How does blue light affect our skin?
Does "Blue Light" affect our skin? How can we protect ourselves? We did some research.
Blue light is a term that we hear again and again, also in connection with premature skin aging. But is it just speculation 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 anyway?
Blue light can be divided into two categories: natural blue light and artificial blue light. Natural blue light is 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 the research say?
The natural blue light from solar radiation is a relatively aggressive form of light. Just like UV light, it is not good for our skin. Natural blue light can penetrate deep into the skin, weakening the skin's natural barrier and causing free radical formation.
But now the question arises to what extent artificial blue light is harmful to the skin. Mobile phones, PCs and the like naturally emit much less blue light than the sun. However, it is important to remember that we are now often exposed to artificial sources of blue light throughout the day.
In fact, researchers disagree.
There are numerous studies showing 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 isn't whether or not blue light is harmful, but rather whether the amount of blue light emitted by technological devices could, over time, cause negative effects similar to exposure to strong sunlight.
The research results on the topic differ greatly. While German studies from recent years have not confirmed any effective damage to the skin, there is an American study by Oregon State University that draws different conclusions. The study tested the effects of blue light on fruit flies (whose cells function very similarly to humans or have the same chemical signaling agents) and found that cells perform suboptimally under blue light. Various dermatologists, on the other hand, reassure their patients because they have no basis for confirming that artificial blue light has actually caused damage to the cells.
3. Conclusion
Even if the influence of blue light on premature skin aging has not been scientifically confirmed, we can still integrate one or the other simple routine into our everyday life that protects our skin from possible negative effects. As the saying goes: better safe than sorry.
- Of course, the simplest strategy is to avoid or reduce exposure to blue light .
- Whenever possible, you should keep a minimum distance from the device : that is, try not to hold the smartphone too close to your face. A distance of at least 30 centimeters would be ideal.
- For many devices there are now also blue light filter films that 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. Basically, it is important to use products with a sun protection factor, because sunlight is still the most harmful. But if you would like to give your skin additional support, you should use products with antioxidants - they protect the skin from free radicals.
- Eat a lot of fruit and vegetables : You can also easily get antioxidants through a healthy diet. Berries, apples and broccoli are particularly rich in antioxidants.
