Emerging research confirms that blue light emitted from our smartphones, tablets and computer screens is bad for our skin. We all know what blue light from digital devices can do to our eyes. But can screens damage your skin, too? Let’s read on and find out.
What exactly is blue light?
High-energy blue light rays are part of the spectrum of visible light, and we are exposed to them via sunlight and light bulbs. In fact, the sun is our largest source of blue light.
What damages can blue light do to our skin?
#1 Pigmentation
A study conducted by Unilever Skincare Research reveals that just four days of working in front of a computer has the same effect on your skin as 20 minutes spent in the mid-day sun. Blue light has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin compared with UV rays. Over time this can add up and worsen sun damage, like pigmentation and age spots.
#2 Wrinkles & Sagging
Blue light has been shown in studies to induce oxidative stress in the skin. This can cause harmful effects on the skin like exposure to UVA, including premature ageing, by releasing cell-damaging free radicals. Be sure you take cover with a sunscreen loaded with antioxidants.
#3 Dark circles
Exposure to blue light at night can inhibit the skin’s natural night-time renewal, especially your under-eye area – that is 40% thinner than the skin on your face in other areas. The quick fix is to cover your phones and computers with a blue light shield. Also, enabling “night mode” on your digital devices can make it easier on your eyes and skin – a setting that disables blue light in favour of yellow light.
