Published on: 17th April 2023
How Does Blue Light Affect Your Skin
The Risks of Blue Light Exposure and TriAsorb™
Blue light is a type of light that is emitted by both natural and artificial sources, such as the sun, computer screens, and smartphones. While we may be more familiar with the blue light from digital devices, the sun radiates a much more intense blue light. In fact, you would have to spend 64 full days looking at your digital tablet to have the same level of exposure to blue light as just one hour spent in the sun. Given the intensity of blue light from the sun, it’s crucial to protect your skin against its harmful effects.
Blue-violet light, also known as high energy visible (HEV) light, has the most energy in the visible spectrum and exposure to it can contribute to the development of wrinkles and dark spots. This effect is more pronounced in the long term, and as the skin’s natural defences weaken with age, it may even promote cancer mechanisms. In addition, HEV blue light can affect the pigmentation gene and stimulate melanocyte activity, which can lead to skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation and pregnancy mask.
HEV blue light has emerged as a new threat to skin health, possibly more damaging than UVA and UVB. Unlike these other types of light, blue light can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, reaching the hypodermis. Due to its high energy, blue light can damage all cellular components, including lipids, proteins, and DNA, earning it its name.
To protect your skin from the harmful effects of blue light and prevent premature wrinkles, it’s essential to take the following steps:
- Use sunscreen that protects against HEV blue light when outdoors. If you swim or sweat, remember to reapply the sunscreen frequently throughout the day.
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you must be outdoors during this time, seek shade as much as possible to reduce your exposure.
- Eau Thermale Avène has introduced a dermatological solution to address the harmful effects of blue light on the skin. Their latest innovation is the TriAsorb™ solar filter, inspired by melanin’s natural photoprotective properties.
- Take additional measures to protect your skin, such as wearing a hat or clothing that covers your arms and legs.
This revolutionary technology is now available in the anti-blue light range, which includes specific formulas designed to meet the needs of different skin types, from dry and very dry to oily with imperfections. The range offers the highest standard of photoprotection to prevent sun-related ageing, and each formula contains active ingredients that are carefully selected to balance and respect the unique needs of each skin type.
