Blue Light – When Your Skin Knows…

How lights impact your life, mind and body.

In modern life we are constantly surrounded by a wide spectrum of lights.

Indeed sun itself contain the full spectrum of lights and in the proper equilibrium, ranging composition and colors throughout the day.

In the sunset and sunrise orange and red color are dominant to either give energy in the awakening process or induct relax and confort at the end of the day.

In the midday there’s the peak of blue light spectrum that enhance our state of vigilance, focus and strength. 

What is blue light

Blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum with wavelengths ranging from approximately 400 to 495 nanometers.

It is the shortest wavelength of visible light and carries a high amount of energy. Indeed blue light is as important as necessary for keeping you awake and active during the day. 

Light is a form of energy that can permeate into the body and interact with our hormone function. In fact light is a magnetic force that surround us and there’s an interchange between outside and our body. 

When light spectrum is not balanced that is by having the whole field of light frequency, can cause serious problem to our health.

How lights affect the skin

When lights hits the skin, it penetrates the outermost layer (the epidermis) and can reach into the deeper layers (the dermis). Several mechanisms are involved in the absorption of blue light by the skin:

• Chromophores: These are molecules in the skin that can absorb light. Key chromophores in the skin include melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color), hemoglobin (in blood vessels), and certain proteins. Blue light is effectively absorbed by these chromophores, which can lead to various biological effects.
  
• Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production: some lights can induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the skin. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can damage cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. This oxidative stress can contribute to skin aging and inflammation.
  
• Photochemical Reactions: lights can trigger photochemical reactions in the skin, leading to changes in cellular function and signaling pathways. These reactions can affect processes like cell proliferation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and collagen production.
  
• Impact on Skin Barrier: Exposure to blue light can affect the integrity of the skin barrier. It can alter the structure and function of skin lipids, which are essential for maintaining moisture and protecting against environmental damage

Benefits of blue light

Blue light has some beneficial effects, such as in the treatment of certain skin conditions (e.g., acne through blue light therapy).

• It has been studied for various health benefits, and in particular for its direct effects on Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid.

• Blue light therapy is known for its positive effects on mood, particularly in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People who have symptoms of depression and fatigue might improve mood through blue light exposure.
  
• Blue light exposure during the day can help regulate circadian rhythms, which can improve sleep quality. Better sleep can significantly benefit individuals.
  
• There is some emerging evidence suggesting that light exposure can affect metabolic processes.
  
• Cognitive Function: Blue light has been shown to enhance cognitive function and alertness.

Risks of blue light

Among the benefits, it’s also wise to protect yourself against the unpleasant effects of blue light. Research indicates that blue light can have negative effects in certain circumstances.

• Exposure to blue light can disrupt the conversion of T4 to T3 in the thyroid. This can interfere with the thyroid’s natural function and hormone balance, potentially leading to various health issues.
  
• Prolonged and unprotected exposure to blue light, especially from digital devices, has been linked to skin aging (photoaging), hyperpigmentation, and potential disruption of the skin barrier.
  
• In the eyes, blue light triggers the pineal gland, interrupting the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps us fall asleep. 

How to protect yourself

To mitigate potential negative effect of blue light and maintain the your skin in good shape and tone there are some good habits you can adopt starting from today.

• Use blue blocker glasses.
  In order to maximize your sleeping can give a sense of relaxation and protect the production of melatonin. A good sleeping schedule is very important to keep yourself in good shape and your skin it reflect that.
  
• Cover your neck with a scarf
  Covering your neck with a scarf can help mitigate the risks of blue light exposure, potentially protecting not only your skin but also the delicate thyroid gland in the neck area.
  
• Watch out the lightening of your room
  Be aware of how your room is lightened and how you can avoid unnecessary light. This can benefit both for your health, for the energy consumption and also for your Wallet. You should avoid artificial light during the day, aiming for the natural light coming from the windows. Warm lights are preferable late in the day.
  
• Expose yourself to the sunrise and sunset.
  Nothing is better than a natural light environment. If you live in a cold climate, the sun is your ally for maximizing vitamin D and recovering faster. If you’re suffering from jet lag, watching a sunrise or sunset can help reset your internal clock and synchronize it with the local time zone.
  
• Visit a skin therapist
  As always, the expertise of an expert should be the first choice when you are uncertain about your skin health. Book an appointment and explain the therapist what you are experiencing and some potential warming signals that you had.