Protection against blue light is the new hot trend in organic skincare. To understand the effect of blue light on the skin and how we can best protect ourselves, we first need to 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 is aware that we need to protect our skin against UV rays, but few know that research shows we also need to protect our skin against visible blue light.
On a cloudless day, we enjoy the blue light in the sky. The blue light rays are at the bottom of the visible light scale and are also called HEV light (High Energy Visible light). Natural blue light affects us positively by influencing our hormonal balance which regulates our mood and sleep cycle.The blue light rays are also found around us artificially in the screen light from mobile phones, TVs, computers, and tablets. We are simply exposed to these 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 all the way to the subcutaneous layer and stimulates the production of free radicals, which break down the skin's collagen and elastin, among other things.The body's defense against free radicals is antioxidants. When an imbalance occurs 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 extends from 380 – 500 nm. That's why it's wise to use blue light protection, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of screens.
To protect your skin against blue light, you can use products rich in deep-acting antioxidants. i+m Naturkosmetik now offers blue light protection by adding Buddleja officinalis extract to their skincare products. The extract works as a broad-spectrum protection against UV light, HEV light, and infrared light (it does not have SPF protection). It provides active cell protection and promotes skin elasticity. The extract, which has scientifically proven effects, is currently 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—plenty of antioxidants. Alternatively, you can always reduce exposure to artificial HEV light by simply logging off. As we all know, however, that's often easier said than done :).
