Visible Light Induces Melanogenesis in Human Skin through a Photoadaptive Response

PLoS One. 2015 Jun 29;10(6):e0130949. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130949. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Visible light (400-700 nm) lies outside of the spectral range of what photobiologists define as deleterious radiation and as a result few studies have studied the effects of visible light range of wavelengths on skin. This oversight is important considering that during outdoors activities skin is exposed to the full solar spectrum, including visible light, and to multiple exposures at different times and doses. Although the contribution of the UV component of sunlight to skin damage has been established, few studies have examined the effects of non-UV solar radiation on skin physiology in terms of inflammation, and limited information is available regarding the role of visible light on pigmentation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of visible light on the pro-pigmentation pathways and melanin formation in skin. Exposure to visible light in ex-vivo and clinical studies demonstrated an induction of pigmentation in skin by visible light. Results showed that a single exposure to visible light induced very little pigmentation whereas multiple exposures with visible light resulted in darker and sustained pigmentation. These findings have potential implications on the management of photo-aggravated pigmentary disorders, the proper use of sunscreens, and the treatment of depigmented lesions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorption, Radiation
  • Adaptation, Physiological / radiation effects*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Light*
  • Melanins / biosynthesis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / metabolism
  • Skin / radiation effects*
  • Skin Pigmentation / radiation effects
  • Spectrum Analysis

Substances

  • Melanins
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase

Grants and funding

The study was funded by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. The funder provided support in the form of salaries for authors (MR, IS, FL, MS, NK, ER), but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.