Blue Light (BL) is different from UVA and UVB. It is a high-energy light visible by the human eye (High Energy Visible Light: HEV); and is found in any artificial device like a laser, LED light, smartphones, tablets and computer screens.
HEV penetrates deeper than UVA and UVB, and there is no information about the consequences of long exposure; hence precautions need to be put in place. This type of light can be found everywhere, being sunlight the primary source.
What are the effects of Blue Light on our skin and overall health?
- Hyperpigmentation and photoaging, especially in people with darker skin.
- Redness in lighter skin colors.
- Loss of elasticity and premature aging.
- Alternates sleeping patterns; by every hour of exposure to blue light, there is a 22% reduction of melatonin secretion (sleep hormone); hence sleep pattern is affected.
- Dry eye and ocular fatigue.
- Headache.
How can you protect yourself?
- Add antioxidants to your daily skin routine.
- Add physical sunscreen containing Iron Oxide and reapply every three hours.
- Reduce screen time of your electronic devices.
- Reduce your screen brightness to less than 50%, activate the night mode or the BL filter.
- Add a blue light filter to your glasses; your eye can block almost entirely the UV light; however, blue light can penetrate even reaching the retina.
Not everything about the blue light has consequences to our health; as this type of light can increase memory, cognitive function and improve mood. Also, BL is used to treat depression related to season changes and regulate circadian rhythm. Day exposure helps maintain a healthy rhythm; however, overexposure during the night (by extensive use of laptops or smartphones) can alter the circadian rhythm.
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