Effects of visible lights, photodermatoses and role of antioxidants in skin health

• Published in: International journal of research in medical sciences Vol. 11; no. 11; pp. 4272 - 4276
• Main Authors: Pandey, Pooja, Sinha, Samudranil, Akhade, Kiran Swapnil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 30.10.2023
• ISSN: 2320-6071; 2320-6012
• DOI: 10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20233418

Visible light (VL) radiation poses potential risks to the skin, including solar urticaria, chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD), cutaneous porphyrias, and others. Photodermatoses, another skin condition, can be worsened by exposure to light. Involves the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively), which harms proteins, lipids, and DNA results in an inflammatory reaction and increased skin pigmentation. Studies show that plant-derived antioxidants can shield VIS-exposed skin from oxidative damage brought on by ROS. Both API (Active pharmaceutical ingredients) and BTC (Bis trichloromethyl carbonate) give protection against harm caused by VL and useful topical antioxidants that can be added to sunscreens in terms of sun protection techniques, whereas, vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that reduce the aging process by preventing free radicals from oxidizing sensitive biological components. With an emphasis on either VL blocking (tinted sunscreens) or production of reactive species and radical quenching (antioxidant sunscreens), availability of photoprotection products that contain VL protection is expanding. Promising advancements have been made in incorporating antioxidants and radical scavengers into sunscreen formulations to address the induction of ROS/RNS by visible light. Topical application of an antioxidant blend containing varying concentrations of a singlet oxygen quencher along with fixed concentrations of vitamin E (0.25%) and vitamin C (0.01%) has shown ability to inhibit erythema and reduce pigmentation in certain skin types. Recent advancements in understanding VL's ability to induce reactive species have paved the way for antioxidant-based formulations, which offer promising alternatives for photoprotection across all skin types.