Chromophores in human skin

Human skin, especially the epidermis, contains several major solar ultraviolet-radiation- (UVR-) absorbing endogenous chromophores including DNA, urocanic acid, amino acids, melanins and their precursors and metabolites. The lack of solubility of melanins prevents their absorption spectra being defi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physics in medicine & biology 1997-05, Vol.42 (5), p.789-802
Main Author: Young, Antony R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Humans
Optics and Photonics
Pigments, Biological - radiation effects
Skin - chemistry
Skin - radiation effects
Ultraviolet Rays
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Summary:Human skin, especially the epidermis, contains several major solar ultraviolet-radiation- (UVR-) absorbing endogenous chromophores including DNA, urocanic acid, amino acids, melanins and their precursors and metabolites. The lack of solubility of melanins prevents their absorption spectra being defined by routine techniques. Indirect spectroscopic methods show that their spectral properties depend on the stimulus for melanogenesis. The photochemical consequences of UVR absorption by some epidermal chromophores are relatively well understood whereas we lack a detailed understanding of the consequent photobiological and clinical responses. Skin action spectroscopy is not a reliable way of relating a photobiological outcome to a specific chromophore but is important for UVR hazard assessment. Exogenous chromophores may be administered to the skin in combination with UVR exposure for therapeutic benefit, or as sunscreens for the prevention of sunburn and possibly skin cancer.
ISSN:0031-9155
1361-6560
DOI:10.1088/0031-9155/42/5/004