How Does Blue Light Affect Your Skin?
Do you know that your cell phone, laptop, even TV all radiate blue light?
Our skin is exposed to this every day, especially in the age of technology where we are constantly looking at our cell phones.
But what is blue light exactly? How does blue light affect the skin and what can be done about it?
Let’s shine some light on these questions…
What is blue light?
Blue light is defined as being the light in the blue end of the visible light spectrum. It falls within a wavelength of 400 to 450 nanometers, which is a short wavelength but has higher energy (the reason that it can cause serious damage to our bodies). Blue light is often found within sunlight (which is another reason as to why you should always wear sunscreen), but it is found predominantly in electronic devices like cell phones and laptops.
Due to the fact that we are in a generation that uses technology and electronic devices all of the time, most people are exposed to blue light throughout the better part of their day. The average person is exposed to blue light for about six hours a day!!
Being exposed to it for long periods of time can have serious effects on our skin health.
How does it affect our skin?
Although, many of the damage that blue light causes to the skin is not immediate, over time we have seen many people suffering from its negative effects. Studies have shown that blue light can cause premature aging like wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity, and hyperpigmentation. Many studies have also shown that it, the blue light from the sun, can cause redness and swelling, and at times can negatively impact the skin more than UVA rays. Lastly, it’s been shown that blue light may play a factor in free radicals that are produced in our skin. Free radicals damage our skin and cause premature aging and loss of collagen.
What can we do to protect our skin from blue light damage?
Here are some tips to protect against blue light:
SPF
Wear a broad-spectrum and strong SPF product on your skin. At Magic Laser and Aesthetics, we recommend Lilikoi Light Defense Face Primer from Eminence Organic Skin Care. This face primer has an SPF of 23 and is formulated with all organic ingredients.
Laser Treatments
If your skin has already shown some negative effects of blue light damage, laser skin tightening is an amazing non-invasive procedure that works to enhance collagen production and the overall look of your skin.
The GentleMax Pro laser works by causing thermal injury below the epidermis of the skin, which results in a wound healing response in the upper papillary dermis. This will effectively remodel the body’s collagen and regenerate skin cells damaged by blue light. This treatment can not only dramatically enhances skin texture and reduces fine lines but reverses signs of aging for an overall firmer, youthful appearance.
At Magic Laser and Aesthetics, here in Toronto, ON, we are passionate about skincare and protecting our skin from harmful environmental factors. As skincare specialists, we pride ourselves on carrying the absolute best in skincare products, as well as offering the latest and most revolutionary laser technology that can improve the overall look of skin.
For a list of our latest Eminence products please click here, and for a list of our laser services, please click here.
Need any product recommendations or skincare advice? Contact us directly.
