Let's first focus on UVB light in the range of 280 nanometers to 320 nanometers, UVA in the range of 320 nanometers to 380 nanometers and visible light from 400 to 700 nanometers because these are the most damaging. The wavelength will affect the depth the light will travel into the skin. Tanning Booths emit UVA which is of longer wavelength and goes deeper into the skin. Very little visible light is absorbed by living cells unless the cells are pigmented. This pigmentation includes melanin and red corpuscles and is called chromophores.
Chromophore means color bearing.
Infrared light can pass through the body. Infrared is also known as heat light. You can get infrared heat from an electric or gas heater. The only known effect of infrared light on skin is dilation of blood vessels that transport blood to and from the skin for cooling. Electrologists use the electricical energy to produce a chemical change within the hair follicle.