Biological and Therapeutic Responses of Human Skin to Different Wavelengths of Light: A Comprehensive Review.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review summarizing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical literature
PubMed 41789284 · doi:10.34172/jlms.2025.69
What was done
A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to evaluate in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of human skin responses to visible and near-infrared light spectrums, specifically covering violet, blue, green, yellow, red, and near-infrared wavelengths.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data. Qualitatively, violet and blue light show antimicrobial and anti-keloid effects alongside potential oxidative stress induction; green and yellow light promote angiogenesis, wound healing, and collagen preservation; red and near-infrared light support photobiomodulation, skin rejuvenation, and tissue repair. Risks such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, and hyperpigmentation (particularly in darker skin phototypes) were highlighted across wavelengths.
Why it matters
This paper maps wavelength-specific cutaneous responses across the optical spectrum, helping clinicians and researchers understand distinct mechanistic targets and phototoxic risks in dermatological applications.
Limits
As a narrative review, it does not provide systematic search criteria, meta-analytic pooling, or quantitative effect sizes. The reviewed literature encompasses preclinical models and clinical trials with unstandardized dosing parameters, light sources, and follow-up periods.
Cited by
- supports Red light exposure from devices or the sun improves wound healing in the skin, reduces acne symptoms, and reduces inflammation.