Protection against blue light is the new trend in organic skincare. To understand the effect blue light has on the skin and how we best protect ourselves, let's first clarify what it is.
Sunlight consists of a spectrum of rays measured in different wavelengths, nanometers (nm). They are divided into UV rays, visible light, and infrared light. Everyone knows we need to protect our skin from UV rays, but few realize that research shows we also need to protect our skin from visible blue light.
On a cloudless day, we gladly enjoy the blue light in the sky. The blue light rays are at the lower end of the visible light spectrum and are also called HEV light (High Energy Visible light). Natural blue light affects us positively by influencing our hormone balance, which regulates our mood and sleep cycle. The blue light rays are also artificially present around us in the screen light from mobile phones, TVs, computers, and tablets. We are simply exposed to blue light rays both day and night, and overexposure to HEV light can affect us negatively.
HEV light penetrates deeper into the skin than UV rays. It reaches down to the subcutaneous layer and stimulates the production of free radicals, which among other things break down the skin’s collagen and elastin. The body’s defense against free radicals is antioxidants. When there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s capacity to neutralize them with antioxidants, the skin is affected. It ages prematurely, loses its elasticity, and can develop uneven skin tone or pigmentation spots.
Sunscreens only protect in the spectrum between 280 – 400 nm, while blue light ranges from 380 – 500 nm. Therefore, it is wise to use blue light protection, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of screens.
To protect the skin from blue light, you can use products rich in deep-acting antioxidants. i+m Naturkosmetik now offers blue light protection by adding extract of butterfly bush (Buddleja officinalis) to their skincare products. The extract acts as a broad-spectrum shield against UV light, HEV light, and infrared light (does not have SPF factor). It provides active cell protection and promotes skin elasticity. The extract, which has a scientifically proven effect, is now included in some of i+m Naturkosmetik’s products.
You can also help from within by eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and berries, full of antioxidants.
Alternatively, you can always reduce exposure to artificial HEV light simply by logging off. As we all know, however, that is often easier said than done :).
