No, you don’t need to protect your skin from blue light at night –

Blue light is everywhere. Although its main source is the sun, it is also emitted by smartphones, tablets and computers – items that are practically indispensable today. But should we really use protection against this light even at night, if we are going to stay at the computer?

We spoke to dermatologists to clarify. But first, let’s understand how blue light affects the body.

HOW BLUE LIGHT AFFECTS US

“Blue light is able to penetrate to the dermis, promoting the oxidation of collagen and elastin fibers, contributing to the signs of aging early, stimulating melanocytes and allowing the appearance of stains” comments the dermatologist Meire Gonzaga. According to a study by the Institute of Chemistry at USP, visible light with UVA radiation increases the lipofuscinan aging pigment, and reaches the dermis, directly interfering with collagen, contributing to the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles.

Blue light is also capable of messing with the hormonal system. “Excess of them at night can damage our tissues, causing a mess of the hormonal system, failing to properly produce hormones and neurotransmitters that would be important during the day or night. Which may facilitate related disorders such as melasma, anxiety and insomnia” shares the dermatologist Vanessa Perusso.

On the other hand, if we expose ourselves to it during the day, it helps to regulate the circadian cycle and improves mood, memory and cognitive action, explains Meire.

WHY YOUR PHONE AND COMPUTER ARE NOT THE PROBLEM

Although much is said about the blue light that emanates from electronic devices, it is not the great villain. According to the dermatologist Paulina Kede natural visible light (from the sun) is very problematic because it is in a lot of quantity during the day. Already, the artificial ones (from computers, tablets, cell phones) do not emit so much radiation. In fact, in terms of skin damage, 8 hours in front of the computer is equivalent to just 20 seconds under the sun.

What this means in practice is this: no, you won’t age any sooner because you’re not using sunscreen at night to stay on your computer. If you apply sunscreen during the day to protect yourself from the sun, you are already protecting yourself from exposure to screens sufficiently.

However, the effects on the brain are more worrying and exposure to screens at night can indeed disrupt your hormone production, even affecting your sleep. Indirectly, this is what will damage your skin, as not getting enough sleep accelerates skin aging.

To protect yourself from blue light, follow the tips below:

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BLUE LIGHT

Use tinted sunscreen during the day

Meire recommends the use of colored sunscreens, as the pigment acts as a barrier, reducing the penetration of rays into the skin.

Toning Sunscreen SPF 55 Base Stick Nude, ADCOS

BUY HERE

Bet on assets that block blue light during the day

“What I suggest to my patients who are at home office is that they use products that have active ingredients to create a barrier to this radiation, with maximum protection” comments Paulina.

Photoplus Multidefense, DERMATUS

BUY HERE

Blend of Berries, RICCA

BUY HERE

Dim the brightness of appliances at night

Thus, you will be exposing yourself any less the artificial light. In addition, it is interesting to turn off electronic devices 1 hour before going to sleep – by being responsible for regulating the circadian cycle, you would be avoiding problems such as melasma, anxiety, insomnia.

*Editora may receive a small commission on sales made from the links in this article