hev (High-energy visible light), another ray to affect my skin?

Wait, a new source of aging wavelength NOT from the sun, but from my phone?

Wait, a new source of aging wavelength NOT from the sun, from my phone?

Blue light, also known as Artificial Visible Light (AVL) and High Energy Visible Light (HEVL), is the spectrum of light that is very close in wavelength to ultraviolet light. They emit from electrical devices, yes, including your phone.

The sun emits large amounts blue light, which is why the sky is blue. Digital devices, including our cell phones and computer screens also emit blue light but in smaller quantities so we don’t see it as intensely as the sky’s blue hue. But the extended periods of time and proximity to the devices can certainly affect our skin (and our eyes).

Blue light has high energy and therefore is able to penetrate deep into the skin. Like the UV rays emitted from the sun, blue light has a short wavelength. When high prolonged amounts of blue light are emitted (say from our computers and phones), it can damage deep layers of the skin and cause premature aging. These include topical color changes (brown spots and freckles), inflammation and weaken the skin’s surface.

It may be worse than UVB or UVA, affecting skin deeper where collagen, and our own hyaluronic acid or elastin resides. For some, blue light causes more redness, swelling and hyper-pigmentation than UVA. Blue light can also potentially cause damage to the lipids and proteins which hold moisture that helps repair the skin and keep impurities out.

How can I protect my skin?

Aside from the obvious, diminishing our screen time, sunscreen is a must during the day. Particularly any sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can help in blocking blue light.

But that is not always an option especially at night. Consider turning on the automatic “Night Shift Mode” on your smartphone and computer, which changes the color of your screen to warmer tones minimizing the blue light emitted. You can also adhere a physical screen protector that blocks HEV light. These are called blue light shield protectors and are placed on personal devices. Many eye glasses now offer blue light shield protection with a reflective coating, seek the support of an eye care professional.

The topic of blue light is very new and still lacks extensive scientific research. Being aware and using care against HEV can be quite beneficial to your skin, your eyesight and your sleep.