What is the definition of a chromophore?

A chromophore is defined as a substance that absorbs specific wavelengths of light. In the context of laser treatments, chromophores play a crucial role because they are the target molecules within the skin that interact with light energy emitted by lasers. Different chromophores absorb light at different wavelengths, which means that the effectiveness of laser treatments can vary based on the type of chromophore present in the tissue being treated.

For instance, melanin, hemoglobin, and water are all chromophores; melanin absorbs light in the visible spectrum, hemoglobin absorbs light in the visible and infrared spectrum, and water absorbs in the infrared range. By targeting specific chromophores with lasers tuned to particular wavelengths, practitioners can achieve desired therapeutic effects, such as hair removal, skin resurfacing, or vascular lesion treatment. Thus, understanding what a chromophore is and how it functions is essential for effective laser therapy practices.