spectral properties are influenced by melanogenesis stimuli.
- Photochemical effects of UVR on some chromophores are understood, but photobiological responses require further study.
- Skin action spectroscopy is valuable for UVR hazard assessment but not for specific chromophore identification.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of UVR-chromophore interactions in skin is incomplete.
- Further research is needed to elucidate photobiological and clinical outcomes.
- Exogenous chromophores offer potential for therapeutic UVR exposure and sun protection.