Oregon Esthetician State Board

What color do healthy skin areas appear as under a Wood's lamp?

1. Yellow or orange

2. Brown

3. Blue white

4. Light violet or purple

The correct answer is: Blue white

The appearance of healthy skin areas under a Wood's lamp is characterized by a blue-white glow. This phenomenon occurs due to the natural fluorescence of the skin when exposed to the ultraviolet light emitted by the Wood's lamp. The blue-white color indicates that there are no underlying skin issues, and the skin has a healthy composition without the presence of significant amounts of oil, bacteria, or other potential distractions. The other colors that may be observed under the Wood's lamp correspond to different skin conditions or issues. For example, yellow or orange might indicate the presence of oily skin or certain bacteria, brown can suggest hyperpigmentation or age spots, and light violet or purple may point to other skin concerns, such as infections or particular types of skin lesions. Understanding these colors helps estheticians assess skin conditions accurately and tailor treatments accordingly, reinforcing the connection between the Wood's lamp examination and the overall health of the skin.