We all know that blue light is everywhere these days. From our smartphones to our laptops, from our TVs to our LED bulbs, we are constantly exposed to this high-energy visible light. But what does it do to our skin? Is it good or bad? Or both? Let’s find out!
The benefits of blue light for acne
Blue light has some benefits for our skin. It can help fight acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve mood and sleep quality. Additionally, blue light therapy is a popular treatment for acne and rosacea.
It can also stimulate collagen production and prevent premature aging. Sounds great, right?
How blue light therapy works for acne
But how does blue light therapy work for acne? One of the main types of bacteria that contributes to acne is Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which can cause inflammation and infection in the skin. Blue light therapy uses a specific wavelength of blue light that has an antimicrobial effect, meaning it can kill bacteria.
Directed at the skin, blue light penetrates the pores and destroys P. acnes without harming the surrounding tissue. This reduces the number and severity of acne lesions, as well as the risk of scarring.
How to use blue light therapy for acne
Blue light therapy for acne can be done in a dermatologist’s office or at home with a portable device. The treatment usually involves exposing the affected area to blue light for a few minutes, two to three times per week, for several weeks.
The treatment is painless and has minimal side effects, such as mild redness or dryness. However, blue light therapy may not work for everyone, and it may not be enough to clear acne completely.
Some people may need to combine blue light therapy with other treatments, such as topical or oral medications.
The evidence for blue light therapy for acne
According to one study, people with acne who were treated for five weeks with blue light therapy saw improvement in 77 percent of cases. Another study found that blue light therapy combined with red light therapy (which has anti-inflammatory properties) was more effective than benzoyl peroxide (a common topical medication for acne) in reducing acne lesions.
However, more research is needed to compare the efficacy and safety of blue light therapy with other treatments and to determine the optimal parameters and protocols for this approach.
: Gold MH, Andriessen A, Biron J, Andriessen H. “Clinical Efficacy of Self-applied Blue Light Therapy for Mild-to-Moderate Facial Acne.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 9.3 (2010): 247-50.
: Lee SY, You CE, Park MY. “Blue and Red Light Combination LED Phototherapy for Acne Vulgaris in Patients with Skin Phototype IV.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 39.2 (2007): 180-8.
The drawbacks of blue light for skin health
The bad news is that blue light can also have some negative effects on our skin. It can cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, and hyperpigmentation. For example, blue light can trigger the production of melanin, which can lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone. It can also disrupt our circadian rhythm and affect our melatonin levels.
This can lead to insomnia, fatigue, and mood disorders. Not so great, huh?
How blue light causes oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is a condition where there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells) and the ability of the body to neutralize them with antioxidants (molecules that can prevent or repair cell damage). Blue light can increase the production of free radicals in the skin by activating a type of enzyme called flavin-containing oxidases (FMOs).
These enzymes produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are highly reactive forms of oxygen that can harm DNA, proteins, lipids, and other cellular components.
How blue light causes DNA damage
DNA damage is a process where the genetic material of a cell is altered or broken by various factors such as radiation, chemicals, or viruses. Blue light can cause DNA damage in two ways: directly or indirectly.
Direct DNA damage occurs when blue light photons (particles of light) hit the DNA molecules and cause breaks or mutations in the strands. Indirect DNA damage occurs when ROS generated by blue light interact with DNA molecules and cause oxidative modifications or strand breaks.
How blue light causes hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a condition where some areas of the skin become darker than normal due to an excess production of melanin (the pigment that gives color to the skin). Blue light can cause hyperpigmentation by stimulating the production of melanin in two ways: by activating melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) or by increasing the expression of genes involved in melanin synthesis.
Blue light can also trigger inflammation in the skin, which can further enhance melanin production and deposition.
How to balance the pros and cons of blue light
So, how can we balance the pros and cons of blue light? Here are some tips:
- Limit your screen time, especially before bed. Try to avoid using your devices for at least an hour before you sleep. This will help your body produce more melatonin, which is essential for your skin health and repair.
- Use blue light blocking glasses, filters, or apps to reduce your exposure to blue light from your screens. These tools can help filter out the harmful wavelengths of blue light and protect your eyes and skin.
- Apply sunscreen every day, even if you are indoors. Look for products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, as well as blue light. Some sunscreens contain ingredients like iron oxide or zinc oxide that can block blue light.
- Use antioxidants and moisturizers to nourish and repair your skin. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, green tea, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients can help neutralize free radicals, boost collagen synthesis, and hydrate your skin.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which contain natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These foods can help fight oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging.
Other conditions that may benefit from or be harmed by blue light
What about eczema? If you have eczema, you may wonder if blue light can help or harm your condition.
The answer is not clear-cut. Some studies have shown that blue light can have an anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effect on eczema lesions . It may also reduce itching and improve the skin barrier function.
However, other studies have suggested that blue light may worsen eczema symptoms by increasing oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, if you have eczema, you should consult with your dermatologist before trying blue light therapy or exposing yourself to excessive blue light.
How blue light therapy works for eczema
Blue light therapy for eczema is similar to blue light therapy for acne. By emitting a certain blue light wavelength, this treatment can help with eczema symptoms.
The blue light has anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects, which means it can lower the redness, swelling, and scaling of the skin lesions. It can also ease the itchiness and pain of eczema by triggering the production of endorphins (natural painkillers) in the brain.
These are chemicals that reduce the inflammation and discomfort caused by immune cells and cytokines (inflammatory molecules) in the skin.
How to use blue light therapy for eczema
Blue light therapy for eczema can be done in a dermatologist’s office or at home with a portable device. The treatment usually involves exposing the affected area to blue light for a few minutes, once or twice per day, for several weeks. The treatment is painless and has minimal side effects, such as mild redness or dryness.
However, blue light therapy may not work for everyone, and it may not be enough to control eczema completely. Some people may need to combine blue light therapy with other treatments, such as topical or oral medications.
The evidence for blue light therapy for eczema
According to one study, people with mild to moderate eczema who were treated with blue light therapy for four weeks saw improvement in 71 percent of cases. Another study found that blue light therapy was more effective than topical corticosteroids (a common medication for eczema) in reducing the severity of eczema lesions.
However, more research is needed to compare the efficacy and safety of blue light therapy with other treatments and to determine the optimal parameters and protocols for this approach.
: “Light Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis.” Everyday Health, 18 Dec. 2023,
https://www.everydayhealth.com/eczema/light-therapy.aspx.
: “Phototherapy for Eczema.” National Eczema Association,
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/phototherapy/.
: Kwon HJ et al. “Blue Light in Dermatology.” Life 11 (2021): 670.
https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/life/life-11-00670/article_deploy/life-11-00670-v4.pdf?version=1626697461
: Liebmann J et al. “Blue Light Irradiation Suppresses Immune Responses in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis.” PLoS One 13 (2018): e0193596.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles
Products that can help minimize blue light exposure
If you want to minimize your daily exposure to blue light even more, you may want to consider using some products that can help block or filter out blue light from your devices or environment. These three items are the top of the list in reducing blue light exposure.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you click on them and make a purchase.
- Coola Organic Sun Silk Drops With Bluescreen Destress Technology: This moisturizer is not only a sunscreen that protects your skin from UVA/UVB rays but also a blue-light shield that defends your skin from digital pollution. It has a silky texture that blends seamlessly into your skin without leaving a white cast. It also contains antioxidants and plant stem cells that nourish and repair your skin.
- Livho Blue Light Blocking Glasses: These glasses are designed to block harmful blue light and UV rays from your computer, TV, or smartphone. They can help reduce eye strain, headache, fatigue, and sleep problems caused by blue light exposure. They also have a stylish and lightweight frame that suits any face shape.
- MZOO Sleep Eye Mask: This eye mask is made of soft memory foam and breathable fabric that blocks out any light while you sleep. It has an ergonomic design that fits snugly around your eyes and nose without putting pressure on them. It also comes with a pair of earplugs and a travel pouch for convenience.
The Takeaway
Blue light is not all bad or all good for your skin. It depends on how much and when you are exposed to it.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of blue light without suffering from its drawbacks. Remember, moderation is key!
