The Impact of Blue Light on Your Skin and How to Protect It
In the present digital world, our skin faces multiple challenges than ever before. Its just not with the pollution, UV rays, and environmental stressors but there’s a new culprit – blue light. The blue light is not visible to the naked eyes, but it affects your skin and it’s very evident. But what exactly is blue light and how it impacts your skin and the measures or precautions you can take to protect yourself? Let’s understand all about Blue Light.
What is Blue Light?
Blue Light is emitted by the Sun which is high-energy visible light. It is emitted by digital screens, artificial light sources like LED bulbs. Although sun is the primary source of it, smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices also emit blue light. As we are continuously using digital devices, we are more exposed to blue light rays. Because of its energy, it can penetrate deeper into the skin when compared to UV rays, leading to skin damage. This is where we must take care of skin health.
How Does Blue Light Affect the Skin?
Premature Aging (Photoaging)
Blue light can break down the collagen in the skin, the protein responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Low levels of collagen accelerate, the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles, causing premature skin aging. Studies have shown that exposure to blue light stimulates the production of free radicals, that contributes to oxidative stress and aging process.
Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
Blue light exposure is linked to the development of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, exceptionally in individuals with darker skin tone. Due to its high energy, it can deeply penetrate the skin’s deeper layers, stimulating melanocytes. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin. The over production of melanin causes uneven skin tone, dark spots and pigmentation marks.
Inflammation and Skin Sensitivity
Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause inflammation in the skin that causes skin redness and irritation. One can find similar effects when the skin is exposed to UV light. Over a time inflammation develops contributing to skin sensitivity. People with skin sensitivity tend to develop acne or eczema.
Disrupting the Skin's Natural Barrier
Blue light interferes with the skin’s natural barrier function. The skins barrier retains moisture and keeps the pollutants away. When the skin barrier gets damaged by blue light, it becomes easy for irritants and toxins to penetrate and cause skin dryness, dehydration and overall compromised skin health.
How to Protect Your Skin from Blue Light?
Now that we understand the risks with Blue Light, let’s know the ways to protect your skin from these rays.
Use Blue Light Protection Skincare
Use skincare products that specifically target blue light protection with multiple creams, serums and moisturizers in the market. Check for the ingredients like Vitamin C, niacinamide and lutein as these defend the skin from blue light-induces damage. Pick products with labels “blue light protection” to ensure your getting the right kind of defense.
Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Usually, sunscreen is used to protect your skin against UV rays. The sunscreen shields your skin from damaging effects of blue light. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays and offer some degree of protection against blue light. Pick a sunscreen with SPF 50 or 30 and use it regularly.
Limit Screen Time
Limiting yourself to the exposure of screens can help you protect yourself from blue light. Frequent breaks from your devices and ideally following the 20-20-20 rule for every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds can help protect your skin. Try using blue light-blocking glasses as they filter harmful light from your screen.
Use Blue Light Filters on Devices
Most smartphones, computers and tablets are designed with built-in blue light filters or “night mode” options. The filters reduce the amount of blue light emitted from your device. Ensure you enable these features in your digital devices during the evening as the effects of blue light disrupt sleep patterns as well.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep plays a crucial role in skin repair and rejuvenation. Blue light exposure during the nights disrupts your circadian rhythm, that negatively affects sleep quality. Adequate rest allows your skin to repair itself and maintain a healthy barrier.
Conclusion
Digital devices have become ingrained in our daily lives and the impact of blue light in the skin is a cause of concern. The right skincare routine, few lifestyle changes and mindful device usage, you can mitigate the potential damage caused due to blue light exposure. Remember to protect your skin from UV rays as it’s equally important to shield it from the effects of blue light.
