With the imminent increase in the time people spend on screens, the quality of life is taking a hit. Until artificial light took over the sun’s work, people used to spend nights in darkness. Blue light has wrecked our circadian rhythm, our body’s internal clock. The atrocious effects of blue light on your skin is a topic that is less talked about but needs serious attention. Here is a more detailed look at blue light exposure and its effects on our skin and health.

What is blue light?

The world is crowded with electromagnetic energy, which travels in the form of waves. Most of this energy cannot be seen, such as (UV) rays, X rays, etc. Visible light is detectable by the naked eye. 

Sun, being the primary light source, emits white light made up of seven different colors. Each of these has different wavelengths and energies. The ones falling more towards red have a longer wavelength of 700 nanometers and lesser energy. However, blue light is part of the shorter wavelength and higher energy group. 

The harmful effects of blue light exposure from the sun are negligible compared to electronic devices. Due to small screens being near, it has a worse effect on health than sunlight. Other sources of blue light exposure are: 

  • Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs
  • LED light, televisions
  • Laptop, smartphones, and tablet screens

How blue light affects the skin

The shorter the wavelength, the deeper a wave travel. Due to its shorter wavelength, blue light penetrates deep into the dermis, even more than ultraviolet waves. Due to the penetration of blue light into the dermis, free radicals are produced, which causes inflammation to the skin by breaking down collagen and elastin. 

High energy blue light has similar properties to UV lights. These harmful lights can worsen the condition of hyperpigmentation. For individuals with an underlying hyperpigmentation problem, exposure can further make it worse. 

How blue light affects sleep

The light-sensitive cells in your eyes and skin differentiate daytime (based on higher blue light waves) from nighttime (greater red light waves). More red waves prompt our body to slow down. At night time, staring into screens that give off blue light signals our brain to be active. Hence, causing a lack of sleep.

How to protect your skin from exposure

The best way to limit blue light is to avoid using your digital devices. Blinking is also a convenient way to keep your eyes moist because prolonged exposure can cause eyes to become dry and irritated. However, with the sun being the most significant source of blue light, exposure is inevitable. Here’s our recommendation:-

Sciton SkinTyte BBL™

BroadBand Light (BBL™) is the world’s most powerful light therapy in the market. Only available in medical clinics, BBL™ sets new standards in treating skin conditions associated with aging, active lifestyles, and sun damage. BBL™ has the ability to provide dermal renewal – improving the appearance of sagging skin quickly, and comfortably. The Aesthetics Firm is proud to be the 1st clinic in Singapore to carry the new and improved version of BBL™, BBL Hero!

Elan Skincare UV Protection Capsules

Formulated with Polypodium Leucutomos (480mg) to give you amazing antioxidant properties (reduces free radicals by up to 50%) and melanin formation suppressant. Synergistically combined with Lycopene, Lutein, Vitamin D, HA, and collagen, our UV Protection capsules boost your resistance against sunburn and effectively slows down aging from within your body.

Elan Skincare Sol Defense SPF 30 PA ++

It’s never a good idea to be outdoors without having sunscreen on. Elan Skincare’s Sol Defense SPF 30 PA ++, an all-rounder skin protector from the Sun and the environment.

Featuring

  • A complex of 7 super antioxidants including Niacinamide and Superoxide Dismutase
  • Elfdock extract for additional blue light protection
  • A buttery soft, oil-free formula
  • A universally tinted, dewy finish


Free of synthetic fragrance and colorants. Suitable for all skin types.

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