Hey there, have you heard about Blue Light skincare?

Blue light has been a hot topic recently, particularly as we become more reliant on our electronic devices. But what exactly is it, and how can we prevent it from damaging our skin? Let’s dive into the topic and explore ways to keep our skin healthy and protected.

So, what is Blue Light skincare?

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The spectrum of light from the sun consists of UV, Visible, and Infrared Light. 50% of this is Visible Light. These are the only wavelengths of light that are detectable by the human eye, as UV and Infrared Light are invisible.

The visible spectrum’s blue-to-violet band has one of the shortest and highest-energy wavelengths—approximately 400 to 500 nanometers. It is known as Blue Light, High Energy Visible Light, or HEV or HEVL.

It makes the sky blue and is everywhere—mainly from sunlight, but increasingly from artificial sources. These include device screens like computer monitors or laptops, tablets, smartphone screens, and LED and fluorescent lighting.
While HEV is crucial in regulating our circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) and boosting cognitive functions, excessive exposure can negatively affect our skin.
The proliferation of devices and energy-efficient lighting increases our exposure to Blue Light, including at night. Recent studies indicate the time spent looking at digital screens can be up to 8–12 hours daily, almost daily!

This overexposure can lead to eye strain, headaches, and physical and mental fatigue. It can even cause macular degeneration (permanent eye damage). Besides limiting screen time, devices increasingly offer settings to reduce or disable their Blue Light emissions (night mode or nightshift) and track usage to help warn us how long we’ve been staring at them. You can even attach filters to screens or wear HEV protective glasses.

How does Blue Light affect our skin?

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Research suggests HEV or Blue Light can contribute to premature skin aging like UVA, resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of skin elasticity. It also deeply penetrates your skin, where its high energy generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, leading to oxidative stress. This stress may lead to DNA damage and the degradation of collagen proteins, hyaluronic acid levels, and elastin. All of these are vital in preserving youthful-looking skin. So it’s essential to protect your eyes and your skin with Blue Light skincare.

One famous scientist who has spoken about the effects of blue light on skin is Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He said: –

“Blue light can penetrate deep into the skin and cause damage to collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles.”

Here’s a rundown of the main issues associated with Blue Light exposure:-

Hyperpigmentation: Studies have shown that Blue Light exposure can contribute to hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and an uneven skin tone. This happens because it can stimulate melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin colour.

Inflammation: For some individuals, Blue Light exposure can cause skin inflammation, redness, and irritation, particularly in those with sensitive or reactive skin types.

Disruption of the skin barrier: Blue Light can negatively affect our skin’s barrier function, making it more susceptible to environmental stressors and potential irritants.

How can we protect our skin using Blue Light skincare?

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Now that we know the potential harm that Blue Light causes let’s discuss some practical steps to minimize its impact on our skin.

Incorporate Blue Light skincare: Look for effective ingredients that protect against it. These products often contain melanin and antioxidants, such as vitamin C and niacinamide, and other ingredients that shield the skin from Blue Light, like filters that either absorb, neutralize, or reflect it. By including these products in your daily skincare routine, you can help combat the effects of Blue Light exposure.

Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen: While sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, some products offer protection against Blue Light. Choose a sunscreen with ingredients that block a portion of the Blue Light spectrum. Apply sunscreen daily, even indoors, as Blue Light and UVA can penetrate through windows.

Limit screen time: reducing the time you spend in front of screens is one of the most effective ways to limit exposure to it. Take breaks from your devices, and try to establish a screen-free routine before bedtime. This will help minimize the impact of Blue Light on your sleep patterns and skin.
Use Blue Light-blocking screen protectors: Many screen protectors on the market can filter out emissions to it from your devices. Investing in these screen protectors can reduce exposure to Blue Light without sacrificing screen time.

Adjust the colour temperature of your devices: Many electronic devices have built-in settings that allow you to adjust the colour temperature, reducing the amount of Blue Light emitted. Switching to “night mode” or “warm colour” settings can significantly minimize Blue Light exposure, ultimately helping to protect your skin and support better sleep patterns.