Blue Light in Dermatology

Abstract

Phototherapy is an important method of dermatological treatments. Ultraviolet (280–400 nm) therapy is of great importance; however, there are concerns of its long-term use, as it can lead to skin aging and carcinogenesis. This review aims to evaluate the role and the mechanism of action of blue light (400–500 nm), a UV-free method. The main mediators of cellular responses to blue light are nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the detailed mechanism is still not fully understood. It was demonstrated that blue light induces an anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effect; thus, it may be beneficial for hyperproliferative and chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. It was also found that blue light might cause the reduction of itching. It may be beneficial on hair growth and may be used in the treatment of acne vulgaris by reducing follicular colonization of Propionibacterium acnes. Further studies are needed to develop accurate protocols, as the clinical effects depend on the light parameters as well as the treatment length. There are no major adverse effects observed yet, but long-term safety should be monitored as there are no studies considering the long-term effects of blue light on the skin.

Design and realization of a dual-wavelength low level light therapy for acne and face rejuvenation treatment

“…The blue light therapy is suitable for treating acne and killing bacteria on the skin layer. Sadowska et al [5], Diogo et al [6], and Opel et al [7] stated a large number of documented reviews related to the use of blue LEDs phototherapy and they confirmed the conclusive findings that the light from blue LEDs (405-420 nm) was effective in mild to moderate inflammatory of the face treatment of the acne vulgaris and P.acne. In addition, some data [6], [7] indicated that light from the blue LEDs (400-470 nm) may also help treat the acne and P.acne.…”

Slip versus Slop: A Head-to-Head Comparison of UV-Protective Clothing to Sunscreen

“…The principal differences in the effects of various wavelengths of light on generation of ROS in the skin are the chromophores that mediate radical production. Light-absorbing chromophores in the skin include nucleic acids, aromatic amino acids, urocanic acid, NADH and NADPH, cytochromes, riboflavins, porphyrins, melanin and its precursors, and βcarotene [68]. These chromophores can act as photosensitizers that catalyze the generation of ROS and reactive nitrogen species that, if not quenched by cellular antioxidant defenses, can damage sensitive biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids.…”

Progress of phototherapy for osteosarcoma and application prospect of blue light photobiomodulation therapy

“…Considerable research showed that phototherapy based on blue light has produced beneficial consequences such as treatment of neonatal jaundice ( 123 – 125 ), regulation of melatonin and circadian rhythm ( 126 – 128 ), anti-inflammation ( 129 – 131 ), immunomodulation ( 132 ), wound healing ( 133 – 135 ), tissue regeneration, and anticancer therapies ( 103 , 114 , 133 , 136 ). Furthermore, blue light reduced the follicular colonization of Propionibacterium acnes by activating the endogenous bacterial porphyrin and inhibiting acne development, while possibly interfering with lipogenesis in adipocytes and suppressing sebum formation for acne treatment ( 137 ).…”

“…Blue light, as a visible light with a wavelength range of 400–500 nm, has been clinically applied successfully comprising neonatal jaundice, psoriasis (Pv), atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions, although the number of available clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of blue light treatment is still limited ( 103 , 136 ). Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that blue light irradiation inhibits the proliferation of multiple types of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo , including colon cancer cells ( 14 , 144 , 145 ), malignant glioma cells ( 12 ), melanoma cells ( 10 , 146 , 147 ), B-cell lymphoma cells ( 13 ), fibrosarcoma cells ( 14 ), pancreatic cancer cells ( 15 ), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells (CSCC), epidermoid carcinoma cells ( 148 , 149 ), leukemia cells (Kasumi-1) ( 150 ), bladder cancer cells ( 151 ), colorectal cancer cells ( 152 , 153 ), breast cancer cells ( 91 ), and human OS cells ( 95 , 98 ).…”