Written by Dr. Naeemah Ruffin

Many of us have spent a greater amount of time this past year in front of our computer and cell phone screens than any other time that we can remember. Much of this is due to the pandemic as more of us are working from home or connecting with family members and friends online.  While this increase in screen time has made working and connecting more convenient, many people have reported a significant increase in eye fatigue, sleep disruption, and are concerned with the effects of blue light on their skin.  How is the skin impacted by blue light and how can we protect our skin? Let’s break it down.

What is Blue light?

Blue light is visible light between the wavelengths of 400 to 500 nm and it signals us to stay awake and alert and deters us from falling asleep. The main source of blue light is sunlight but blue light can also be produced from a range of artificial light sources such as LED, fluorescent and incandescent lamps, computer and TV monitors, tablets, and smartphones.

Effects of blue light on skin

Blue light can be both harmful and beneficial to the skin depending on a number of factors such as the wavelength, intensity, and exposure time. For example, beneficial blue light tends to be low energy and can help treat many skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. However, studies have shown that long exposure to high energy blue light emitting devices such as cell phones and computer screens can be harmful.

The skin is the largest organ of the body with the main function of protecting us from harmful environmental factors such as pollution, ultraviolet (UV) light, and blue light. The skin follows a circadian rhythm which protects us from light during the day and signals the body to repair at night. Blue light from our TVs, small electronic devices, and LEDs can emit enough light to keep us awake and impact sleep patterns by reducing the production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates our sleep cycle. This interruption in our sleep cycle can prevent our bodies from adequately repairing at night, including renewing the skin. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure of our skin to high energy blue light increases free radicals in our skin cells which can lead to DNA damage. This type of skin damage is similar to the damage caused by UVA light, leading to photo-aging which is the main source of premature skin aging and hyperpigmentation.  

Ways to protect your skin from blue light

There is an abundance of information that guides us on how to protect our skin from ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) such as using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun protective clothing. Companies have included ingredients in sunscreen that claim to boost protection against blue light. There are several important ingredients to look for in skincare products and certain types of food that can be included in your diet to protect your skin against blue light.

Topical UV Filters:

Topical Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide containing sunscreens are UV filters that have been found to be effective against blue light damage. Since topical use of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do not penetrate the upper layer of the skin, they are safe for pregnant women, babies and those with sensitive skin.

Iron oxides are used in makeup and skincare products to provide color. Studies have found that iron oxides can contribute to blue light protection when added to sunscreens such as Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Botanical extracts  have been included in skincare products to provide blue light protection as well as to help prevent hyperpigmentation, brighten the complexion, and improve elasticity. Examples of some of these botanicals are Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract, and Withania Somnifera Root Extract.

Antioxidants:

Antioxidants have been found to be effective against blue light oxidation before and after exposure. These antioxidants can be applied topically or can be included in your diet.  Carotenoids are red, orange, and yellow pigments created by plants, which have antioxidant properties that can prevent blue light damage.  Some examples of carotenoids include carotene, β-carotene (beta carotene), lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. β-carotene is available topically in the form of carrot root and other dietary sources of β-carotene are dark red, green, orange, and yellow vegetables, such as spinach and carrots.

Lutein is another carotenoid and a major component of the pigment in the eye. It is known to filter blue light and can be obtained from the diet. A lack of lutein in the diet can impact eye health when the eyes are exposed to blue light and UV radiation. Another benefit of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation is its lightening effect on skin hyperpigmentation due to their antioxidant and photoprotective activity.

Vitamins:

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 is an antioxidant that can be found in some sunscreens. It has also been found to be effective against hyperpigmentation.  Vitamins C and E  are powerful antioxidants that can provide protection against UVA and blue light.  It is interesting to note that studies have shown that the highest levels of oxidation in the skin have been seen in people who were tested and found to have the lowest levels of vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E.

While the entire biological effect of repeated long-term exposure to high energy blue light is not yet fully understood, it is prudent to reduce screen-time at night and look for products that contain blue light protection as an added benefit to your anti-aging routine.

Sources:

1.     Coats JG, Maktabi B, Abou-Dahech MS, Baki G. Blue Light Protection, Part I-Effects of blue light on the skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Mar;20(3):714-717. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13837. Epub 2020 Nov 28. PMID: 33247615.

2.     Nakashima Y, Ohta S, Wolf AM. Blue light-induced oxidative stress in live skin. Free Radic Biol Med. 2017 Jul;108:300-310. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.03.010. Epub 2017 Mar 15. PMID: 28315451.

3.     Coats JG, Maktabi B, Abou-Dahech MS, Baki G. Blue light protection, part II-Ingredients and performance testing methods. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Mar;20(3):718-723. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13854. Epub 2020 Dec 19. PMID: 33340223.

4.     Dong K, Goyarts EC, Pelle E, Trivero J, Pernodet N. Blue light disrupts the circadian rhythm and create damage in skin cells. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2019 Dec;41(6):558-562. doi: 10.1111/ics.12572. PMID: 31418890.

5.     Bonnans M, Fouque L, Pelletier M, Chabert R, Pinacolo S, Restellini L, Cucumel K. Blue light: Friend or foe ? J Photochem Photobiol B. 2020 Nov;212:112026. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.112026. Epub 2020 Sep 15. PMID: 32979781.