How Does Blue Light Affect the Skin?

In this digital era, almost all of us are quite dependent on web browsing and social media. We need to use certain devices like computers, phones and tablets on a regular basis. These devices are responsible for emitting harmful blue light- getting exposed to it can pave the way toward causing some serious skin concerns. While blue light is crucial for our sleep-wake cycle, there are certain negative effects that need to be addressed. ‘How does blue light affect the skin?’- let’s take a closer look without any further delay.

A Short Brief on Blue Light

Before proceeding with the harmful effects of blue light on your skin, let’s take a moment to know what blue light is. Well, blue light comes with high-energy and short wavelengths. Present in sunlight, blue light is solely responsible for dealing with our sleep-wake cycle, cognitive function and mood. Also, televisions, computers and smartphones release blue light (as mentioned before)- which exposes us to serious threats in no time.

What Are the Harmful Effects of Blue Light on Your Skin?

Keep reading to uncover solid insights:

• Hyperpigmentation

  What do you mean by hyperpigmentation? Here, your skin turns dark due to excessive exposure to blue light. Blue light triggers melanin production- it is a pigment that gives your skin its colour. This often leads to uneven skin tone and the appearance of dark spots.

• Accelerated Ageing 

  Accelerated ageing is another serious skin concern that takes place due to the presence of blue light. When compared to UVA and UVB rays, blue light can penetrate deeper into your skin. It typically causes damage to elastin fibres and collagen. Accelerated ageing can be often associated with wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin.

• Disruption of the Skin Barrier 

  Blue light is potent enough to disrupt your skin barrier. It is the outermost layer of your skin that protects you against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. The harmful effects of blue light include weakening your skin barrier, thus posing serious threats to your overall health.

• Inflammation 

  Blue light causes skin inflammation. The inflammatory response results in swelling, redness and irritation.

How Can You Protect Your Skin from Blue Light?

Embracing the problems and living with them isn’t an option- we need to find solutions to them. Let’s check out some of the ways to protect your skin from blue light:

• Limit Your Screen Time

  Though limiting your screen time in this digital era is challenging, you need to take breaks from these electronic gadgets as often as possible. Take a step back from using your phone and laptop before bedtime- it can affect your sleep cycle to a great extent. Or, you can use blue-light-blocking glasses and work on your system. It will protect your sensitive skin around the eyes.

• Use Night Mode 

  Even if you are scrolling through your phone at night, make sure to switch to night mode. It is a setting where you can enable the yellow light and disable the blue light. Through this, you can reduce eye strain and prevent skin ageing.

• Put on Sunscreen 

  Sun is the primary source of emitting blue light. That’s why wearing sunscreen while hitting the streets is extremely important. Also, blue light penetrates through the window and causes potential harm. You can grab broad-spectrum products that safeguard you against blue light, UVA and UVB.

• Opt for Blue Light-Blocking Products 

  You can invest in certain blue-light-blocking products that are meant to protect your skin. These typically include serums, moisturisers and high-quality make-up products with blue-light-blocking ingredients.

• Antioxidants 

  Antioxidants are great ways to protect your skin from a wide range of harmful effects. Look for antioxidants that are well-equipped with vitamins E and C. The antioxidants should be capable of neutralising free radicals and keeping your skin absolutely safe and intact.

To Sign Off

Hopefully, you are now aware of the concerns and solutions. If you are struggling with eye issues due to blue light, we at Specscart are always there to assist you in the process. Our optometrists will evaluate your current condition and take accurate measures. We are your friendly neighbours- just a click away!