LED lighting that is now ubiquitous and in earlier days, fluorescent lighting, are notorious for not containing enough red (R9) to make people look healthy. You have probably heard of people complaining about the lighting making them look sick – this is likely the culprit. Red is important because no matter the tone of skin it is the reflection of the blood flowing through it that makes us look healthy. Sick people often look pale because of reduced blood flow or lack of red blood cells. On the other hand, if the lighting lacks red (has a low R9 value) then healthy people may appear sick. Not exactly the look your members are hoping for at a fitness or wellness club!
Referring to the chart above, if a light source does not have much red content but a lot of blue and green – common in LED sources – then your blood, and hence your skin, may take on a greenish tone. Interesting side note here: sea water filters out red, so if you are diving at deep levels and cut yourself your blood will actually look green.
A light source lacking the ability to render reds and skin tones well may make your members look unhealthy…or even worse…
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