The blue light emitted by our TV screens, our tablets, our smartphones, our LED lamps ... is sneaky. While we perfectly feel the effects of UVA, UVB that burn our skin and infra-red rays that heat it, the blue light is perfectly painless. And yet! Its wavelength is between 400 and 475 nanometers approximately, against 290 to 400 for UVA and UVB. However, the longer the wavelength is, the less it is energetic but the deeper it penetrates the skin. Hence, insidious damage to our skin.
The disastrous effects of blue light on our skin
It causes oxidative stress, decreases the proliferation of fibroblasts, damages the DNA of our cells, and oxidizes their membrane. Hence accelerated aging, the appearance of wrinkles. In addition it was found that it caused stains on dark skin.
Do not panic yet: researchers know that we spend more and more time in front of our screens, (six hours per day on average!). They begin to offer us assets capable of counteracting these misdeeds.
The power of protective plants
Given the oxidation phenomena caused by blue light the best protections turn out to be logically targeted antioxidants. Among those of plant origin, we find:
- The Butterfly Tree : This Chinese plant that grows on the highlands of Sichuan targets the deleterious effects of all UV and especially blue light. These extracts are indeed rich in verbacosides and echinacoside, particularly powerful antioxidants. It also has an anti-inflammatory power, helps the little to fight against pollution and invisible toxic particles.
- Dragon's Blood : still an exotic plant, which grows in extreme conditions in South America has developed strong adaptogenic powers. These extracts are rich in anti-oxidants XXL which are obstacles to attacks of blue light. Combined with vitamins C and E and lightly reflecting blue pearls, they form a convincing shield against these bad waves.
- Walnut extract : it is also an excellent protector of the cell membrane which prevents them from oxidizing and losing their capacity for correct renewal.
- The marigold or marigold : this plant is rich in lutein, which is part of the carotenoids. Its chemical structure allows it to neutralize the harmful effects of blue light and reduces the damage caused in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, ensuring the survival of cutaneous cells. In addition it increases the hydration and elasticity of the skin and strengthens the skin barrier.
Blue light, beneficial effects in some cases
Blue light is sometimes used for its beneficial effects: it is anti-acne , heals hypertrophied scars and atopic dermatitis. However, it must be administered under medical supervision in order to deliver only a precise length of waves and at the right distance.
Beware of the Moon: a walk under its rays is a delightful romance but exposes to a maximum of blue light.
Last tip, very simple, to ward off the misdeeds of this light on our skin (and our brain!): I down to the maximum brightness of my computer screens, my tablets, my TVs and my LED lamps.
Thanks to Paul Lefeuvre Director of Research and Development of Uriage, to Savéria Coste, Dr. in Pharmacy and Founder of Garancia, Pierre-Louis Delapalme, Co President of Biologique Recherche.
