Why Blue Light Is Bad for Skin

Protecting ourselves from the sun is growing by the day. But did you know blue light is also a cause for concern?

Previously, the sun was the only source of blue light. But now it has entered our homes via digital screens found on TVs, Smartphones, computers, laptops, tablets, gaming systems, electrical equipment LED and fluorescent lighting.

We strive to shield ourselves from the sun and use various products to avoid getting sunburned or experiencing any other negative effects. Though many of us don’t know or there is not enough research. Many specialists do tell us that these blue lights do harm our skin in many ways.

What Exactly is a Blue Light?

Blue light, also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light, is a color visible to human eyes in the visible light spectrum.

Visible and non-visible light wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm), and the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. It has a short wavelength, which implies it contains more energy. This type of light output is almost as dangerous as the sun’s rays, penetrating deeper into the skin’s dermis and causing damage over time. Regular exposure to this short-wavelength light may cause a variety of skincare difficulties, including accelerated aging.

How to Protect Yourself from Blue Light?

If you spend the majority of your time looking at digital screens or if your job requires you to be constantly looking at screens, there are various things you can do to protect your skin, even under those harsh blue lights.

Protect your eyes from blocking glass or lenses.
Reduce your exposure by using blocking shields on your computer, phone, and tablet screens.
To neutralize and reduce the impact, always change your smartphone settings to night mode.
To combat photoaging induced by blue light, always wear blue light sunscreen with physical components like iron oxides.

Why is Blue Light Bad for Skin?

Experts advise that we put down our electronics before going to bed since they can interrupt our sleep patterns. This can also be bad for our skin. Blue light has a significant effect on the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal sleep rhythm clock. What affects the circadian rhythm can affect the entire body. This is still a developing field of study, but evidence suggests that this disturbance is harmful to our health. It has an influence on skin and skin DNA repair.

Some preliminary study indicates that HEV can trigger the development of free radicals, which break down collagen and produce inflammation, resulting in redness, dark patches, and wrinkles. Overexposure to blue light may also darken hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones.

Difference Between Normal Sunscreen and Blue Light Sunscreen

Unfortunately, not all sunscreens offer blue light protection. There are so many products on the market, the biggest source of misunderstanding is determining which sunscreen is Blue Light Protector and which is not.

Sunscreen comes in two varieties: physical and chemical formulas.

Physical sunscreens contain active chemicals that are applied to the skin and remain on top of it after application. Physical sunscreens provide blue light protection because the recipe is designed to reflect UV and blue light away from the skin.
Chemical sunscreens are made up of a variety of chemical compounds that absorb UV rays and may irritate the skin. Blue light protection is not provided by chemical sunscreens.

If you are still unsure, you should consider investing in a physical blue light sunscreen to prevent photoaging and skin damage. It is specifically intended to limit blue light exposure from screens. These sunscreens contain iron oxide, which is particularly effective at preventing blue light.

Why Blue Light Sunscreen is a Part of Meta Trend

The growing knowledge of the effects of blue light on the skin is driving up demand for this product category. In fact, according to a Unilever survey, 36% of Americans are aware that blue light exposure from devices can harm skin health. The Blue Light Skincare meta trend includes blue light sunscreen. Over the previous five years, searches for “blue light skincare” have surged thrice. This meta trend got popular when Valkyrae, the most popular female streamer at the time, released RFLTC, a line of blue light skincare items. Her product line grew viral on TikTok, with videos mentioning the products receiving over 803 million views. Even though this product line eventually failed, it sparked interest in blue light protection products such as blue light moisturizers and blue light serums.

Conclusion

Blue light exposure daily can not only harm your vision and overall health, but it can also harm your skin. Blue light’s influence on the skin, as you learned in this piece, can accelerate indications of aging, induce changes in skin cell structure, and more.

To take control of your skin from Blue Light here are some suggestions:

Minimalist SPF 60 PA ++++ Face Sunscreen with Antioxidant Silymarin

ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50

Avene Very High Protection Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 PA+++ UVA

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ (For Sensitive Skin)