Working and studying from home has become the new norm for many of us during the Covid-19 Pandemic. I hate to break it to you, but with increased screen time combined with harsh indoor lighting, your skin’s health is being affected by exposure to blue light.
Blue light, also known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light, is a type of radiation similar to ultraviolet (UV) radiation with a short wavelength. Although this type of radiation is naturally emitted by the sun, it is also produced by artificial light sources such as television screens, smartphones, tablets, computers, and low-energy or LED light bulbs.
Research suggests that more than 80% of the blue light that reaches our bodies through our skin and retinas comes from sources located within our homes and workplaces. Increasing exposure to blue light could contribute to the appearance of brown spots on the skin and hyperpigmentation, a condition known as melasma, and possibly the photoaging and breakdown of collagen in the skin leading to wrinkles and skin laxity.
Additionally, a study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity in 2015 suggested that exposure to blue light might stimulate the production of free radicals in skin, which can accelerate the appearance of aging.
I don’t know about you, but over here I’m getting a bit nervous about the harmful effects of blue light. I’m looking around as I’m writing this, sitting in front of my laptop, my iPhone next to me, the flatscreen across the room… Thankfully, there are some things we can do and products we can purchase to help protect us from blue light radiation:
1. Turn on your phone and computer blue light filter.
The blue light filter decreases the amount of blue light displayed on the screen of your device. Blue light can cause your body to suppress the production of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, so filtering it out can help improve your sleep.
2. Use skincare products that protect against blue light damage.
Chantecaille offers a Blue Light Protection Hyaluronic Serum that is gentle enough for all skin types, oil-free, and contains 89.2% natural ingredients. Goodhabit created an entire line of skin care products to help protect and combat the effects of blue light. Also, the tightening eye gel by Dr. Loretta is another skin care product that protects against UVA and HEV light.
3. Invest in a pair of blue light glasses.
Protect your eyes! Blue light glasses can ease eye strain resulting from spending extended amounts of time on your computer or phone. By wearing a pair, you will decrease your risk of macular degeneration, reduce glare, and increase the clarity of your vision. You can find blue light glasses at any eyewear store or purchase one online.