Dangerous light: How to protect your skin from blue light radiation

In 2006, British lighting designer Mark Hansman was asked to create a refreshing, appetite-stimulating atmosphere as part of the renovation of the upscale OXO Tower restaurant, located on the South Bank of the Thames in London’s Southwark district. Hansman chose to think outside the box. Instead of the typical industry approach—using dim, warm golden lighting—he installed special bulbs and shutters in the restaurant's ceiling, flooding the space with soft blue light. He hoped this would complement the romantic design and enhance the restaurant's appearance, nothing more. But to his surprise, much more happened.

Every night, while other restaurants in the city emptied out, the OXO Tower remained bustling. The number of orders for food and drinks peaked, and the restaurant's managers noted that the busier the blue light grew, the more intense the activity became.

Hansman, who was puzzled by this phenomenon, sought an explanation. He contacted several researchers, who referred him to Professor Russell Foster, head of the School of Ophthalmology at Oxford University. Foster explained that the answer lies in a tiny area of the brain that functions like a clock. According to him, the blue light emitted by the fixtures disrupted the circadian rhythm (the body's biological clock) and “stretched the brain like a spring, causing it to activate the body's cells.”

The Harmful Impact of Blue Light from Devices

“Computer vision syndrome, caused by prolonged use of screens, results in various symptoms: fatigue, eye irritation, dryness, blurred vision, headaches, tearing, sensitivity to light, and can even lead to attention disorders due to the disrupted melatonin secretion and the strain on the eyes,” says Liora Raz, an optometrist at Opticana. “Good distance vision is not necessarily an indicator of good near vision, even among young people. Working on a computer requires precise, high-quality vision, so it is essential to be examined by an optometrist who evaluates visual performance while using a computer, including eye coordination, mild astigmatism, and focusing problems.”

Dangerous Screen: Hyperpigmentation and Accelerated Skin Aging

In a series of experiments conducted by Estée Lauder, which examined the effects of blue light on skin cells, a reaction was found. Over a decade ago, the brand stirred significant buzz around what it then called "the skin's clock genes," which were shown to distinguish between night and day. According to the company, repeated exposure to environmental stressors, including blue light, desynchronizes these genes, slowing the skin's natural repair processes that occur at night and contributing to accelerated skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and age spots.

Recent studies support the theory that blue light exposure leads to damage that manifests over the years. For instance, research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science noted that blue light disrupts the skin cells' regeneration process. Another study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology compared blue light radiation to UV radiation, revealing that the former causes more severe skin damage, including pigmentation, redness, and sensitivity.

Research findings published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity suggested that blue light exposure causes free radicals to enter the skin, leading to the destruction of collagen fibers and accelerated skin aging.

In recent years, there has been an increase in reports from dermatologists and cosmeticians regarding skin changes, likely influenced by blue light from screens. “Melasma pigmentation, which previously appeared mainly in the center of the face, now often appears on the sides of the face—on the side closest to the smartphone screen,” warns cosmetician Hava Zingboim. She adds, “Brown spots and scars from acne have also become more common on the sides of the face, areas that absorb the most blue light at close range.”

What Can Be Done?

Prioritize products enriched with ingredients proven effective in preventing blue light damage, including titanium dioxide, niacinamide, vitamins—especially C and E—and a variety of antioxidants. For example, Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Rescue Solution serum aims to reduce skin irritation and redness after exposure to external damage (harsh climates and blue light) while strengthening the skin barrier.

GIGI Laboratories offers the City Nap moisturizing mask, which contains a complex of algae and plants with antioxidant and antibacterial properties to help protect the skin from prolonged exposure to the sun and screen radiation during sleep.

The Radiant Intense cream from 417 contains a complex of ingredients, including pomegranate extract and green tea, believed to form a protective layer against blue light. Green tea is known to contain polyphenols, powerful antioxidants even stronger than vitamins C and E.

Is Blue Light from the Sun Harmful to Skin?

The Intense Barrier serum by Hava Zingboim is designed to restore the skin barrier and protect it from screen radiation, while Payot's Lisse ampoules provide express treatment with a complex of medicinal plants for internal care and Swiss pine bark for external protection from blue light. The MAHUT brand by Dr. Marina Landau includes a Camu Camu plant extract with exceptional antioxidant abilities—proven to be even more potent than vitamin C. Notably, the Sun Barrier Plus product from this line contains iron oxide and pigments that block the visible light spectrum, including blue light, offering both protection and repair.

Dr. Christian Kuechen from the University of Basel was the first to demonstrate tests indicating that the blue light emitted from flat screens has wavelengths similar to blue sky light. According to him, despite the harmful blue light emitted by artificial lighting and electronic devices, the sun remains the most significant source of blue light radiation.

"The eye cannot assess the true brightness because the pupil adjusts to it," he clarifies. “You might believe that the radiation is intense, but in fact, the light from tablets or smartphones is very weak compared to the blue light emitted by the sun.”

Dr. Kuechen also notes that, compared to the well-known dangers of ultraviolet (UV) light (skin aging and melanoma), scientists still don't fully understand the impact of blue light from the sun on the skin. "It is known to cause increased pigmentation, particularly in individuals with medium to dark skin tones, and premature aging. However, questions such as the exact level of exposure required to cause such damage remain unclear," he explains.

"The body's natural sunscreen is melanin, which is produced in cells called melanocytes. Researchers believe that it not only protects the skin but also slows down the signs of aging, which is probably why people with darker skin have fewer wrinkles," says Dr. Adewale Adamson of the University of Texas School of Medicine in Austin. "They don’t have more melanocytes than people with fair skin, but these cells produce more pigment in people with darker skin. The common understanding is that darker skin tones absorb less ultraviolet radiation compared to lighter skin tones, with an estimated difference of 50%-70%, but the exact gap is unclear due to the lack of studies examining how dark skin reacts to sunlight."

"Visible light rays (from sunlight and screens) trigger pigmentation in the skin and can cause hyperpigmentation, though not sunburn or skin cancer," says Dr. Marina Landau, a dermatologist. "When it comes to protecting the skin from sun damage or any other radiation, it’s important to protect against ultraviolet radiation (from sunlight only!) to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, but it's also recommended to shield against visible light rays to prevent hyperpigmentation."

Latest Innovations and Future Prospects

Many studies have been conducted regarding the exposure levels from household devices emitting visible light rays not originating from the sun. While results are inconclusive, it appears that for most people, the radiation levels are not high. However, for those who spend most of their day in front of screens emitting blue light, this should be taken into account. While this radiation won't cause burns or increase the risk of skin cancer, for skin prone to pigmentation, it can certainly worsen the condition."

In recent years, the cosmetics industry's approach to sun protection has seen exciting developments. Shiseido, for example, offers a BB cream with SPF50+ and Quick Dry technology, which dries sweat quickly and prevents it from running on the skin during physical activity. This product also includes SynchroShield technology, which acts like a protective shield, enhancing skin protection when exposed to water or sweat.

Garnier offers a product that combines Vitamin C with SPF50, providing sun protection as well as brightening and reducing skin spots and pigmentation. Dr. Or offers GLOW, an anti-aging mineral sunscreen with a tint, containing Blue Oleoactif—an ingredient that protects the skin from blue light damage emitted by screens. The Italian brand Neauvia offers SPF 50 RECOVERY DROPS—a multifunctional broad-spectrum protection product designed for post-cosmetic treatment skin recovery.

At the same time, there has been significant progress in the field of photobiology, the study of light's effects on tissues, sun damage, and ways to prevent it. Manufacturers have started incorporating ingredients in their products that are believed to protect against blue light.

"In recent years, more studies have been published in the medical literature about the harmful effects of blue light," says Dr. Lehavit Akerman, a dermatologist. "It's important to understand that blue light, though emitted from screens, primarily comes from the sun. One hour of sun exposure is equivalent to two weeks of screen exposure. Therefore, when protecting the skin from the sun, it is crucial to also protect it from blue light damage. The direct damage is significant oxidative stress from excessive production of free radicals and skin spots, while indirect damage affects DNA (the genetic material in cells), ultimately disrupting the immune response."

"There is currently no precise information on protection from visible light rays," clarifies Dr. Landau. "The common ingredient in sunscreens that protect against blue light is iron oxide (often listed as CI 77492 in the ingredients). Additionally, older ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are 'physical filters,' block visible rays, but their downside is that they tint the skin white."

Recently, the French dermo-cosmetics brand Avène introduced the TRIASORB, a scientific patent launched after 20 years of research by the Pierre Fabre pharmaceutical company. The manufacturer describes it as "a new sunscreen that protects the skin not only from UVB and UVA rays but also from blue light."

Hikari introduced SUNBLOCK with SPF50, which includes a filter that addresses blue light protection based on red algae. "The red algae live in the shallow waters of the ocean and are even exposed above water during low tide. To protect itself, the algae developed MAA components through evolution that allow it to minimize the damage from blue light and UVA radiation," says Or Fox, the brand's owner.

Lierac Paris boasts that its Sunissime series includes a Bread Spectrum—a high-level filtering system for the entire spectrum, combining organic filters (UVB + UVA) with a complex of active ingredients against blue light and infrared radiation.

However, not everyone is convinced about the need for protection from the blue light emitted by the sun.

"Blue light, naturally emitted from the sun, is part of the visible light spectrum. Its effects on overall health and skin health, in particular, have become an active area of research in recent years," says Dr. Monica Elman, a dermatologist and medical director at Maccabi Aesthetics. "Despite numerous innovations, there is still no official standard for blue light filters, as developing such a filter is a complex and lengthy process requiring significant investments of time, money, resources, expertise, and scientific knowledge, alongside regulatory challenges. Thus, no manufacturer can currently claim to have developed a blue light filter."

Generally, an official sunscreen standard is a system of rules and regulations intended to ensure that all products containing it are effective and safe to use, offer the required level of protection, and have methods to verify their effectiveness, as well as requirements for presenting the information on the packaging. "The responsibility for regulating sunscreen standards varies from country to country. In Israel, it is overseen by the Ministry of Health," adds Dr. Elman, emphasizing: "However, to harmonize standards and improve product safety and effectiveness, there is cooperation between various regulatory bodies based on fixed international standards like the FDA or COLIPA (the European Cosmetics Commission). While manufacturers aspire to develop new filters and provide optimal protection for the public, there’s often a gap between aspirations and reality."

Currently, there is no globally regulated standard for HEV radiation, known as blue light. Without uniform values for measuring radiation filtering and a lack of controlled and consistent requirements that all manufacturers must adhere to, it is difficult to rely on manufacturers' claims regarding their products' ability to filter blue light.

"Establishing a standard for measuring blue light protection and achieving global harmonization may take years," concludes Dr. Nurit Harel, Co-Chair of the Dr. Fischer conglomerate. She adds: "As in any field, the scientific community, academia, and industry are at the forefront of research, and only after discoveries are made do health ministries worldwide learn from them and enact them as binding regulations."

Nonetheless, at Dr. Fischer, they emphasize that in light of the understanding that blue light radiation indeed causes cumulative damage to the skin, and because this can be prevented using advanced ingredients, they chose to incorporate in the Genesis Digital Age series, along with sun filters, ingredients proven to reduce blue light damage, including the Blumilight™ complex in a high active concentration, based on an extract from rare white cocoa beans from Peru, known for its intense antioxidant activity against free radicals produced by blue light exposure.