Beauty Trends

Blue light| friend or foe?

12 July 2019




While on the one hand there are more and more products dedicated to counteract the harmful effects of blue light; currently there are also devices that use this portion of visible light to our advantage.

Blue light is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is part of visible radiation. Everyday we are exposed to blue light through sun exposure, light bulbs, and electronic devices; and the later are increasing in our routines.

Recent studies suggest that prolonged exposure to blue light can promote skin inflammation and cellular damage, contributing for example to pigmentary changes such as the appearance of dark spots. These effects help give the skin a more aged look, especially when the blue light exposure is associated with UV radiation, pollution, tobacco, and other aggressors.

Paradoxically, there are also some studies which have shown that blue light has antimicrobial action and it's a promoter of wound healing. Therefore, these effects can be interesting for acneic skincare products or to promote skin regeneration.

Having that said, is blue light beneficial or malevolent to us?

 

Anti-blue light

These products protect the skin from daily and prolonged exposure to blue light, providing a preventive action on development from the signs of age.

The Urban Force serum-on-top from the Martiderm (1) is a product with serum texture that is applied at the end of the skincare routine; providing an anti-pollution and anti-radiation protection. The Spectrum complex present in the formulation combines sunscreens and cocoa extract; providing an SPF20 and a blue light protection.

On the other hand, the Age Protect range from Uriage (2) has the BLB patent (blue light barrier) in all its products, as well as vitamins A, C, E and exfoliating acids. This way you can obtain a global action to combat the signs of age.

Thinking especially of melasma, which seems to worsen significantly after exposure to blue light; Bioderma developed  Photoderm M (3.). This sunscreen has SPF 50+ and UVA 38 associated with iron oxide; a pigment that is able to absorb the blue light selectively. Therefore, this sunscreen has an orange tone that blends with the skin.

The Advanced Night Repair serum (4.) is one of the most iconic products from Estée Lauder; and it also has a protective action against blue light. Although it is a night serum, this product may be of interest to protect the skin from the radiation emitted by mobile devices.

 

Pro-blue light

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Unlike the previous ones, these product use and intense but short and sometimes localized exposure to blue light; taking advantage of its benefits without exacerbating its potentially harmful effects.

Carita has developed the My C.L.E. (1) in order to provide a global anti-ageing care. This device combines the power of micro-correntes with LEDs that are able to emit light at different wavelengths, including blue light; thus providing a personalized and differentiated ritual to diffrent concerns.

For those who have localized pimples; Foreo developed Espada (2.). This device emits focused blue light and T-Sonic pulses; allowing to neutralize acne-causing bacteria and minimize the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Foreo also has UFO (3.), which combines heat, cold, T-Sonic pulses and light; providing a customizable and diverse routine. Also here, blue light aims to provide an anti-microbial action.

For a global care of inflammatory acne, Neutrogena launched the Visibly Clear mask (4) which has been shown to reduce the number of acneic lesions, promote the healing of damaged skin and provide a global homogeneity for the complexion.