Although we are exposed to blue light through devices, modern television sets and various LED and fluorescent lighting, the main source of blue light is in fact sunlight. In general, our highest exposure to blue light comes from being outdoors during daylight.

According to an American study, blue light is even more harmful to our skin than the sun’s ultraviolet rays as it penetrates far deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Blue light may even impact the skin’s regeneration process and damages cells. It also generates free radicals which can cause skin cells to produce enzymes that break down the collagen and elastin that give skin its plump, youthful appearance.

Long-term blue light exposure to concentrated sources of blue light energy can cause skin damage, including color changes, inflammation and weakening of the skin’s surface. This process is known as oxidative stress and is what causes photo-aging, that is, aging from exposure to light.

Research shows that millennials check their smartphones 157 times per day, in comparison to older adults, who check their phones only about 30 times per day. This means millennials are at a much higher risk of blue light exposure.

• Loss of skin firmness and elasticity
• Deterioration of cell membranes
• The appearance of stains due to overproduction of melanin
• Dehydration and flaccidity in face skin (caused by electromagnetic waves)
• DNA changes in skin cells leading to skin cell death
• Uneven skin pigmentation resulting in the appearance of wrinkles, the formation of age spots and pigmentation disorders

Many of today’s sunscreen products protect the skin against the two basic types of ultraviolet rays present in sunlight, namely UVA and UVB rays. However, the chemicals used to filter these rays do not filter out blue light.

As such, when seeking skin care products, look for those that use ingredients that contain both direct and indirect antioxidants like licochalcone A and glycyrrhetinic acid that can counter oxidative stress. Sunscreen with iron oxide coupled with vitamin C can also help to minimize damage from blue light as well as potentially repair skin damage.

Other beneficial natural ingredients that may be beneficial include:

• Pomegranate
• Gogi fruit
• Noni fruit
• Coffeeberry
• White tea
• Green tea
• Vitamin E
• Cranberry seed oil
• Grape seed
• Coenzyme Q10
• Raspberry seed oil
• Rosehip
• Sea buckthorn

Sunscreen with iron oxide coupled with vitamin C can also help to minimize damage from blue light as well as potentially repair skin damage. Other actives, like menthyl nicotinate, can significantly enhance skin barrier function.

Ultimately, it is highly unlikely that consumers will be scared off from using their devices to avoid blue light. But by using skin care products with the right defense mechanisms, they will at least be able to minimize the harmful effects of prolonged exposure.