Blue Light Theory

Blue Light And Skin: Emergency or Warning?
If you’ve heard of blue light and you’re worried about its effect on the skin then you’re already ahead of the game. It’s early days when it comes to studies and research, but there’s a growing interest in whether our skin’s ever-increasing exposure to blue light is actually good for it.

What is blue light?
Blue light has always been emitted from the sun and digital devices but it is our increased and increasing exposure to both of these that’s the potential problem. In many cases we’re being exposed to blue light a lot. Almost every device you use with a screen emits blue light that could be damaging your skin.

Many of us are using screens as much as 11 hours per day, and we’re using them close to our face which means close to our skin. There’s also the impact of lockdown when the only way to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues was via a screen. The world went online, meaning every age, skin type and demographic was ‘Blue Lit’.

Millennials run a much greater risk of exposure to blue light every day. Statistics show that millennials check their devices an average of 157 times a day against older generations checking their phones on average only thirty times a day. This is only likely to increase in future as everything is viewed ‘on demand’ and ‘on devices’ from entertainment to study papers and online meetings, courses and calls.

Whilst dermatologists have used blue light to treat some skin conditions such as acne, in the main overexposure to this type of light seems to only have a negative effect on the skin.

How does blue light affect your skin?
Blue light seems to have a negative effect on the skin, causing damage, compromising the skin barrier and contributing to signs of premature ageing. Whilst the evidence isn’t fully in, the list of Blue Light symptoms is long and alarming – even if only half is proven to be the case.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways that blue light is thought to affect your skin:

• Breaks down collagen and elastin, resulting in weakened skin, wrinkles and accelerated ageing.
• Could lead to changes in your skin cells, including cell damage and deterioration.
• Is thought to penetrate deeper into the skin than UV light taking the damage to the formative layers.
• May disrupt hormone production, creating an imbalance that can negatively affect sleep quality.
• Increased production of free radicals in skin, linked to oxidation of skin cells and accelerated appearance of ageing.
• Could cause pigmentation, puffiness and wrinkles due to structural weakening of the skin’s matrix.
• Can inhibit melatonin production, increase stress hormone levels, and stimulate nerves, which can disturb sleep patterns and the reparative circadian cycle.
• Can result in photo damage or skin ageing - the same thing that happens when you spend time in the sun

How to protect your skin from blue light damage?
As with many skin concerns, prevention and protection is the best option. Here are some measures that you can take to avoid damage to your skin from blue light:

• Reduce the screen brightness on your phone and where possible, wear headphones, to help keep the phone away from your cheek and face.
• Cut down your screen time. You can usually check how much time you’re spending on your phone, sometimes with shocking results.
• Invest in a blue light screen protector for your devices.
• Apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your face every day, using physical blocking sunscreens which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens that may block UVA and UVB rays do not block visible or blue light rays.
• Include products with antioxidants like vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is aligned to repair and it can also work with and prevent photoaging and treat hyperpigmentation. Circadian Vit C or the Overnight Recharge Balm both contain this reparative vitamin and support your skin while you sleep.
• Use your phone at a minimum of arm's length – you’d be surprised how far the device can be whilst remaining completely operable
• Products containing B vitamins and especially Vitamin B6 to combat visible-light-induced antioxidant depletion and effectively suppresses oxidative stress caused by visible light. Try adding Brightening B into your routine. Formulated vitamin B, B3 and niacinamide, it’ll keep your skin protected, replenished and glowing.
• Niacinamide also restores skin surface cells from blue-light-induced oxidative stress and provides strong protection against skin damage caused by blue light.
• Make sure you apply your antioxidant/vitamin C/niacinamide applications in both morning and evening, to match a screen-heavy lifestyle. You can even top up during the day.

Whatever the outcome and whatever the evidence, there’s no doubt that BLUE LIGHT is here to stay and we’re being exposed to a lot of it. The good news is that all of the steps above will help your skin to stay protected and in great condition, no matter what. Whatever the effects of blue light, following the steps above will reduce the oxidative stress on your skin, strengthen the skin’s ability to repair overnight and increase your chances of a restful, deeper and more regenerative nights beauty sleep.

Looking for a routine for protected, nourished skin? Check out our Skincare 5 A Day for your steps to skin success.