Think about it: you wake up, reach for your phone, and spend the next 12 hours lit up by its screen. Does this sound familiar? Well, the average individual now spends more than 7 hours a day with their eyes glued to screens, unwittingly exposing themselves to an unseen threat that is rewiring their brain and aging their skin at a rapid pace.
That silent enemy? Blue light.
Meanwhile, you've been scrolling, liking, and binge-watching, unaware that this seemingly innocuous light has been quietly causing destruction in your body. A horrifying fact comes to light through recent research: 6.5% of the population now is afflicted with psychiatric disorders caused by excessive screen time, and this number jumps to 23.3% among youth.3 But the destruction doesn't end at your psyche. Dermatologists are now seeing an increase in premature aging, dark spots, and damage to the skin directly correlated with blue light exposure. The scariest part? Most individuals have no clue it's occurring.
But, what is this thing called blue light and how is it destroying your skin in secret? Without further ado let's air the oxymoron with another scroll.
What Is Blue Light?
The lights we view are a mixture of various wavelengths. Blue light occurs between 400–490 nanometers. Including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet colors creates the visible spectrum of light.1 It is the shortest wavelength and most energy in the visible spectrum. It is produced naturally but is also produced by artificial sources such as digital screens and LED lights. Blue light gets deeper into the skin than UVB but not as deep as UVA. It reaches as far as the dermis, where it can be a source of oxidative stress. Issues were uncovered in the period of Covid 19, when individuals entertained themselves with some form of digital device. The increasing concern grew with the close proximity of the screen and longer exposure times. Let’s see how it damages your skin and what can be done to undo the effects.
Blue Light vs. UV Rays: Unveiling the Hidden Risks to Your Health
While talking about the skin's health, UV rays tend to take center stage. Yet, with increased screen time and artificial light exposure, it is necessary to give importance to the impact of blue light also. Ultraviolet (UV) light is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 100-400 nanometers (nm), shorter than light but longer than X-rays. It is not visible to human eyes and is radiated by the sun naturally.
UV light is more damaging because it can induce direct DNA damage and produce sunburn, enhance the risk of skin cancer, and cause premature aging. Blue light, a high-energy visible (HEV) light with wavelengths of 400-500 nm, is less known but also has potential risks.
How Do You Know Blue Light Has Damaged Your Skin?
The damage inflicted by blue light is not quite so immediately apparent. The damages are cumulative and progressive. In certain instances, it takes years to disclose the damage to the skin. It involves fine line development, wrinkles, and premature ageing of the skin. While blue light-induced pigmentation may even be more visually apparent. Researchers found blue light irradiation provoked more sustained hyperpigmentation than UVA radiation. If you're observing persistent and sudden occurrence of dark spots or uneven tone on your face, this can be due to the blue rays.
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