While many of us work from home, we’ve become dependent on our screens for education, work, entertainment and just keeping in touch with friends and family. However, there has been a lot of news regarding blue light emitted by our phone, computer and TV damaging our skin. Many of us thought working from home meant we didn’t have to wear sunblock indoors, but do we still need protection indoors against blue light and are there other sources of damage as well?
Blue light from screens can potentially damage our skin
It is well-known that blue light can disrupt sleep and cause eyestrain, but it is less common knowledge that these blue light waves could be aging and damaging your skin. Research links this high-energy visible (HEV) light with hyperpigmentation and collagen damage, which can cause wrinkles and loss of firmness. The oxidative stress caused by the blue light not only damage collagen, but also produces free radicals. One study shows that exposure of human skin cells to electronic devices for an hour at a distance of one centimeter can cause cell death or necrosis (1). Another study reveals that blue light even affects your skin cells’ circadian rhythm, which regenerates at night in your sleep (3).
There are two sides to the blue light story
However, blue light isn’t all bad. In fact, small doses of this same light is used to treat acne and precancerous lesions. Blue light therapy devices are even sold for at-home use for killing acne bacteria, treating eczema and psoriasis. It also elevates mood, helps memory and cognitive function, and regulates circadian rhythms-both for you and your skin. So, blue light isn’t necessarily the enemy. It’s just a matter of unnecessary prolonged exposure, as opposed to short exposures of high concentration for therapeutic purposes.
Because long-term research is still lacking, experts have said to err on the side of caution until we know more. To combat unnecessary exposure, dermatologists recommend sitting 12 inches away from your computer screens. For phones, they suggest using any hands-free accessories and reducing screen brightness when possible. Blue light filters can help as well.
Also, not everyone needs to fear blue light. These blue light rays are more concerning for people with darker skin or those prone to pigmentation (5).
Do we have to wear sunblock indoors?
Spending more time indoors? Sorry, experts say if you’re concerned about blue light, we still need to wear sunblock indoors. Why?
This is because of our windows. We actually get the most blue light exposure from the sun-not our screens. When weighing the damage from your computer or your window, your window is more cause for concern. The good news is that you won’t get sunburned from the sunlight coming through your windows. Most windows filter out the short UVB rays, but not the long UVA rays that can cause cancer, wrinkles and dark spots. Those pesky UVA rays also sneak through clouds, by the way.
Which sunblocks should we wear indoors?
Some say zinc oxide is all you need to combat blue light exposure. However, recently, experts tout mineral sunblocks with iron oxide as the best barrier against blue light. The most protective formulas add iron oxide to sunblocks with zinc oxide to shield skin and prevent hyperpigmentation and melasma (2, 4). Cerium oxide is a newer material used to shield skin from blue light, but extensive research hasn’t been done yet. So far, studies show that not much penetrates intact skin. Damaged skin is another story though (6).
The FDA currently does not monitor blue light protection in sunblocks so it is up to consumers to do their own research. Because of the blue light coming through the windows (and the little bit from your screens), you may want to err on the side of caution and wear sunblock indoors. Sunblock use is important since reversing the effects of sun damage and dark spots is much more difficult than prevention. If you’re interested, see below for a few options.
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Curated Picks
Coola: This sunblock has both zinc and iron oxides, which has been touted as a great team against hyperpigmentation and melasma. Once applied, this creamy sunblock provides a powdery finish without any hint of dryness. It has a universal tint and applies smoothly. It’s also packed with antioxidants, such as rose hip oil that’s rich in vitamin c, calming evening primrose, flax seed and buriti oil. Their products are also reef-safe and “farm-to-face.”
Skinceuticals: This sunblock also contains zinc and iron oxide and has an SPF of 50. It provides light coverage and the matte finish is perfection. Despite a preference for a dewy finish, it did not feel the least bit dry. It’s helpful for looking less greasy on video conference calls and it’ll be perfect for humid summer weather or tropical vacations.
SuperGoop: This moisturizer contains cerium oxide and also protects skin against pollution. This product is cruelty-free, reef-safe and environmentally-friendly.
Publications:
(1) Austin, Evan et al. “Electronic device generated light increases reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts.” Lasers in surgery and medicine, 10.1002/lsm.22794. 5 Feb. 2018, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29399830/.
(2) Castanedo‐Cazares, Juan Pablo, et al. “Near‐Visible Light and UV Photoprotection in the Treatment of Melasma: a Double‐Blind Randomized Trial.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 3 Dec. 2013, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/phpp.12086.
(3) Dong , K, et al. “Blue Light Disrupts the Circadian Rhythm and Create Damage in Skin Cells.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2019, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31418890/.
(4) Kaye, E T, et al. “Efficiency of Opaque Photoprotective Agents in the Visible Light Range.” Archives of Dermatology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1998365/.
(5) Mahmoud, Bassel H., et al. “Impact of Long-Wavelength UVA and Visible Light on Melanocompetent Skin.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Elsevier, 8 Dec. 2015, doi.org/10.1038/jid.2010.95.
(6) Mauro, Marcella et al. “Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Absorption through Intact and Damaged Human Skin.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 24,20 3759. 18 Oct. 2019, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31635398/.
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