Blue light and skin: what is the intriguing link?

Blue light has garnered attention because of its ability to penetrate more deeply into the skin layers, and induce cellular dysfunction and DNA damage. Photoageing, hyperpigmentation and melasma are some of the cutaneous changes, developing on exposure to blue light. To date, the therapeutic roles of blue light have been evaluated in dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, actinic keratosis and cutaneous malignancies, among others. This review is an attempt to present an evidence-based compilation of the effects of blue light on the skin. Blue light has garnered attention because of its ability to penetrate more deeply into the skin layers, and induce cellular dysfunction and DNA damage. Photoageing, hyperpigmentation and melasma are some of the cutaneous changes that develop on exposure to blue light. To date, the therapeutic roles of blue light have been evaluated in dermatological conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, actinic keratosis and cutaneous malignancies, among others. In this review, we have attempted to present an evidence-based compilation of the effects of blue light on the skin.