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Clinical and histological effects of blue light on normal skin
Author(s) -
Kleinpenning Marloes M.,
Smits Tim,
Frunt Marjolein H. A.,
Van Erp Piet E. J.,
Van De Kerkhof Peter C. M.,
Gerritsen Rianne M. J. P.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
photodermatology, photoimmunology and photomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.736
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1600-0781
pISSN - 0905-4383
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0781.2009.00474.x
Subject(s) - vacuolization , sunburn , hyperpigmentation , photoaging , blue light , dermatology , human skin , visible spectrum , medicine , irradiation , ultraviolet light , pathology , chemistry , biology , photochemistry , materials science , optoelectronics , physics , nuclear physics , genetics
Phototherapy with visible light is gaining interest in dermatological practice. Theoretically, blue light could induce biological effects comparable to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. Objectives: To study the effects of blue light on normal skin in terms of photodamage, skin ageing and melanogenesis. Methods: Eight healthy volunteers were included and irradiation with visible blue light was given on five consecutive days. Skin biopsies were analysed with respect to photodamage (p53, vacuolization, sunburn cells), skin ageing (elastosis, MMP‐1) and melanogenesis (Melan‐A). Results: No inflammatory cells and sunburn cells were visible before or after irradiation. A significant increase in the perinuclear vacuolization of keratinocytes was demonstrated during treatment ( P =0.02) with a tendency towards significance after cessation of treatment ( P =0.09). No significant change in p53 expression was seen. Signs of elastosis and changes in MMP‐1 expression were absent. Minimal clinical hyperpigmentation of the irradiated skin was confirmed histologically with a significant increase in Melan‐A‐positive cells ( P =0.03). Conclusions: Visible blue light, as given in the present study, does not cause deoxyribonucleic acid damage or early photo‐ageing. The biological effects of blue light on normal skin are transient melanogenesis and inexplicable vacuolization without resulting apoptosis. In conclusion, the (short‐term) use of visible blue light in dermatological practice is safe.