We are all aware of how essential it is to understand how various elements (such as sunlight) can affect our overall health. It's no secret that we're spending more time than ever before staring at screens. According to a recent study, people spend an average of 3 hours and mins daily on their mobiles. And check them 58 times daily. We've all heard the term "blue light" in reference to our phones and laptop screens. But what exactly is it and what does it do? And how we can avoid the impact of blue light on the skin? And which serums are used as blue light protection serum? we will read in this blog.
WHAT EXACTLY IS BLUE LIGHT?
The visible light emitted by the sun allows us to see the charm surrounding us. On the other hand, the sun emits various colored lights. Some are visible, while others are not. Different colours of light have different wavelengths and energy levels. Red light has long wavelengths but little energy. Whereas blue light has much shorter wavelengths but much more energy. Blue light is more similar to violet and ultraviolet (UV) light, which are not visible and can cause damage to the skin, sunburns on the face and eyes, and skin cancer (as you've probably heard).
According to studies, this light may contribute to developing diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart problems, and obesity. It also disturbs the production of melatonin (the hormone that aids sleep), which can provide energy during the day. But it can eventually lead to sleep problems at night. Because it interacts with our internal clock, also known as our sleep-wake cycle or our circadian.
Although sunlight is the most common source of blue light. Technology has created a slew of artificial blue ray sources such as LEDs, fluorescents, and computer monitors.
HOW ARE WE BEING EXPOSED?
So, where does blue light come from if it's all around us? Like other types of light, blue light is primarily emitted by the sun, but it can also be emitted by manufactured devices that we incorporate into our daily lives.
Blue light is emitted by fluorescent and LED lights and flat-screen televisions. Much of the blue light we are exposed to comes from the computer, tablet, and phone screens. In other words, it's everywhere, so every single one of us is affected by blue light at any given time.
Compared to how much blue light is emitted by the sun, the amount emitted by our devices may appear insignificant. But the problem lies in the close proximity that we hold to our faces. Doctors particularly optometrists, are currently investigating the true adverse effects that blue light can have on our eyes, body, and overall health.
According to studies, 43% of adults must stare at screens for hours each day for work. That doesn't account for the time you spend scrolling through Instagram or social media. Or playing phone games when you get home and want to unwind. When we consider this, we each spend approximately 10 to 11 hours per day connected to digital media.
YOUR DEVICE SETTINGS AND HABITS ARE IMPORTANT.
The amount of blue light humans are exposed to vary depending on your settings, device, and even the device used. How close is the device to your eyes, for example, and how many breaks do you take during a sitting? The 20-20-20 rule is a good habit to develop: every 20 minutes, take your gaze away from the screen and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
NOT ALL BLUE LIGHT IS BAD
For those suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), waking up to blue light in the dead of winter can be a lifesaver in terms of boosting mood and getting you moving. It has improved memory, attention span, and reaction times.
Blue light can also have skin healing properties under certain conditions. Such as treating psoriasis and scaly bumps, and is even used in photodynamic therapy to kill cancer cells.
Shelly Leggins, Timeless Skin Care Expert and Esthetician, explains. "In the treatment room, we administer the blue light to treat skin problems and the associated symptoms." Blue light has therapeutic benefits when administrated in small, measured doses."
However, blue light helps to regulate your wake and sleep process, also known as circadian. Using electronic devices too late at night can trick the brain into thinking it's daytime. This makes it much more difficult to fall asleep. Blue light also disrupts the circadian rhythm of skin cells, resulting in damaged skin cells over time.
SKIN'S GOT THE BLUES: 3 SERUMS TO REDUCE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF BLUE LIGHT ON THE SKIN
Just 60 minutes of exposure to blue light has been shown to boost the aging process by disrupting skin cell regeneration. The cumulative damage caused by prolonged blue light exposure can have far-reaching effects on the skin. Here blue light protection serums are described in this session.
• Wrinkles and Lack of Elasticity:
When compared to UVA and UVB light. Blue light penetrates deeper into the human skin. And causing more damage to the collagen and elastin in the dermis, resulting in wrinkles and loss of firmness.
Serum Matrixyl Synthe'6 Serum
Matrixyl Synthe'6 Serum is most effective at night when your skin is healthy. This potent polypeptide helps lift, plump, and smooth wrinkles and expression lines. Because it has six essential skin-building ingredients.
• Inflammation, redness, and hyperpigmentation:
Too much blue light can cause pigmentation. Especially if it triggers skin conditions like melasma, stimulating melanin overproduction and resulting in brown spots. Excessive redness and inflammation have also been linked to exposure.
Serum B5 Hydration
Vitamin B5 serum helps soothe, calm, and repair troubled skin by healing blemishes, reducing redness, and minimizing scarring.
• Free Radical Damage
Blue light has been linked to oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (free radicals) are produced as light. It penetrates the skin, causing DNA damage and skin breakdown.
Serum Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant serum. It works at the cellular level, energizing cells and allowing them to rebuild collagen and elastin. Combined with Matrixyl® 3000, this serum maximizes collagen synthesis, working deeply to repair and replenish the skin.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT APPLICATION:
The three serums mentioned above are pH balanced (they fall within the pH range of normal, healthy skin) and work well when used in the same routine.
While your skin is resting, try the following evening routine:
- Apply the highly concentrated serum Matrixyl Synthe'6 Serum to clean skin first to restore and regenerate damaged skin cells.
- Apply Vitamin B5 Serum afterward to help regulate oils and maintain healthy skin function.
- Apply a small or thin layer of Coenzyme Q10 Serum that include Pure Hyaluronic Acid (a little goes a long way) for added antioxidant as well as skin brightening benefits with increased hydration.
- Follow with your favorite nighttime facial oils or moisturizers.
