Blue light is all around us, it is present in daylight but also comes from smart phones, televisions and computer screens. While digital devices only omit a small amount in comparison to the sun the fact that we use them so often and keep them on our person increases our exposure. It’s thought that people check their phones as often as 90 times a day!
Visible light is that from the sun or your smart phone, invisible light cannot be seen such as UVA and UVB rays. The wavelengths of UVA and UVB rays vary from 100 nanometer to 400 nanometer. The next colour spectrum is blue light which measures from 380nm to 500nm, it’s been proven that blue light with a wavelength between 380nm and 400nm is harmful to your skin. The risk seems to decrease as the wavelength gets closer to 500nm.
While blue light is actually essential for our natural sleep pattern, and if you are exposed to it late in the evening it can disrupt your sleep. The lack of sleep is not good for your skin, and blue light has been linked to hyperpigmentation and brown spots. It breaks down collagen, skin looses its elasticity causing fine lines, speeding up the signs of aging.
Using a blue light screen protector on your phone and devices is an inexpensive way to cut down exposure. Most devices will let you adjust the light settings, this is also much easier on the eyes than blue light.
The best way to protect your skin is to use a good broad spectrum SPF and build it into your daily skincare routine. I use Shade Sunscreen which is broad spectrum, has an SPF25 and available in 15ml or 100ml.