In this article, Chauvel-Picard et al. provides a historical analysis of the various non-invasive optical skin imaging methods, including photography, dermatoscopy, and in vivo microscopy. The review focuses on historical developments in optical skin imaging instruments and techniques, and contemporary studies inspired by them. In detailing the revolutionary changes in optical skin imaging, the authors paint a comprehensive overview of the practice. While non-invasive optical imaging was previously limited to early photography, dermatology advanced to using the dermatoscope in 1920, an instrument that utilizes a magnifying glass and light to inspect skin lesions not visible to the naked eye. This dermatoscope paved the way for more non-invasive instruments including the confocal microscope and optical coherence tomography. These advanced instruments offer clearer insights to medical professionals and reduce the need for invasive techniques such as biopsies. Modern day innovation continues to redefine dermatological imaging, with advancements including the Raman spectroscope, multispectral imagine, and AI-assisted diagnoses providing diagnoses previously impossible without invasive techniques.