Oregon Esthetician State Board

What color do oily areas of the face or comedones appear as under a Wood's lamp?

1. Yellow, pink, or orange

2. Blue white

3. Light violet or purple

4. Brown

The correct answer is: Yellow, pink, or orange

Under a Wood's lamp, oily areas of the face or comedones typically appear as yellow, pink, or orange. This coloration occurs because the excess oils produced in the skin can emit a reflection that falls into this range when illuminated by the specific wavelength of light emitted by the Wood's lamp. This visual cue allows estheticians to identify areas of excess oiliness, which can be crucial for determining appropriate treatments and skin care regimens. When compared to the other colors reflected under the Wood's lamp, the yellow, pink, or orange hues provide key insights into the skin's condition. For instance, blue-white generally indicates the presence of normal, healthy skin or potential dehydration. Light violet or purple may suggest issues related to pigmentation or certain skin conditions, while brown can indicate excessive pigmentation or sun damage. Therefore, the identification of oily areas through the yellow, pink, or orange coloration plays a significant role in comprehensive skin analysis and subsequent treatment strategies.