How Blue Light Affects The Skin?
Today, everything is digital-friendly. We are always on her smartphones and our computers, so blue light is hitting our faces daily. Our technology; television. smartphone, computers, and tablets are all sources of blue light. Health experts, always warn us about blue light affecting the way we sleep because it interrupts melatonin production. It also causes eye strain after long periods of looking at the screen. Health experts now are investigating the effects of the blue light on the skin.
What is Blue Light?
As we think about harmful light, we usually think of the sun and its harmful UV rays. We think about the sun beaming on our skin, frying our pores, and causing sunburn to some degree. UV rays are not seen by the naked eye, it is invisible to the eye. Blue light is a short wavelength light. This light is visible because it's a cool white light coming from our tech. Blue light is used in most if not the technology we use on a day to day basis. We are more exposed to it when we are working on our technology rather than watching Netflix on our flat screens. The blue light contact comes from your screens 60 percent of the time. This is more apparent now because of the Covid-19 pandemic, thousands are people are home and working remotely until further notice. At this point, we can't escape the blue light exposure.
What is happening to our skin?
Blue light not only strains your eyes and interrupts your melatonin, but it does also do some damage to your skin. Extensive periods of exposure to blue light can age the skin prematurely. Blue light has some do with hyperpigmentation, minor discoloration, and disrupts the breakdown of collagen which leads to premature aging. However, these effects don't happen overnight, it happens gradually as we spend hours looking at our screen. We are talking for more than seven hours of blue exposure without taking a break.
Blue light does affect the regeneration cycle of your skin. Your skin cells' regeneration cycle can be disrupted and this can cause damage over time. Long term exposure to blue light indoors can have the same effect as if you were exploring yourself to the sun's UV rays. This is something to think about daily because many didn't think about this until people started using technology more. There is a lot to still uncover with Blue light exposure but at least there are some steps we can do.
Is Blue Light all bad?
No, blue light is used to treat skin issues like acne and sometimes other issues like patch Psoriasis. So when it comes to studies, it is hard to put blue light in a category to whether it is good or bad. It is all about how it is used. The key here is to be careful.
Limit your screen time
The best first step you can do to limit these effects is to limit your screen time to the best of your ability. Avoid looking at the screens for long periods. Please take breaks in between your screen time and rest your eyes. Use that time to take a walk, shower, or get lunch. Your eyes and skin will thank you for it. Also, try using dark mode when working to change the lighting on your screen. It is also important to reduce the brightness of your screen. This will not only help your eyes but keep your skin at ease.
You should also invest in a blue light screen protector when it comes to your smartphone. This will limit the exposure to it from your eyes. Your eyes won't strain as much either, especially if you don't have blue light lenses in your glasses.
What skincare products can we use to target blue light?
The skin industry is on top of UV damage and the effect on blue light damage affects the skin. The beauty industry has already come up with many blue light wavelength blocking products to keep our skin protected while working. The formulas in these products are the same as antioxidant serums. The key ingredients to protect your skin is to use iron oxide or any antioxidant to protect the skin from blue light rays. These ingredients are known in sunscreens or any moisturizing product that has SPF. Here some recommendations to help reduce blue light damage.
SkinMedica Lumivive System - This product is designed to create a barrier against blue light and environmental aggressors on a daily. It also recharges the skin at night, especially when you sleep. This product is proven by dermatologists to work to improve the appearance of your skin.
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Essential Serum - Not only this improves the appearance of the skin but this product decreases the appearance of wrinkles. Long hours on your computer can create wrinkles, so serums like this will help combat that problem. This is versatile for all skin types, it doesn't matter if you have problem skin.
SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream - This product is great to have in your arsenal because this cream will lock in the moisture in your skin. This is important for your skincare routine because your skin will great even if you are stressed working from home.
SkinMedica Vitamin C+ E Complex - This will keep your skin at optimal health. Vitamin C and E are crucial for your skin appearance to keep you youthful and give your skin that glow. This will also strengthen your skin barrier to fight bacteria and provide some light protection. This should be in your skincare regimen to keep you looking great.
Scientists still don't know the full effects of blue light and how it affects the body entirely just yet. However, we can begin to make sure we have vitamin C and antioxidants in our skincare products to reduce any effects of blue light. We are still a long way from understanding what blue light does to the skin but we can begin to bring awareness.