Dr. Leilani Senador, chief of the Phototherapy, Dermatology Laser and Light Center, shed light (pun intended) on how the skin benefits from ultraviolet radiation from the sun and from other, artificial sources of light, at the Asian Beauty and Health Secrets Revealed forum.

According to Dr. Senador, "The sun is the main source of ultraviolet radiation. There are three types of UV radiation—UVA, UVB, and UVC—but only UVA and UVB are absorbed by the skin. UVC is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer. UVB penetrates the superficial layer of the skin, while UVA has a much deeper penetration."

Photomedicine is the response of the skin tissues to ultraviolet light, which varies in intensity and temperature, among others. Dr. Senador explains, "At the Dermatology Laser and Light Center, phototherapy (or light treatment) involves exposing a patient to a carefully monitored dose of ultraviolet radiation, as performed by trained health care professionals and supervised by a board-certified dermatologist." Phototherapy can be used to treat certain skin disorders, like psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo.

First, the molecules of the skin absorb the ultraviolet radiation. Then, the photoactivated molecules are converted into new compounds, which subsequently lead to a series of biochemical changes in the tissue.

Because of the artificial source of light, the risks of light treatment are dose-related and associated with high exposure doses. That’s why it is very important that it is performed by a trained professional, under the supervision of a certified dermatologist. Dr. Senador warns, "Sunburn reactions are a minor side effect, but prolonged high-dose exposure can result (in) photoaging, or accelerated aging of the skin. There’s also a tendency for the skin to become coarse and leathery in texture. The risk of having skin cancer results from very precise conditions, such as the magnitude of increase over the patient’s lifetime, the relationship of total dose to the risk, and the biological behavior of skin cancer." To protect the eyes from the risk of getting conjunctivitis, keratitis, or cataracts, patients are required to wear eye protection throughout the duration of the procedure.

Dr. Senador cites, "Just like any other medical procedure, it is important to have a good understanding of the potential risks involved. The patient will also undergo careful evaluation, to find out the suitability of the treatment for the patient and vice-versa. The timing of the treatment is also important. And most of all, only a board-certified dermatologist can be trusted to assess the risk/benefit ratio."

(For more information, visit Asian Hospital and Medical Center located at 2205 Civic Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.)

(Write the author at wellbeing@mb.com.ph.)