Blue Light and Its Role in Premature Skin Aging:
Impact Of Blue Light On Premature Aging Of The Skin
Have you ever thought that exposing too much to bluelight will result in premature aging of the skin? Yes, It is true. Researchers have found that too much screen time will result in cellular damage that causes early aging.
Are you one among those who spend most of their time on smartphones - texting friends, browsing online, or scrolling through social media? And what about spending time on television - watching serials, or binge shows?
And last but not the least, sitting in front of the computer for hours together looking at the screen. In this modern world of digitalization, these gadgets have just become a part of our lives.
According to a survey carried out in 2018, it's seen that an average person spends about 11 hours a day in front of the screen. After the pandemic, the number has increased i.e., almost half of your day will be spent in front of the screen.
It is a known fact that blue lights from the screens whether it is from tablets, smartphones, or any other gadgets, or from televisions, computers, laptops, etc. can result in disturbed sleep especially when you are exposed to it during evening or night time. You must also know that this blue light will also harm your skin.
In this blog post, let us learn about blue light and its
role in premature aging of the skin.
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is one of the lights within the range of visible
light spectrum. It has the shortest wavelength and high energy. Though sunlight
is the main source of blue light, there are other sources including LED lights
and fluorescent lights found in computers, smartphones and tabs, and flat
screen televisions.
Blue light is short but high-energy visible (HEV) lights on
the spectrum. Though it is harmful when we are exposed to these wavelengths, it
also has some positive benefits, especially for those with acne prone skin.
What Are The Effects Of Bluelight On Skin?
The effects of blue lights on skin are as below:
- It
causes oxidative damage to the skin
- It
goes deep into the skin that causes photoageing and inflammatory skin
issues
- It
causes pigmentation problems of the skin like age spots and melasma
- It
reduces the production of collagen and elastin that are essential for skin
health
- Long-term
exposure to blue light results in early aging and shows wrinkles, sagging,
and lessens elasticity.
Is Blue Light Really Harmful For Your Skin?
The effect of time spent on various digital devices has shown different negative effects. Exposing too much to blue light will affect your sleep patterns. It also results in dryness in your eyes.
So, what will be the effect of blue light on your skin?
Still much research has to be done. One small study has shown that people with
darker skin tones who are exposed to blue lights reported more skin irritation
and hyper-pigmentation than those with lighter skin tones. Another study has
shown that it increases free radicals in the skin and results in premature
aging. It has also shown that exposure to blue light will also cause oxidative
stress that in turn results in early aging of the skin.
Another study in 2020, has shown that blue light exposure
damages the skin barrier and causes photoaging.
How To Reduce The Effects Of Blue Light On Skin?
We have found that too much blue light is really harmful to
our skin. But how to minimize the effects of blue lights? What do you have to
do?
One of the ways to prevent the possible damage of your skin from blue light is to reduce the amount you spend in front of the electronic devices. Go through the following remedies.
1. Protect Your Skin From The Sun:
Going outside in the sun without any protection may lead to
sun damages in various ways. It affects the collagen and elastin fibers in your
skin. Collagen and elastin are important as they provide elasticity to your
skin and the absence of elasticity will lead to wrinkle formation and sagging
of the skin.
You need to apply broad spectrum sunscreen lotion with a SPF
of 30 and more. You can opt for mineral sunscreen (physical sunscreen)
containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide that protects you against the effects
of the blue light.
2.
Moisturize Regularly:
Dehydrated skin will result in wrinkles and make the skin
dry, rough, and unpolished. Using a moisturizer in the morning and at night
will help you minimize the signs of aging caused by blue light.
3.
Try Using A Retinoid:
Retinoids help to regulate cells by their antioxidant
effects. Two most common retinoids are retinol and tretinoin. They promote
collagen production that gives plumpiness to your skin and increases cell
regeneration and reduces wrinkles and fine lines. It also prevents age spots.
4.
Change Your Lifestyle:
Not only the products, but changing your lifestyle will help
you to have a healthier looking skin.
a.
Keep your skin and body hydrated by drinking
lots of water. Dehydrated skin will look more older and dry. Avoid using
alcohols as it may cause dehydration.
b.
Avoid smoking as it not only causes cancer but
also it results in wrinkle formations at the earlier age.
c.
Having a healthy diet enriched with fruits and
veggies is a must as it helps to prevent the premature aging of the skin caused
due to blue light exposure.
d.
Regular workout will boost circulation of blood
that helps your skin look more youthful.
What Are The Protective Measures Against Blue Light
Exposure?
- Limiting
your screen time, especially before bedtime will help to get better sleep.
- Using
blue-light blocking skincare products including moisturizers and
sun-screen will provide protection against the effects of blue light.
- Adapt
healthy lifestyle and food habits.
Final Thoughts:
How much time we spend on digital devices will impact the effects of blue light on our skin and health. Blue light is the high-energy visible light in the spectrum, it plays an important role in our overall health and it maintains the circadian rhythms in check and keeps us alert. It is also good for acne-pro skin.
But, exposing too much yourself to this blue light will
disturb your sleep and also causes dehydration, and premature aging. Wearing
sunscreen that provides blue light protection and having healthier eating
habits will prevent the damage of blue light and keep your skin looking young
forever.
