CAPUCINE MARTIN-PHIPPS¹*, ALAIN MAVON², CHRISTINA OSTERLUND², LENE VISDAL-JOHNSEN², SOPHIE GOVZMAN¹
*Corresponding author
1. Oriflame Research and Development, Bray, Ireland
2. Oriflame Skin Research Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract

Information on blue light (BL) is conflicting. Here, we expose scientific evidence on BL’s biological effects. To date, standard screen-emitted BL has not been proven to cause direct skin damage in real life. However, sun-emitted BL, also called high-energy visible light (HEV), generates oxidative stress in skin, as do all other radiations of the spectrum – ultraviolet, visible light, near infrared. BL also is pro-pigmenting in individuals of darker skin (phototypes III to VI), and may cause direct damage to eyes. Extensive exposure to BL/HEV – in length or intensity – can disrupt our internal clock, with major consequences on mental and physical health. Which indirectly affect skin. A holistic approach to BL/HEV, and protecting from its confirmed and potential damages is key.

You can’t escape it: the talk about blue light (BL) is everywhere. Especially since Covid-19 pandemic forced a great portion of the global population into lockdown. For many, professional and personal lives became even more dependent on digital displays: working in front of a screen, often without the appropriate ergonomic of a workplace, and then spending time on phones, TV or tablets to either watch the news, entertain or socialise. Made even more aware of this fact by media and industry alike, people started researching the effects of BL on their health: global Google Trends research for “blue light” has more than doubled between March and September 2020 (1). 

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT BLUE LIGHT?

So, what do beauty consumers know about BL from those online searches? Well, information available is conflicting. Even within the cosmetics industry. First because, to date, BL’s harm to skin is mainly studied in vitro, directly on cells. This is understandable, given the challenge to investigate in vivo such a complex environmental factor.