FAQs
Results. Numerous studies have shown that being exposed to blue light accelerates the aging process and produces cutaneous hyperpigmentation. It also modifies the circadian rhythm. The two main molecules that mediate cellular responses to blue light are nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species.
What effect does blue LED light have on skin? ›
Scientists believe blue light therapy may help manage acne because blue light rays help destroy the P. acnes bacterium responsible for producing acne. They may also have an anti-inflammatory effect on keratinocytes, the most common cells in the outer layer of the skin.
What does blue light detect on skin? ›
A Wood's Lamp is a blue fluorescent light that is a very useful tool used frequently in dermatology for the evaluation several diagnoses, such as: Pigmented lesions. Vitiligo. Tinea Capitis (skin fungal infection)
What happens when you are exposed to too much blue light? ›
Constant exposure to blue light over time could damage retinal cells and cause vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration. It can also contribute to cataracts, eye cancer and growths on the clear covering over the white part of the eye.
Does blue light cause age spots? ›
Blue light can cause skin hyperpigmentation, particularly in dark‐skinned people. The degree of pigmentation is more obvious than the pigmentation induced by UV rays, and the blue light‐induced pigmentation can last as long as 3 months.
How damaging is blue light to your skin? ›
Blue Light and Your Skin
Research shows blue light from electronic devices can lead to changes in your skin cells, including cell shrinkage and death. These speed up the aging process. Even exposures as short as 60 minutes can trigger these changes. Too much blue light could also lead to pigmentation.
Is blue light therapy safe for skin? ›
Blue light therapy is safe for most people, though it isn't recommended for people with photosensitivity disorders (diseases that cause sensitivity to the sun). When they're used to treat acne, blue light treatments have few side effects, though some people might notice redness or dry skin.
Does blue light age you? ›
In addition to sleep issues, blue light can also cause skin cell damage. There isn't an exact amount of blue light that is known to cause skin cell damage. However, research does show that being exposed to 12 hours a day of blue light is likely to accelerate aging, possibly even with skin cell damage.
Should I protect my skin from blue light? ›
Constant blue light exposure can cause changes like tanning, pigmentation and dullness to start with. The inflammation caused can also lead to oxidative damage which can destroy the collagen and elastic in the skin. This can cause sagging dull skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, along with open pores and dehyrdation.
What blocks blue light on skin? ›
Choose a sunscreen that contains ingredients such as zinc oxide or iron oxide. Not only will these products physically block the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, but also minimize the impact of blue light. The best sunscreen products will also be made with antioxidants, such as rosehip oil and green tea extract.
The amount of damage depends on wavelength and exposure time. Animal studies show even short exposure (a few minutes to several hours) may be harmful. A filter that cuts 94% of blue light has been shown to lessen damage. There's evidence blue light could lead to permanent vision changes.
How long do the effects of blue light last? ›
Effects of blue light and sleep
The blue light suppressed melatonin for about twice as long as the green light and shifted circadian rhythms by twice as much (3 hours vs. 1.5 hours).
Can you reverse the effects of blue light? ›
If research proves that blue light damages the retina and macula, the eye conditions that develop as a result are generally irreversible. Treatments can only delay vision impairments or improve vision to only some extent and stop these eye conditions from worsening.
What does blue light do to your teeth? ›
Your dentist will apply a whitening gel to your teeth. Then they will use a blue LED light, which activates the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide whitening gel. This helps break apart the gel faster. The resulting chemical reaction lifts stains off your teeth.
What does blue light do to your brain? ›
Exposure to blue light in the evening or at night has been shown to increase alertness and improve performance on reaction time tasks, most likely as a result of the suppression of the evening onset of melatonin, which leads to a phase delay of the circadian rhythm.
Does blue light increase wrinkles? ›
The Effects of Blue Light on Skin
Camp. However, when exposed to blue light via artificial sources, such as your phone screen, a study found that it can lead to hyperpigmentation in those with darker skin. Blue light can also contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.
What color LED light is good for your skin? ›
Red LED light therapy may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that diminishes with age. Blue LED light therapy may destroy acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes).
Can I use blue LED light everyday? ›
It's safe to use regularly; regular use is even encouraged to achieve best results.
How many minutes should I use blue light therapy? ›
❖ After you have completed your incubation time, you will then be placed under the Blue light for prescribed time determined by the physician, usually 17 minutes per area. ❖ Individual reactions to the Blue light vary.
What does blue LED light do for teeth? ›
Blue light is within the ultraviolet spectrum, similar to the light emitted by the sun. Studies show that blue light is an excellent activation agent for hydrogen peroxide, the cleaning agent in tooth whitening systems like Zoom!, giving your teeth a deeper clean in less time.