Blue Light is the highest-energy light in the visible spectrum with the ability to penetrate more deeply into the dermis because of its longer wavelengths. Also known as HEV Light (High-Energy Visible Light), it is known for its emittance from screens such as laptops, phones, and televisions. It can cause as much damage to your skin as the sun does, so it is important to protect your skin from it accordingly.
Without proper protection, blue light causes fine lines and wrinkles associated with premature aging and, yes, the more time you spend in front of it the worse the damage becomes.
Eight hours of “screentime” is equivalent to 20 minutes of sun exposure, but our skin won’t visibly burn as it would from the sun unprotected, and it is not associated with skin cancer like UV rays are.
Unlike the sun, the screens that are emitting blue light are exceptionally close to your face. High-frequency blue light, which can penetrate deeper into the skin than UVA & UVB light, will make a negative impact on your skin. Blue light also increases melanin production in a process called Melanogenesis, which means the skin can become discolored. Blue light negatively affects those that already struggle with hyperpigmentation and can worsen melasma as well.
The best protection from exposure to blue light is the same as preventing skin damage in general. These two items should be part of your daily skincare regimen:
Research backs the finding that a physical sunscreen with iron oxides (often zinc oxide and titanium oxide) deflects rays from the skin to prevent damage. Because these sunscreens are usually heavy and leave a white cast, many people choose to wear chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens do not have the same blue light damage prevention benefits.
Blue light creates free radicals that wreak havoc on the skin by binding to and weakening collagen and elastin. This damage induces stress to the skin which leads to inflammation and collagen degeneration. Blue light exposure ultimately causes uneven and excessive pigmentation, photoaging, and weakening of the outermost layer of skin, delaying its recovery from daily stressors. Low-level blue light therapy is acceptable and is used to treat acne and to accelerate wound healing. But, too much can be a bad thing!
We are aware that blue light also damages our eyes. An investment in blue-light-blocking glasses protects the eyes and the delicate skin around them. Another important factor to consider is that blue light can interfere with your circadian rhythm and disturb your sleep. It is well-known that sleep deprivation will cause changes to the skin, such as dullness, swelling, redness, and dark under-eye circles.
Check out Kiki Skin & Body Spa’s Skincare Products, including sunscreen, and the many treatments offered to protect your skin from premature aging.
