The practice of dermoscopy has evolved significantly over the past century.¹ Dermatologists use dermoscopes to visualize skin findings and improve diagnostic accuracy; this practice has steadily grown to be widely accepted. Dermoscopy courses, residency training, algorithms, atlases, working groups, and other academic resources are readily available. There is a broad selection of dermoscopes on the market, each with distinct technical specifications. However, it is uncommon to find the technical specifications, such as spectral power distribution (SPD), color rendering index (CRI), or even Kelvin temperature, made available to users of dermoscopic devices, although this information is accessible for lighting in other sectors.

Cross-polarisation, with regard to visible light, is a process wherein two polarisers with perpendicular orientation to one another are used on the incident and reflected lights. Under cross-polarised light birefringent structures which are otherwise invisible become apparent. Cross-polarised light eliminates glare and specular highlights, allowing for an unobstructed view of subsurface pathology. Parallel-polarisation occurs when the polarisers are rotated to the same orientation. When cross- or parallel-polarisation is applied to photography, images can be generated which aid in visualisation of surface and subsurface elements. Improved access to equipment and education has the potential to benefit practitioners, researchers, investigators and patients.