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Review
. 2021 May;84(5):1233-1244.
doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.11.074. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Visible light. Part II: Photoprotection against visible and ultraviolet light

Amaris N Geisler  1 , Evan Austin  2 , Julie Nguyen  2 , Iltefat Hamzavi  3 , Jared Jagdeo  4 , Henry W Lim  3
Affiliations
Review

Visible light. Part II: Photoprotection against visible and ultraviolet light

Amaris N Geisler et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 May.

Abstract

Cutaneous photobiology studies have focused primarily on the ultraviolet portion of the solar spectrum. Visible light (VL), which comprises 50% of the electromagnetic radiation that reaches the Earth's surface and, as discussed in Part I of this CME, has cutaneous biologic effects, such as pigment darkening and erythema. Photoprotection against VL includes avoiding the sun, seeking shade, and using photoprotective clothing. The organic and inorganic ultraviolet filters used in sunscreens do not protect against VL, only tinted sunscreens do. In the United States, these filters are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter drug and are subject to more stringent regulations than in Europe, Asia, and Australia. There are no established guidelines regarding VL photoprotection. Alternative measures to confer VL photoprotection are being explored. These novel methods include topical, oral, and subcutaneous agents. Further development should focus on better protection in the ultraviolet A1 (340-400 nm) and VL ranges while enhancing the cosmesis of the final products.

Keywords: inorganic filter; light filter; organic filter; photolyase; photoprotection; sunblock; sunscreen; ultraviolet light; visible light; visible light photoprotection.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest Dr Lim is an investigator for Incyte, L'Oreal, Pfizer, and PCORI, has served as a consultant for Pierre Fabre, ISDIN, Ferndale, Galderma, and La Roche-Posay, and has participated as a speaker in general educational session for Johnson and Johnson, Ra Medical System, La Roche-Posay, and Cantabria labs. Dr Kohli is an investigator (grant funding received by the institution) for Ferndale, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, Unigen, Johnson and Johnson, Allergan, and Bayer and is a consultant (fee and equipment received by the institution) for Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, and Bayer. Dr Jagdeo is a member of the GlobalMed Scientific advisory board and a consultant for UV Biotek. Dr Hamzavi is an investigator for Estee Lauder, Ferndale Laboratories, Galderma, Bayer, Loreal, Lenicura, and Unigen. Geisler, Austin, and Nguyen have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Mechanism of action of organic and inorganic UV filters.
Note that as the diameter of the inorganic filters decreases, they do absorb UVB.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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