Countering the Impact of Too Much Screen Time on Skin Health: The Blue Light Solution

In the digital age, where screen time has become a significant part of our daily lives, a growing concern has emerged regarding the impact of blue light on our health and skincare. A recent study reveals that 59% of adults in Brazil express interest in formulas helping them sleep and relax, highlighting the need for solutions that counteract the effects of the digital overdose.

One such solution is CircanblueTM, a biotechnological vegan innovation developed to regulate circadian clocks and counter skin ageing induced by blue light. This vegan and probiotic origin provides an opportunity to align with consumers seeking healthy, natural beauty.

The demand for blue light skin care is growing, opening opportunities for cosmetic leaders to target blue light protection claims in new beauty and self-care formulas. One such formula is the 'Midnight Bliss', which triggers the main restorative skin processes related to circadian cycles, particularly those affected by the digital overdose. It adds a sleep-inducing neroli fragrance and other beneficial plant-based ingredients, creating a chronoprotective effect and a relaxing skin feel.

Blue light skin care acknowledges the fact that this type of light can penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB and UVA rays and has potential harmful effects on the skin, such as causing premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. It can also disrupt natural sleep-wake molecular cycles, leading to poor sleep quality and impacting overall health.

Current strategies and products addressing blue light exposure in skincare include LED light therapy devices that emit blue and red light, as well as topical products formulated to protect against blue light’s harmful effects on the skin and circadian rhythms. Blue Light LED Therapy is used in masks and devices to reduce acne-causing bacteria and soothe skin irritation, while also promoting collagen production, reducing inflammation, and improving elasticity and fine lines.

Antioxidants such as vitamin E may help counteract oxidative stress and skin barrier disruption from blue light, thereby supporting skin moisture and reducing irritation potentially linked to digital overexposure. Innovations in topical and spa products aim to protect skin from urban and digital environmental stressors, including blue light.

As of May 2020, only 2% of solar protection product launches in Europe mentioned protection against blue light, indicating a growing gap for innovative formulations to fill. CircanblueTM has shown efficacy on human keratinocytes for resynchronizing the circadian rhythm of key genes (CLOCK and CRY1) after their expression rhythm was desynchronized by blue light exposure. It also has melatonin-like in vitro efficacy, increasing the expression of the skin melatonin receptor MTR1 and providing a powerful chrono-protective effect.

In summary, current blue light skincare strategies focus heavily on combining blue light therapy to target acne and inflammation with red light for anti-aging and skin repair, supported by antioxidant-rich skincare and nutrition to mitigate oxidative damage from digital overdose. Devices with customizable light wavelengths optimize treatments for both skin clarity and aging, while topical products are evolving to address urban and blue light stress factors to support overall skin health and circadian balance. Consultation with skincare professionals is recommended before starting these treatments to ensure suitability and safety.

With an average screen time of almost 7 hours daily and a majority of people spending their time in front of a screen, the need for blue light protection in skincare is becoming increasingly important. In the USA, 50% of residents spend a majority of their time every day in front of a screen, while in France, screen time among young adults reaches an average of five hours and 33 minutes. The 'Midnight Bliss' formula containing a 2% of CircanblueTM goes a step further in night skincare routine, ensuring a chronoprotective effect and a relaxing skin feel.

Countering the Impact of Too Much Screen Time on Skin Health: The Blue Light Solution