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Can blue light from your phone cause pigmentation?
We’re all too familiar with how blue light can strain and damage our eyes, especially after constant exposure. But did you know that this high-energy light can impact our skin, and cause pigmentation too?
Research shows that blue light from our screen’s digital devices can contribute to skin pigmentation by increasing melanin production and causing oxidative stress. This, in turn, can lead to dark spots, skin pigmentation, and even loss of skin laxity. Read on to find out more about how we can preserve and restore our skin’s natural glow.
Blue light and electronic devices
High-energy visible (HEV) light, commonly known as blue light, is light with a short wavelength and high energy (400 to 500 nanometres).
Although it is naturally present in sunlight, it is also found in almost every digital device we use — from laptops to phones.
Blue light's effect on skin
We’re all probably aware that blue light can negatively affect our eyesight, especially with prolonged exposure. However, blue light can have an effect on skin, too. Just like sunlight, blue light can penetrate the layers of the skin, causing oxidative stress, which speeds up ageing. This, in turn, can cause the following over time:
- Oxidative Stress — Blue light can trigger the creation of free radicals in the skin, which break down collagen and elastin, causing skin to lose its elasticity. This leads to skin sagging, fine lines and wrinkles.
- Pigmentation issues — Blue light can trigger melanin production, which is the natural pigment produced by melanocytes in your skin. This increases your chances of hyperpigmentation, dark spots and, ultimately, an uneven skin tone.
- Inflammation and barrier weakening — Blue light can weaken your skin’s natural barrier, making you more susceptible to environmental pollutants and affecting its ability to retain moisture. This, in turn, can make the skin look duller or irritated.
In short, excessive exposure to blue light can cause premature ageing in the skin — from skin sagging to loss of resilience and hyperpigmentation.
Protecting your skin from blue light
Now that we’ve established that blue light isn’t only harmful to your eyes, but also for your skin, let’s look at how we can protect our skin from blue light by adopting small lifestyle changes.
Apply Sunscreen Daily
Use a blue light sunscreen that protects against both blue light and UV rays. SkinLab’s Spotless Blue Light Protection Sunscreen filters 90% of blue light and contains SPF 50, the highest level of protection. It is suitable for all skin types.
Take Regular Breaks
Take regular breaks away from your digital devices — including your phone — to give your skin some time away from blue light exposure. Stay at a distance, at least 600 centimetres away, for at least 20 minutes, at regular intervals.
Adjust Screen Settings
There are several things you can do to adjust screen settings on your devices to protect your skin from blue light:
- Activate night mode or blue light filter — Most devices include a night mode feature or blue light filter to warm your screen tones.
- Adjust brightness — Lower your brightness but ensure that you can still see clearly. This is especially so during late-night screen time, where you can dim the screen to protect your eyes, too.
- Contrast and colour balance — Screen settings with very high contrast and harsh whites are more intense in blue light. Opt for warmer, gentler colour tones.
- Switch to dark mode — Opting for dark mode on your phone can reduce blue light exposure, especially when it comes to commonly used applications.
- Blue light blocking apps — Some phone apps are available to adjust your phone screen’s warmth and the intensity of the blue light emitted.
Use Blue Light Screen Protectors
Apply blue light screen protectors that serve as a physical barrier against blue light. They work by filtering out high-intensity blue light from your screens, preventing them from reaching your skin and eyes.
Already have pigmentation from prolonged exposure to screens?
If you already face pigmentation issues from prolonged exposure to your digital devices, fret not! There are a variety of serums and creams, with ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide, that can help fade dark spots and even out your skin tone. Retinol is also a good option for increasing cell turnover, allowing your skin to regenerate at a faster rate.
Melasma Peel Facial
SkinLab’s Melasma Peel Facial is a comprehensive 90-minute treatment designed to treat skin pigmentation issues, such as melasma, freckles and hyperpigmentation.
Developed by doctors, the Melasma Peel Facial utilises a blend of medical-grade AHAs and other active ingredients to effectively minimise pigmentation in the skin and even-out skin tone. It also contains natural ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber extracts to deeply hydrate and soothe the skin.
This treatment has no downtime, and you can return to your daily activities right after your session. It can be enjoyed once every 3 to 4 weeks.
Pigmentation Removal in Singapore
Skin pigmentation can be frustrating and difficult, but it isn’t impossible to treat — you just need the right treatment and consistency.
SkinLab is a medical spa dedicated to providing non-invasive yet effective solutions for all your skin needs and goals. For the price of pigmentation removal in Singapore and any other queries, contact us today.