The invention of blue light in LED lights used in many modern-day electronics has changed the world profoundly. Many scientists praise this new energy-efficient light source for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which are said to contribute to global warming.
The 1990s were a big decade for the advancement of artificial light. A group of Japanese scientists are credited for producing the first energy-efficient form of blue light LED that is used in almost every electronic device across the globe.
Often, scientists mimic the most notable inventions, starting in the natural world. An example of this is blue light from the sun. This naturally occurring wavelength is part of what makes up the electromagnetic light spectrum.
{mprestriction ids=”3,4,26,18,6,7,8,9,14,18″}
DAILY LED
In its purest state, blue light from the sun plays a very important role in an individual’s day-to-day life because it regulates their body’s sleep and wake cycle, otherwise known as their circadian rhythm.
Artificial sources of blue light include cellphones, computer screens, fluorescent light bulbs, and LED lights. This makes it difficult for an average human to move through their day without interacting with one or more forms of blue light.
Between home, work, and travel, technology seems to rule daily life. Often, most interactions between one another, personally and professionally, is through using one device or another.
With each leap in scientific progress positive and negative implications are seen, both on a micro and macro level. Exploring the questions that arise from the constant use of technology and its impact on individuals, relates to one of the most important organs the human body has – the skin.
The current question that keeps circulating has to do with one of the most common concerns seen in skin. Those pesky dark spots that develop with aging, pregnancy, and other hormonal changes. In addition to other risk factors, over-exposing the skin to the sun can create hyperpigmentation disorders. It is also known that blue light is an artificial form of what occurs in nature.
Is it fair to postulate that the constant use of technology that uses blue light could, in fact, over time, cause the same dark skin spots known as hyperpigmentation? The truth is that it is too early to tell. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest the answer is known yet because the technology is new, and the questions are just now being asked.
Asking the question is an important first step. Asking the right questions are critical in laying the groundwork for methodical reasoning, which is necessary in making informed decisions about personal well-being.
WHAT IS HYPERPIGMENTATION?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition, meaning excessive pigmentation. It affects people of all skin types. Though not life threatening, it tends to be a significant concern for those afflicted with the condition.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces more melanin. Pregnancy and some diseased states can attribute to what is otherwise known as melasma. Hyperpigmentation often causes patches of discoloration in the skin in the form of brown to gray-brown patches on the skin. Melasma can be caused by a variety of reasons.
The three main reasons for hyperpigmentation are hormone fluctuations, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and chronic sun exposure or photoaging. When forming an opinion on hyperpigmentation as it relates to prolonged exposure to technology, it is important to consider hyperpigmentation and its relation to sun-induced hyperpigmentation, which is cited as the number one cause for hyperpigmentation.
It also is important to point out that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs after there is damage or irritation of the skin due to inflammation. Therefore, there is an increased risk of hyperpigmentation seen with acneic skin types and may be a reason why hyperpigmentation issues arise after prolonged time spent in extreme heat environments.
MELANIN
Melanin is what dictates the color of hair, skin, and eyes. The cells in the epidermis that make this pigment are called melanocytes. Inside melanocytes are melanosomes, which produce melanin. Two different types of melanin are produced by melanosomes – eumelanin, a darker pigment and pheomelanin, a light-colored pigment. Eumelanin blocks ultraviolet photons from damaging skin. This is what puts clients with lighter skin at higher risk of sun damage, which is not to suggest that darker skin pigments are not susceptible to sun damage. They just may not see the results as quickly as lighter skin-toned individuals.
The melanocyte stimulating hormone plays an important role and is housed in the pituitary gland. From there it stimulates the melanocytes to produce melanin. With exposure to ultraviolet light, this hormone is released leading to tanning, freckles, and skin darkening. People of different skin color appear to have the same amount of melanocyte stimulating hormone.
The primary function of keratinocytes is to form a barrier assisting in protection of environmental damage by heat, ultraviolet radiation, water loss, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Keratinocytes are the primary cells in the epidermal layer of skin, comprising 90% of epidermal cells.
SCREEN TIME
The study of how different light wavelengths affect human skin cells is ongoing. Skin care professionals in the field of dermatology suggest there is reason to believe that prolonged exposure to light emissions from devices could, in fact, create skin damage resulting in loss of elastin, collagen, and other damage resulting in premature aging and hyperpigmentation.
Preventing or treating hyperpigmentation can be a complex topic when considering all of the lifestyle potentials that can attribute to hyperpigmentation; in addition to the diverse and profound ways in which human bodies function and fluctuate internally throughout different stages in the lifespan.
One thing known for certain is that a reduction of time spent on devices can result in less stress, better sleep, and less eyestrain. When it comes to technology, it is better to be safe than sorry because there are other health benefits of reducing screen time.
PROTECTING THE SKIN
There are as many, if not more options available to treat existing hyperpigmentation issues than there are combinations of causes. Treatments span from a broad range of at-home products to many professional services aimed at more rapid results.
The two main at-home preventative measures, as it relates to light exposure, tend to be antioxidants and broad-spectrum sunscreen protection. Many professional skin care lines are now combining the two and marketing them as blue light protection.
Antioxidants are said to prevent, or slow down damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules. Through what is called an oxidation process or oxidative damage, the skin molecules experience a loss of electrons. It is suggested that this process contributes to the aging process resulting in damage to skin cells. Antioxidants can act as defense agents – decreasing formation of free radicals. How well antioxidants perform this task when used topically is up for debate by medical professionals.
When it comes to sunscreen options, broad-spectrum has the highest level of protection available because the ultraviolet A protection is proportionate to the ultraviolet B protection. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin’s top layer to absorb ultraviolet rays. Mineral sunscreens, otherwise known as physical sunscreens, most often use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, non-irritating natural ingredients that are safe for children and adults alike. They do leave a slight residue behind due to its protective layer, which is preferred for outdoor protection needs.
Because it is not certain whether or not blue light from devices will have broader implications with skin cell damage or hyperpigmentation, it is left to each individual to decide what measures to take in regards to protection when it comes to indoor settings. As a professional, err on the side of caution.
It is hard to tell whether technology can increase hyperpigmentation, but as time goes on, younger people will be getting more pigmented.
When it comes to the prevention of hyperpigmentation, skin care professionals cannot forget the key ingredients for healthy skin cell structure through the form of nutrients from food sources based on both land and sea.
Skin care professionals should always function under the knowledge that prevention is key. Without proper nutrients and water ingested internally, taking measures externally is limited.
DIET
On a basic foundational level, water is critical for one’s well-being. A human body is largely made up of water, much like the earth. Replenishing the body with adequate water intake flushes out toxins, as well as free radicals. The skin’s main function is to be a protection barrier – protecting important internal organs from germs, bacteria, and virus. It performs this critical task best when it is properly hydrated. When the skin is dry and dehydrated, it is at risk of microscopic tears; therefore limiting its capability to reach its optimal potential.
The sea offers many of the nutrient-dense sources clients need for healthy skin. Fish is a powerhouse when it comes to a nutrient-dense protein option. Fatty fish contains nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, known to reduce inflammation. It is also filled with other nutrients including vitamin D, iodine, potassium, and other important minerals. The Food and Drug Administration offers a list of fish that contain lower mercury levels as a great resource when choosing which fish to implement in a regimen.
Practitioners cannot underestimate the power of nutrients coming from the sea. Edible seaweed contains a plethora of nutrients, including vitamins, antioxidants, iodine, and tyrosine.
Increasing one’s beta carotene or vitamin C intake will not only have outstanding anti-inflammatory and antiaging potentials but is also said to help reduce melanin production and for some, it may lighten and brighten the skin – think carrots and sweet potatoes.
Glutathione is an antioxidant produced in cells that plays a key role in reducing oxidative stress, as well as maintaining a balanced immune system. It is made of three molecules known as amino acids. Glutathione levels can reduce as one ages. Selenium is a co-factor to produce glutathione, which can also be found in fish, Brazilian nuts, and organ meats. Also, worth noting, sulfur is required for the synthesis of glutathione.
The micronutrients polythenols found in berries, chocolate, beans, vegetables, and nuts can also protect the bodies tissues from oxidative stress and can be found in treatment creams marketed to help with melasma.
It would be near impossible to list all the potentials of a healthy diet that would benefit each person in the way of preventing issues with hyperpigmentation. Each plant and other food option this profoundly intelligent earth has provided truly builds on the other. Skin care professionals have been given the building blocks for success.
{/mprestriction}
Leah Simon-Clarke is a licensed aesthetician and consultant. In the 20 years Simon-Clarke has spent in the industry, her success has been driven by honing her skills in customer service, service innovation, marketing, and public relations. Find Simon-Clarke thought Twitter @LeahSimonClarke or Linkedin.
