Does Blue Light Damage the Skin?

What is blue light?

Blue light (between 380 nm and 550 nm) is part of the visible light spectrum perceived by the human eye, unlike the invisible spectrum, which mainly consists of ultraviolet rays, known for their harmful effects on the skin when adequate sun protection is not used.

Two types of blue light coexist:

• Blue turquoise light
  Naturally emitted by the sun, it plays a key role by stimulating the release of hormones in the brain that promote wakefulness and renewed energy. It regulates our biological clock and improves concentration, attention, memory, and mood.
• Blue violet light
  This artificial light comes from various sources such as smartphone and computer screens. It is also widely present in urban environments through low-energy lighting and LED systems.

The effects of blue light on the skin

When exposure is moderate, blue light can have beneficial effects. It supports the body’s regeneration processes and promotes healing through an antimicrobial action that is particularly interesting in the treatment of acne or localized fungal conditions. This specific action lies at the heart of our new OCEAN TECH treatment protocols, combining manual techniques with advanced technologies for deep cellular renewal.

However, overexposure to blue light, especially artificial light emitted by screens, is not without consequences. It stimulates the production of free radicals and triggers oxidative stress in the skin. This negative impact is one of the main causes of early signs of aging: dull complexion, pigmentation spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Oxidation is not caused by blue light alone; it is also linked to smoking, air pollution, and UV exposure.

Although blue light wavelengths are shorter than ultraviolet rays, their high energy concentration allows them to penetrate deeper into the layers of the epidermis. Blue light degrades the structure of keratinocytes and slows down the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for skin firmness and elasticity. Its oxidative effect is progressive, gradually weakening the skin, impairing its ability to heal and regenerate itself, and leading to the appearance of pigment spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.

More than just a saying, prevention is the key to maintaining healthy skin, protecting it from solar and urban aggressions, and preventing premature signs of aging.

How to prevent the effects of blue light

To sustainably preserve youthful skin and counteract the oxidative effects of blue light, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle:

• Establish habits that respect the natural day and night rhythm to avoid melatonin deficiency.
  
• Choose a varied, balanced diet rich in antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables, or consider targeted supplements such as omega-3, zinc, or iron.
  
• Protect the skin from urban and atmospheric pollution and sun exposure with suitable skincare products such as our OCEAN DEFENSE range.

Why is it important to protect yourself from blue light?

Overexposure to blue light can affect sleep quality. When the eye perceives blue light at night, melatonin secretion is reduced or even completely inhibited, disrupting the natural sleep cycle and creating deficiencies.

From a health perspective, studies on screen exposure show that prolonged use without caution has consequences. It causes eye strain, damages the retina, and increases the risk of eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

With blue light, moderation is essential. Excessive exposure puts the body under strain, and when it can no longer defend itself effectively, the first signs of premature skin aging begin to appear.

Alongside ultraviolet rays and atmospheric and urban pollution, blue light represents the third major threat to the skin, regardless of skin type. In addition to damaging eyesight and disrupting sleep cycles, it makes the skin more vulnerable to external aggressions. Urban environments often combine all three threats, making protection essential.

Good habits to adopt against blue light

To protect both health and skin from external aggressions, adopting the right habits is key. They are built around three essential pillars: moderate exposure to blue light and sunlight, a balanced diet, and appropriate skincare.

To limit daily exposure, protect your skin from the sun, reduce screen time, and wear blue light filtering glasses. These glasses are fitted with special lenses that filter blue light to protect the eyes. Another tip is to adjust smartphone screen settings to reduce artificial blue light emission. You can also avoid holding screens too close, turn them off at least 45 minutes before bedtime to ensure quality sleep, and lower screen brightness when using devices in dark environments.

A healthy, balanced diet also plays a role in preserving youthful, beautiful skin. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E help combat oxidative stress and support cellular renewal.

Rethinking daily habits is a first step toward preventing premature aging, dark spots, and other signs of aging. In addition, adopting a complete skincare routine with cleansing and exfoliating effects helps purify the skin and allow it to breathe after a long day. To reduce or counteract the effects of blue light, pollution, and UV rays, it is essential to protect the skin from the morning onward, support it during the day with an appropriate serum, and help it regenerate at night with a richer, more nourishing treatment. Daily use of sun protection is strongly recommended.

Our OCEAN DEFENSE cosmetic range is a facial beauty protocol rich in targeted actives suitable for all skin types: a lightweight gel for the morning, a protective serum for daytime use, and a nourishing night cream. This high-performance routine places four marine and dermocosmetic actives at the heart of a 3-in-1 skincare ritual designed to fight signs of aging and act as a protective shield for long-lasting urban beauty:

• Blue spirulina, extracted from Spirulina Platensis algae and rich in phycocyanin, provides powerful antioxidant properties that help repair the skin and reduce visible signs of aging.
  
• Seawater from the Iroise Sea, rich in calcium and magnesium, soothes and strengthens the skin barrier, forming a protective filter against oxidative factors and reducing redness.
  
• Pollustop®, a dermocosmetic active born from biotechnological innovation, creates a protective layer on the skin’s surface to block harmful microparticles.
  
• Citystem acts effectively and sustainably against atmospheric and light pollution by repairing and regenerating skin cells.

Urban environments and intense sunlight put the skin to the test. Our active treatments work in synergy to protect cells through a powerful shield effect. The ultra-sensorial textures of this facial range (gel, serum, cream) support the skin over 24 hours with a high-performance cosmetic protocol dedicated to protection and cellular renewal.

Urban Detox Night Cream – 50 ml – €55
Urban [Flash] Mask – 5 x 15 ml – €59