In a year filled with lots of screen time, the effect of blue light has been a trending topic. We have seen blue light glasses become more and more popular and we are now seeing how long-term exposure to blue light can also affect our skin. The year 2020 has pushed us even more toward electronics, virtual learning, and working remotely from home. We must start to consider the long-term effects this will have on our skin. Current research has shown that long-term exposure to blue light can cause premature signs of aging such as volume loss, fine lines, and dark spots. Research is still being done to conclude the effects on a cellular level.
What is blue light?
Although for most people when they think of blue light they think of the exposure from electronics, most blue light actually comes from the sun. Blue light is also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light which appears in shades of blue and violet. Blue and violet lights are the strongest and penetrate past the epidermis into the dermal layer of tissue. Blue light has both beneficial and negative effects as we will explain.
How can we combat the damage?
Of course, decreasing screen time can help combat the negative effects of constant blue light, but we all know that is easier said than done. Another solution to help is always applying sunscreen! Specifically, we encourage you to incorporate a mineral sunscreen into your routine because iron oxides are the best in protection against blue light. In the upcoming years, we will see more and more skincare companies start to produce products that specifically target and protect against blue light. Another way to help combat the negative effects of blue light exposure is to use the screen protectors that can be placed on your electronics.
Is all Blue light bad?
No, not all exposure to blue light is bad. It can be beneficial to the skin as we have seen it help to combat acne. Blue light can be used to kill acne-causing bacteria. The blue light helps to decrease the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands which helps control acne breakouts. Additionally, research has shown that high-energy visible light boosts alertness, helps memory and cognitive function, and elevates mood.
In the upcoming years it is important to stay in the know when it comes to blue light protection. If you are looking to start protecting your skin now, we suggest trying our Sonyer Skin advanced hydration and blue light protection cream. The unique ingredients are also effective in preventing the skin from oxidative damage due to blue light (10% of the sun’s rays and the light that is emitted from your electronics) and stimulates collagen production.
