Skip to main content

Photosensitivity and Photoreactivity in Ethnic Skin

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Dermatoanthropology of Ethnic Skin and Hair

Abstract

Solar radiation comprises a continuum of wavelengths including ultraviolet radiation (UVR; 280–400 nm), visible light (VL; 400–760 nm), and infrared radiation (IR; 760 nm–1 mm) (Sklar et al. in Photochem Photobiol Sci 12(1):54–64, 2013 [1]). In this chapter, we describe the molecular and clinical consequences of exposure to UVR and visible light across different skin types. We also provide a review of the more common idiopathic photodermatoses, photosensitivity reactions to systemic medications and dermatoses which are aggravated by sunlight.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Sklar LR, Almutawa F, Lim HW, Hamzavi I. Effects of ultraviolet radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation on erythema and pigmentation: a review. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2013;12(1):54–64. doi:10.1039/c2pp25152c.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Diffey B. What is light? Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2002;18(2):68–74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Qiang F. Radiation (Solar). In: Holton JR, editor. Encyclopedia of atmospheric Sciences. 5th ed.; 2003, p. 1859–63.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Battie C, Jitsukawa S, Bernerd F, Del Bino S, Marionnet C, Verschoore M. New insights in photoaging, UVA induced damage and skin types. Exp Dermatol. 2014;23(Suppl 1):7–12. doi:10.1111/exd.12388.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Randhawa M, Seo I, Liebel F, Southall MD, Kollias N, Ruvolo E. Visible light induces melanogenesis in human skin through a photoadaptive response. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(6):e0130949. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0130949.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. Marrot L, Meunier JR. Skin DNA photodamage and its biological consequences. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;58(5 Suppl 2):139–48. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.12.007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Maddodi N, Jayanthy A, Setaluri V. Shining light on skin pigmentation: the darker and the brighter side of effects of UV radiation. Photochem Photobiol. 2012;88(5):1075–82. doi:10.1111/j.1751-1097.2012.01138.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Ou-Yang H, Stmatas G, Saliou C, Kollias N. A chemiluminescence study of UVA-induced oxidative stress in human skin in vivo. J Invest Dermatol. 2004;122(4):1020–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Romanhole RC, Ataide JA, Moriel P, Mazzola PG. Update on ultraviolet A and B radiation generated by the sun and artificial lamps and their effects on skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2015:366–70. doi:10.1111/ics.12219.

  10. Marionnet C, Pierrard C, Lekuene F, Bernerd F. Modulations of gene expression induced by daily ultraviolet light can be prevented by a broad spectrum sunscreen. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2012;116:37–47.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Agar N, Young AR. Melanogenesis: a photoprotective response to DNA damage? Mutat Res—Fundam Mol Mech Mutagen. 2005;571(1-2 SPEC. ISS.):121–32. doi:10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2004.11.016.

  12. Rünger TM, Farahvash B, Hatvani Z, Rees A. Comparison of DNA damage responses following equimutagenic doses of UVA and UVB: a less effective cell cycle arrest with UVA may render UVA-induced pyrimidine dimers more mutagenic than UVB-induced ones. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2012;11(1):207. doi:10.1039/c1pp05232b.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Bernerd F, Asselineau D. UVA exposure of human skin reconstructed in vitro induces apoptosis of dermal fibroblasts: subsequent connective tissue repair and implications in photoaging. Differ Cell Death. 1998;5(9):792–802.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Hönigsmann H. Erythema and pigmentation. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2002;18:75–81. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0781.2002.180204.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Mahmoud BH, Hexsel CL, Hamzavi IH, Lim HW. Effects of visible light on the skin. Photochem Photobiol. 2008;84(2):450–62. doi:10.1111/j.1751-1097.2007.00286.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Wenczl E, Van Der Schans GP, Roza L, et al. (Pheo)melanin photosensitizes UVA-induced DNA damage in cultured human melanocytes. J Invest Dermatol. 1998;111(4):678–82. doi:10.1046/j.1523-1747.1998.00357.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Marrot L, Belaidi JP, Meunier JR, Perez P, Agapakis-Causse C. The human melanocyte as a particular target for UVA radiation and an endpoint for photoprotection assessment. Photochem Photobiol. 1999;69(6):686–93.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Brash DE. Roles of the transcription factor p53 in keratinocyte carcinomas. Br J Dermatol. 2006;154(Suppl):8–10. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07230.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Cui R, Widlund HR, Feige E, et al. Central role of p53 in the suntan response and pathologic hyperpigmentation. Cell. 2007;128(5):853–64. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2006.12.045.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. D’Orazio J, Jarrett S, Amaro-Ortiz A, Scott T. UV radiation and the skin. Int J Mol Sci. 2013;14(6):12222–48. doi:10.3390/ijms140612222.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Jablonski NG. The evolution of human skin colouration and its relevance to health in the modern world. J R Coll Physicians Edinb. 2012;42(1):58–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Göring H, Koshuchowa S. Vitamin D. The sun hormone. Life in environmental mismatch. Biochem Biokhimii͡a. 2015;80(1):8–20. doi:10.1134/S0006297915010022.

  23. Antoniou C, Lademann J, Schanzer S, et al. Do different ethnic groups need different sun protection? Skin Res Technol. 2009;15(3):323–9. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0846.2009.00366.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Kaidbey KH, Agin PH, Sayre RM, Kligman AM. Photoprotection by melanin–a comparison of black and Caucasian skin. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1979;1:249–60.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Thomson M. Relative efficiency of pigment and horny layer thickness in protecting the skin of Europeans and Africans against solar ultraviolet radiation. J Physiol. 1955;127:236–46.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  26. Weigand D, Haygood C, Gaylor J. Cell layers and density of Negro and Caucasian stratum corneum. J Invest Dermatol. 1974;62(6):563–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Del Bino S, Bernerd F. Variations in skin colour and the biological consequences of ultraviolet radiation exposure. Br J Dermatol. 2013;169 Suppl (3):33–40. doi:10.1111/bjd.12529.

  28. Chiarelli-Neto O, Ferreira AS, Martins WK, et al. Melanin photosensitization and the effect of visible light on epithelial cells. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(11):1–9. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0113266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Liebel F, Kaur S, Ruvolo E, Kollias N, Southall MD. Irradiation of skin with visible light induces reactive oxygen species and matrix-degrading enzymes. J Invest Dermatol. 2012;132(7):1901–7. doi:10.1038/jid.2011.476.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Youn J, Oh J, Kim B, et al. Relationship between skin phototype and MED in Korean, brown skin. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 1997;13(5–6):208–11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Leenutaphong V. Relationship between skin and cutaneous response to UV radiation in Thai. Photodermatol Photoimmuno. 1995;11:198–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Eilers S, Bach DQ, Gaber R, et al. Accuracy of self-report in assessing Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I through VI. JAMA Dermatology. 2016;60611(11):1289–94. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.6101.

  33. Pichon L, Landrine H, Corral I, Hao Y, Mayer J, Hoerster K. Measuring skin cancer risk in African Americans: is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification Scale culturally sensitive? Ethn Dis. 2010;20(2):174–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Kelser E, Linos E, Kanzler M, Lee W, Sainani K, Tang J. Reliability and prevalence of digital image skin types in the United States: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012;66(1):163–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Sanclemente G, Zapata JF, García JJ, Gaviria Á, Gómez LF, Barrera M. Lack of correlation between minimal erythema dose and skin phototype in a colombian scholar population. Skin Res Technol. 2008;14(4):403–9. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0846.2008.00306.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Agbai ON, Buster K, Sanchez M, et al. Skin cancer and photoprotection in people of color: a review and recommendations for physicians and the public. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70(4):748–62. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.11.038.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Ravnbak MH, Philipsen PA, Wiegell SR, Wulf HC. Skin pigmentation kinetics after exposure to ultraviolet A. Acta Derm Venereol. 2009;89(4):357–63. doi:10.2340/00015555-0635.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Kollias N, et al. Erythema and melanogenesis action spectra in heavily pigmented individuals as compared to fair-skinned Caucasians. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 1996;12:183–8. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0781.1996.tb00197.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Wolber R, Schlenz K, Wakamatsu K, et al. Pigmentation effects of solar simulated radiation as compared with UVA and UVB radiation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2008;21(4):487–91. doi:10.1111/j.1755-148X.2008.00470.x.Pigmentation.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  40. Roh K, Kim D, Ha S, Ro Y, Kim J, Lee H. Pigmentation in Koreans: study of the differences from caucasians in age, gender and seasonal variations. Br J Dermatol. 2001;144(1):94–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Kotrakaras R, Kligman A. The effect of topical tretinoin on photodamaged facial skin: the Thai experience. Br J Dermatol. 1993;129:302–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Beradesca E, Leveqe J-L, Maibach H. Ethnic Skin and Hair. 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Halder R, Ara C. Skin cancer and photoaging in ethnic skin. Dermatol Clin. 2003;21(4):725–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Taylor S. Enhancing the care and treatment of skin of color, Part 2: understanding skin physiology. Cutis. 2005;76(5):302–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Zastrow L, Ferrero L, Herrling T, Groth N. Sun protection under asian light. Asian soc Cosm Sci. 2007;4:62–8.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Fourtanier A, Moyal D, Seite S. UVA filters in sun-protection products: regulatory and biological aspect. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2012;11:81–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Griffiths C, Wang T, Hamilton T, Voorhees J, Ellis C. A photonumeric scale for the assessment of cutaneous photodamage. Dermatology, Arch. 1992;128(3):347–51.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Larnier C, Ortonne J, Venot A, et al. Evaluation of cutaneous photodamage using photographic scale. Br J Dermatol. 1994;130(2):167–73.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Vierkotter A, Krutmann J. Environmental influences on skin aging and ethnic-specific manifestations. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):227–31.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  50. Nouveau-Richard S, Yang Z, Mac-Mary S, et al. Skin ageing: a comparison between Chinese and European populations: a pilot study. J Dermatol Sci. 2005;40(3):187–93. doi:10.1016/j.jdermsci.2005.06.006.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Chan H, Jackson B. Laser treatment on ethnic skin. In: Lim HW, Hoenigsmann H, Hawk JLM, editors. Photodermatol New York Inf Healthc. 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Lejeune F, Christiaens F, Bernerd F. Evaluation of sunscreen products using a reconstructed skin model exposed to simulated daily ultraviolet radiation: relevance of filtration profile and SPF value for daily photoprotection. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2008;24(5):249–55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Marionnet C, Grether-Beck S, Seite S, et al. A broad-spectrum sunscreen prevents UVA radiation-induced gene expression in reconstructed skin in vitro and in human skin in vivo. Exp Dermatol. 2011;20(6):466–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Miyamura Y, Coelho SG, Schlenz K, et al. The deceptive nature of UVA tanning versus the modest protective effects of UVB tanning on human skin. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2011;24(1):136–47. doi:10.1111/j.1755-148X.2010.00764.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Ravnbak MH, Wulf HC. Pigmentation after single and multiple UV-exposures depending on UV-spectrum. Arch Dermatol Res. 2007;299(1):25–32. doi:10.1007/s00403-006-0728-3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Ravnbak MH, Philipsen PA, Wiegell SR, Wulf HC. Skin pigmentation kinetics after UVB exposure. Acta Derm Venereol. 2008;88(3):223–8. doi:10.2340/00015555-0431.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Mahmoud BH, Ruvolo E, Hexsel CL, et al. Impact of long-wavelength UVA and visible light on melanocompetent skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2010;130(8):2092–7. doi:10.1038/jid.2010.95.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Kollias N, Baqer A. An experimental study of th changes in pigmentation in human skin in vivo with visible and near infrared light. Photochem Photobiol. 1984;39(5):651–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Rosen CF, Jacques SL, Stuart ME, Gange RW. Immediate pigment darkening: visual and reflectance spectrophotometric analysis of action spectrum. Photochem Photobiol. 1990;51(5):583–8. doi:10.1111/j.1751-1097.1990.tb01969.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Ramasubramaniam R, Roy A, Sharma B, Nagalakshmi S. Are there mechanistic differences between ultraviolet and visible radiation induced skin pigmentation? Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2011;10(12):1887–93. doi:10.1039/c1pp05202k.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Marcos LA, Kahler R, Quaak MS, et al. Phytophotodermatitis. Int J Infect Dis. 2015;38:7–8. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2015.07.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Raam R, DeClerck B, Jhun P, et al. Phytophotodermatitis: the other “lime” disease. Ann Emerg Med. 2016;67(4):554–6. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.02.023.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Al-Jamal MS, Griffith JL, Lim HW. Photoprotection in ethnic skin. Dermatol Sin. 2014;32(4):217–24. doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2014.09.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Morabito K, Shapley NC, Steeley KG, Tripathi A. Review of sunscreen and the emergence of non-conventional absorbers and their applications in ultraviolet protection. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011;33(5):385–90. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2011.00654.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Bissonnette R, Nigen S, Bolduc C, Méry S, Nocera T. Protection afforded by sunscreens containing inorganic sunscreening agents against blue light sensitivity induced by aminolevulinic acid. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34(11):1469–74. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2008.34311.x.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Nohynek G. Nanotechnology, cosmetics and the skin: is there a health risk? Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2008;21(3):136–49.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. American Academy of Dermatology—Sunscreen FAQs. 2016. Website https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs. Accessed 5 May 2016.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Valerie M. Harvey .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Ansari, U.A., Le, S.T., Harvey, V.M. (2017). Photosensitivity and Photoreactivity in Ethnic Skin. In: Vashi, N., Maibach, H. (eds) Dermatoanthropology of Ethnic Skin and Hair. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53961-4_5

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53961-4_5

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-53960-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-53961-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics