The effects of narrowbands of visible light upon some skin disorders: a review

This review article focuses on clinical studies published in the fields of (i) photorejuvenation and anti-ageing, (ii) oily or acne-prone skin and related imperfections, (iii) skin pigmentation and lightening, (iv) dandruff and other Malassezia-related skin disorders and (v) prevention and reversal of hair loss using non-thermal, non-ablative devices (principally light-emitting diodes). It mainly focuses on clinical proof of performance and also on in vitro studies that support the clinical findings. The mode of action of narrowbands of visible light upon the skin is only briefly discussed since their biological effects have been previously reviewed. Resume Cet article etablit une revue des etudes cliniques publiees dans les domaines (i) du photorajeunissement et de l'anti-age, (ii) de la peau grasse ou acneique et des imperfections associees, (iii) de la pigmentation et de l'eclaircissement de la peau, (iv) des pellicules et des desordres associes a Malassezia et (v) de l'antichute et de la repousse du cheveu avec des appareils non-thermiques et non-destructifs (principalement les diodes electroluminescentes). L'article traite essentiellement de l'efficacite clinique et des resultats in vitro. Le mecanisme d'action des bandes etroites de lumiere visible sur la peau n'est que brievement aborde, certains effets biologiques ayant deja ete publies.