Blue light Harmful from cellphones and computer screens has linked to eye strain in studies. But it’s unclear how this affects the complexion. Much of our concerns about premature aging and skin cancer in the past originated from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. However, scientists have discovered that these might not be the only visible light rays to be worried about over the last decade. The blue light produced from both the sun and digital devices may be harming skin health.
“Since we are all more exposed to blue light with smartphones and tablets. Blue-light blockage patterns are generally growing in skincare and wellness”. Said Nazanin Saedi, MD, head of the Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Surgery Jefferson, Philadelphia.
What Exactly Is Blue Light?
According to Jason Bloom, MD, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Bloom Facial Plastic Surgery in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, “blue light is a portion of the visible light spectrum (380 to 500 nanometers) that is found in sunlight, but it is also given off by indoor lighting [and] popular electronic devices, including computer screens and smartphones.”
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The sun is the source of most blue light that people are exposed to. However, given that the average American spends more than 11 hours a day engaging with digital media. According to Nielsen data from July 2018, people are now exposed to considerably more blue light than previous generations, which is why it’s becoming more of a concern.
This will probably boost as the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a significant expansion of online activities. Such as home Zoom calling, digital happy hours, and the new publication of the Netflix series. The amount of high-energy, visible light or blue light released by devices is a fraction of sunshine. But the problem is that we spend so much time with and keep these devices close to face and ears. So, if you’ve noticed an increase in your screen time, you may be concerned about the impact on your health.
What Effects Does Blue Light Have on Human Health?
Blue light, weather from the sun, or electronic devices, known to cause eyestrain. High-energy blue light with a wavelength between 415 and 455 nanometers passes through the cornea and lens to the retina, according to a study published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology in December 2018. It may lead to diseases like dry eye, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration resulting from this process. According to the study’s authors, it can also influence hormone output, causing an imbalance that can affect sleep quality.
What Do We Know About Skin Health and Blue Light?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many studies on the effects of blue light on the skin. However, some preliminary research may provide some insight.
A previous study found that people with darker skin exposed to visible blue light experienced more swelling, redness, and pigment changes than people with lighter skin exposed to similar UVA ray levels. “We know that clear blue skin light can breakdown DNA and damage our fibres with elastin and collagen,” he said. A small study released in the February 2015 journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found an association between blue light exposure and free radical development in the skin that were related to accelerated ageing.
Is it Possible to Repair Skin Damage Caused by Blue Light?
Since blue light triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS) to break down collagen, Bloom recommends using antioxidant-rich skincare products, including vitamin C. (ascorbic acid). According to Saedi, another element that can help reverse the damage is iron oxide. Vitamin C has shown to help with and prevent photoaging and treat hyperpigmentation in the past, and iron oxide has shown to help reduce sensitivity to blue light Blue Light Harmful in one study.