We hate to break it to you, but the blue light that’s emitted from your laptop, phone and tablet is actually more damaging than you’d think. We already know about how it affects our sleep and the contrast in colours contributes to eye strain. Some research even suggests that it could lead to retina damage over time. But, I’m sure none of us predicted that your skin could be impacted too.

Blue light has been linked to premature skin ageing and irregular pigmentation. In fact, two in three (64%) people are unaware of the effect blue light can have on their skin, a study by Unilever has found. Scientists believe with 60% of people now spending more than six hours a day in front of a digital device, five working days a week could have the same impact on skin as spending 25 minutes in midday sun without any protection. So what exactly is it and how does it affect our skin? 

“Blue light (AKA high energy visible light, HEVL) is part of the visible light spectrum,” explains Stefanie Williams, dermatologist and medical director at Eudelo. “It’s the electromagnetic radiation that sits between ultraviolet and infrared radiation, and it consists of different colours with blue light being the closest in wavelength to UV light.”

Sounds complicated, but the most important thing to note is that blue light is emitted from electronic devices like televisions, computer screens, laptops and tablets… the list goes on. Even some fluorescent bulbs and LED lights can emit it. “And, of course, the sun emits blue light, too,” adds Williams.

While it has long been known that blue light can interfere with our circadian rhythm, Williams says that there is increasing data on the potential long-term harms of visible light, particularly blue light.

In fact, previous research discovered molecular and cellular changes in human skin cells exposed to artificial visible light, similar to the light emitted by electronic devices. “The authors concluded that that may impede normal cellular functions and contribute to premature skin ageing,” Williams explains.

So, with that in mind, brands are starting to create products to help protect skin from potential harm. Here are three of Stylist’s best rated…

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