Blue Light and its Effects on your Skin

Happy June all!

The weather has been so pleasant in NYC, so hopefully you all have been enjoying some outdoor time. However, many of us are still WFH, spending more and more time on our screens and devices.  

This has brought the concept of blue light into the conversation on skin health. There are some mixed theories, so I will do my best to shed some light on the situation for you.

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum—the B in good ol’ ROYGBIV. Usually when we talk about light causing damage to skin, we refer to ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun, and is invisible. UV affects our skin by directly damaging our skin’s DNA.  Blue light’s largest source is also the sun; however, it is also emitted from the light of our phones, tablets, computer screens, light bulbs, etc. Blue light can cause damage to our skin through reactive oxygen species—these are unstable oxygen molecules that are created during blue light absorption. These ROS are so unstable, that they cause damage to collagen and other essential proteins in our skin.

 The amount of blue light we receive from our devices is usually minimal—until quarantine began. Studies show there has been an average 5-fold increase in screen time for Americans over the last two months. What does this mean, and who does this affect the most? 

Studies are still being done on just how damaging this light can be. Those with medium to dark skin are most affected by blue light, as well as those with hyperpigmention disorders, such as Melasma. The most serious health concerns regarding blue light is not skin related, however, but related to your eyes and sleep. Blue light has been found to affect the retina and interfere with melanin production, leading to poor sleep quality.

So, what should you do? While the medical community continues to do research on the effects of this increase in blue light exposure, you can protect yourself at home by using sunscreen with iron oxide. Tinted sunscreens, like Skinceuticals Physical Fusion or Hydropeptide’s Solar Defense, have this ingredient. These sunscreens will protect you from both UV and blue light.

Using antioxidant serums, like Hydropeptide’s LumaProC or Drunk Elephant’s C Firma, will also help to neutralize free radicals and help to minimize damage. (Vitamin C is also brightening and stimulates collagen production, so is overall beneficial in a skincare regimen!)

While limiting screen time does not seem like a feasible option right now, you can turn your phone to ‘Night mode,’ which will decrease the amount of light emitted. 

Keep in mind, the largest source of blue light is the sun, which we are getting much less of because of quarantine. 

I hope this helps! I look forward to seeing you all in the office again, as we are now open for all  appointments!