Blue Light & Your Skin Health

Sunlight is composed of two key factors: ultraviolet light and visible light. There are 3 types of UV rays: UVA, UVB & UVC (don't worry, this ray doesn't reach the earth's surface), all of which are invisible light rays. One form of visible light is called blue light and it is not only emitted by the sun but also through our digital devices and other LED sources.

Not all blue light is considered 'bad' and without it, white light or sunlight would not be complete. Remember learning about the colour spectrum in school? When all colours meet, white or in our case, white light is formed. Blue light is necessary for regulating our circadian rhythm which is our body's natural sleep cycle and internal clock. Our body receives and translates the blue light to support our sleep patterns, metabolism and can even influence the production of certain hormones. That being said, exposure to too much blue light, especially late at night, can throw your sleep cycle off and potentially cause unnecessary daytime sleepiness.

The topic of blue light and its effects on our eye health is a popular one. There's documented research that excess exposure of blue light can directly impact our eyesight. Because of this knowledge, you can now purchase cellphone screen-protectors with blue light filters. Additionally, most eye-glass companies will also offer blue light upgrades to the lenses of your glasses. But what about the impact of blue light and our skin health? Could it be possible that our digital screens are slowly damaging our skin? Well, we just don't know... Yet.

There is some evidence to suggest that blue light can induce photoageing but the long-term studies just aren't ready. But despite the research being less than conclusive, utilizing filtered screen protectors doesn't do you any harm. And if anything, limiting your screen time late at night will help improve your beauty rest and we're all about that life.