IMPACT OF HIGH-ENERGY VISIBLE (BLUE) LIGHT ON SKIN PIGMENTATION AND MELANOGENESIS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF TREATMENT, PREVENTION, AND EMERGING PROTECTIVE INTERVENTIONS

Abstract

Background :There are ultraviolet (UV), visible light (VL), and infrared. Although UV is a recognized culprit in photoaging and pigmentation, the contribution of the high-energy visible light (HEVL; blue light 400-500 nm) spectrum is becoming more important as a critical, independent factor that causes cutaneous damage.

 Purpose: The review summarizes existing findings on the effects of HEVL on skin pigmentation and melanogenesis, describes the biological processes involved in that effect, assesses clinically effective protection and treatment plans and highlights areas of critical gaps in the existing literature and clinical paradigms. ·

 Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science of articles published until the current month and year of year with the terms HEVL, blue light, melanogenesis, opsin-3, photoprotection, and pigmentary disorders. Findings: HEVL causes pigmentation by different mechanisms and the major one is the use of the Opsin-3 receptor in the melanocytes, resulting in long-term hyperpigmentation, particularly in those whose skin is brown pigmented (Fitzpatrick phototypes III-V). This is permanent and darker pigmentation compared to the one induced by UVA. The existing protection measures are inorganic filters (iron oxides), new organic filters (e.g., TriAsorB ™), and topical/oral antioxidants. There are new therapeutic targets under pre-clinical and clinical development including OPN3 antagonists and MITF inhibitors.

 Conclusion: HEVL induces melanogenesis in a strong way. There is a high level of translational disparity between the biological comprehension of the HEVL-induced pigmentation and the clinical availability of specific topical treatments. This review demonstrates that it is necessary to develop standardized factors of protection and next-generation cosmeceuticals that can ultimately inhibit HEVL photoreceptors and downstream effectors.