Understand the impact of blue light on the skin –

When sun exposure occurs, it is essential to use a sunscreen to preserve the skin. However, it is not just the sun that we must protect ourselves from, as visible light, which also comes from cell phone and tablet screens, can impact the skin.

According to the doctor. Jaqueline Zmijevski, dermatologist for the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), it is important to use sunscreen all year round to protect yourself from visible light.

“This radiation is especially related to the appearance of spots, even worsening melasma, a chronic condition characterized by the appearance of dark spots usually on the face”, points out the doctor.

Regarding blue light, a recent study pointed out that, despite the low effective irradiance emitted by electronic devices and artificial light compared to sunlight, which could suggest that photodamage originating from artificial devices does not occur, it is necessary to take into account that the damage to the skin happens due to the integration of all daily exposure to light and all sources of radiation.

“As such, blue lights are potentially harmful to the skin in the long run,” says Dr. Jacqueline.

Dermatologist Dr. Mônica Aribi adds that blue light, emitted by cell phone screens and other electronic devices, is considered the most energetic portion of visible light.

CONSEQUENCES FOR THE SKIN

Dr. Mônica Aribi cites examples of problems that can arise on the skin as a result of exposure to this type of radiation. “It is related to several pathologies such as melasma, aging and skin cancer; exposure to this type of radiation can trigger or worsen skin diseases and the appearance of dark spots, especially on the face, ”she begins.

In addition, she clarifies the reason why this radiation has negative effects on the skin. “This happens because it stimulates melanogenesis, that is, pigmentation, being an important factor in the worsening of melasma and diseases that present photosensitivity, such as Lupus and rosacea, and cause greater inflammation in the skin, producing free radicals such as superoxides, reactive species of nitrogen and carbon. Visible/blue light also causes tissue damage, inflammation and acts directly on the DNA of cells. When interacting with melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, it generates a highly reactive form of oxygen that even deteriorates the cellular genetic material”.

PROTECTION AGAINST BLUE LIGHT

– (KoolShooters/Pexels)

“To talk about skin protection against blue light, there are antioxidant actives and sunscreens with this blocking action against this damage. Products that form a true 360º protection against digital environmental pollution are needed. These ingredients can be added to serums or anti-aging and antioxidant creams and used in two situations: in the morning, after cleansing and toning and before sunscreen – together with Vitamin C; and at night, after cleaning and toning, in an anti-aging serum to be used before the cream with hyaluronic acid”, she completes, indicating the care that must be taken to protect the skin against blue light.

Pharmacist Maria Eugênia Ayres, technical manager at Biotec Dermocosméticos, mentions a product launched for compounding pharmacy by Biotec which has the concept of Light Balm, is for topical use and is formulated with Pro Shield MDC®.

“ProShield MDC® is a vegetable product obtained by eco-extraction. It features potent antioxidant action and anti-pollution shield. It acts as an urban photoprotector, protecting against the action of visible light (blue light emitted by LED screens, smartphones and notebooks), digital pollution and against UVA, UVB and UVC radiation, in addition to stimulating collagen production”, reports Maria Eugenics.

According to the pharmaceutical company, these ingredients can be added to anti-aging and antioxidant creams or serums. These ingredients can be used in the morning, after cleansing and toning and before sunscreen, along with vitamin C, or at night, also after cleansing and toning the skin, in an anti-aging serum to be used before applying a product with hyaluronic acid.

MELASMA

Regarding melasma, Dr. Jaqueline points out that it is important for patients diagnosed with this problem to use the right amount of sunscreen and reapply it during the day. It also indicates the use of products with color. “Only then will he fulfill his role well. And, as melasma can get worse with prolonged exposure to visible light, whose protection is given by the pigment/opacity, color is fundamental”, says the doctor.

“Sunscreen must be applied to all exposed areas and the SPF must always be equal to or above 30. The texture of the product will depend on the patient’s skin type. Only with the habit of daily use of sunscreen does it make sense to think about acids and treatments with the aim of preventing and treating wrinkles”, he concludes.