Is blue light protection really necessary for our skin? Here’s what a dermatologist has to say

Here’s how your phone’s blue light may be damaging your skin.

Jan 10, 2024 | by Anjali Patel

In today’s tech-dominated world, it’s hard to escape that glare from your screens. By scrolling through social media, working on a project (online) or simply catching up on your favourite shows, you are spending an ample amount of time in front of these screens. And have you ever wondered about the impact of all that screen time on your skin? We all know about the importance of applying sunscreens to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but what about the light emitted by our digital devices?

Blue light, an often-overlooked culprit, is now garnering attention for its potential impact on our skin’s health. For those who don’t know, this light emitted from your digital screens is a high-energy, short-wavelength light that is a major contributor to skin damage and premature ageing. To learn more about how we can safeguard our skin from the potential damage caused by blue light, we spoke to Dr Chytra Anand, a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Kosmoderma Clinic.

What are the potential skin damage or ageing effects caused by prolonged exposure to blue light?

According to Dr Chytra Anand, “The imbalance in melanin production caused by prolonged exposure to blue light can result in pigmentation, leading to an uneven skin tone and discolouration.” Another significant concern, she says, includes inflammation as blue light has the potential to trigger inflammatory responses, compromising your skin’s natural defences and making it more susceptible to various skin issues, including redness and irritation. Furthermore, studies suggest that prolonged exposure to blue light may generate free radicals that contribute to the breakdown of skin cells and collagen, leading to wrinkles and a loss of skin elasticity, and accelerating your ageing process.

What ingredients or technologies should you look for in skincare or make-up products to protect against blue light damage?

When it comes to choosing skincare or make-up products with blue light protection, there are certain ingredients that you need to look out for before purchasing these products. According to Dr Anand, iron oxide, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and zinc oxide are not just buzzwords but are essential ingredients that help protect against blue light damage. It’s important to use mineral-based sunscreens every day, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of digital screens. Consistency is key in using these products to help your skin defend against the possible effects of blue light.

Are there potential side effects associated with using blue light protection beauty products?

As is the case with any skincare routine, there’s a possibility of side effects that vary from mild irritation to allergic reactions, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Dr Anand recommends patch-testing new products and seeking personalised advice from a dermatologist.

Ahead, we have curated a list of the best skincare and make-up products that help protect your skin from the damage caused by blue light.

Skeyndor Blue Light Technology SPF50+ Ocean Respect Protective Cream, ₹3,570