What effect does blue light have on our skin?
Does blue light have an effect on our skin? How can we protect ourselves? We have been investigating.
Blue light - a term we hear repeatedly, also in connection with early skin ageing. But is it just conjecture or is there solid evidence that blue light affects our skin? We wanted to know what the current state of research is.
1. What is blue light?
Blue light can be divided into two categories: Natural blue light and artificial blue light. Natural blue light is a part of sunlight. Artificial blue light, on the other hand, is emitted by smartphones, tablets and PCs.
2. How harmful is blue light? What does research say?
The natural blue light of solar radiation is a relatively aggressive type of light. Just like UV light, it is not good for our skin. Natural blue light can enter deep into the skin, weaken the natural skin barrier and cause the formation of free radicals.
But now the question is, to what extent artificial blue light is also harmful to the skin. Mobile phones, PCs and the like of course emit much less blue light than the sun. However, it is important to bear in mind that we are now often exposed to artificial sources of blue light during the whole day.
The fact is, researchers are divided.
There are numerous studies that prove that natural blue light is harmful to the skin. However, it is controversial whether blue light emitted by technical devices has the same effects. The question is not whether blue light is harmful or not, but rather whether the amount of blue light emitted by technical devices could have similar negative consequences in the long run as when we are exposed to strong sunlight.
The research results on the subject differ substantially. While German studies from recent years do not confirm any effective damage to the skin, there is an American study from Oregon State University that draws different conclusions. The study tested the effects of blue light on fruit flies (whose cells function very similarly to those of humans or have the same chemical signalling substances) and found that the cells work suboptimally under blue light. Various dermatologists, on the other hand, reassure their patients because they have no basis for confirming that artificial blue light actually damages the cells.
3. Conclusion
Even if the influence of blue light on premature skin ageing has not been scientifically confirmed, we can still integrate a few simple routines into our daily lives that protect our skin from possible negative effects. Because, as the saying goes, better safe than sorry.
- The simplest strategy is, of course, to avoid or reduce blue light exposure.
- Whenever possible, you should ensure a minimum distance from the device: try not to hold the smartphone too close to your face. A distance of at least 30 centimetres would be ideal.
- For many devices, there are blue light filter films that can serve as protection. You can also regulate the light on your smartphone, for example with the nightshift function.
- Meanwhile, there are also skin care products with anti-blue light formulas. But they are not absolutely necessary. Generally, it is important to use products with a sun protection factor, because sunlight is still the most harmful type of light. However, if you would like to give your skin additional support, you should opt for products with antioxidants - they protect the skin from free radicals.
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables: Antioxidants can also be easily obtained from a healthy diet. Berries, apples and broccoli are particularly rich in antioxidants.
