Do you remember June 29th, 2007?

That date might feel sort of random, but if you look it up you may find that it was a day much like any other, but in which the world changed dramatically without us even knowing it.

June 29th, 2007 is the day that a computer company named after a fruit released a cellular telephone that was merged with a tiny personal computer you could carry in your pocket. It seemed like just another day at the time. Just another cool thing to buy, that the cool people in your circle might have. No one knew that soon these devices would become ubiquitous.

Over the course of the last 15 years the smart phone has completely redefined the way that humans communicate and interact. It has changed human language, it has altered the political landscape of every country where there are users. Since the invention of the automobile has there been an invention that has more radically changed the structure of the society around us?

The point is: we use smart phones - a lot.

And we use them in addition to a wide range of devices that emit blue light such as televisions, computer monitors, tablets, slates, whatever you want to call them. 

So what’s the deal with the accumulated light coming from all these screens? Some influencers have told us that blue light from screens is a real concern for our health. Others have suggested that the blue light craze brought on from telecommuting during quarantine is a moral panic surrounding a new technological reality.

But what’s the truth at the center of this topic? Do you really need blue light protection?

What is Blue Light?

Let’s start at the beginning.

We won’t get into light as a particle or a wave, but we will talk about the wavelengths of light that are emitted by the sun.

Wavelengths of light are measured in nanometers. On one side of the spectrum you have ultraviolet light (short wavelength), on the other side of the spectrum you have infrared light (long wavelength). Both of these types of light are invisible to the human eye, and they make up the vast majority of light that exists. 

Right in the center, between ultraviolet and infrared, is visible light. This is the light that we can see and the reflections of which define our material reality. Visible light itself is broken down into six colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and then violet.

Blue light sits directly next to violent light, which then in turn sits next to ultraviolet light.

And we’ve all heard of how dangerous ultraviolet light can be. 

So, blue light comes from the sun, but it also comes from your devices. It has proximity to some wavelengths of light that we consider dangerous, but until recently, hasn’t been singled out as individually dangerous.

Blue Light Protection: What We Know

So, we know that ultraviolet light can expose us to unwanted reactive oxygen species (ROS*) but what about blue light?

The answer is: yes, blue light exposure does increase the amount of reactive oxygen species that may be affecting you. And yes, these ROS* can diminish cell size and even lead to cell death under the right circumstances. But before you throw your smartphone into the sea, let’s unpack this idea a bit.

The fact of the matter is that you receive much more blue light from the sun than you do from your computer screen. And that’s not to say that your computer screen is harmful and that the sun is much more harmful, just that exposure to blue light from devices is negligible. 

According to a study presented by the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2019, you receive between 100 - 1000 more times blue light from the sun than you do from your device on a normal sunny day. Keep in mind as well that for the purposes of this study, the wavelengths of light were measured at 20cm from the device screen, which equates to around 8.5 inches. While you may hold your phone that close to your face, it’s difficult to imagine your laptop monitor or television screen that close, even though a wide variety of device screens were tested for the study.

Protecting Yourself From Blue Light

Now, some skin care lines may in fact carry a blue light serum or a blue light cream. 

However, it’s important to understand that these products are designed to address concerns brought about by exposure to blue light emanating from the sun. While considerable research has gone into the study of ultraviolet light, not nearly as much research has been done on blue light and the jury is still out on whether it represents a unique concern outside of UV protection.

Meanwhile, attempts to market blue light protection for screens skincare has been met with ridicule and accusations of charlatanism. This has resulted in at least one high profile launch being canceled.

So how can you make sure that you are protecting yourself from blue light from the sun?

Well, the good news is that if you are following the Skin Actives Way, you probably already are! 

Dermatologists suggest that normal precautions taken against the build-up of ROS* will protect you just as much from blue light as from UV light or environmental pollution. So, you’re doing great, Skin Actives Family! 

Things you can do:

• Keep on wearing sunscreen whether you are going out on a sunny day, or staying in and working at your computer.
• Limit your exposure to direct sunlight over the course of the day.
• Apply an antioxidant rich serum or cream to help scour free radicals in your skin and protect against ROS* in your environment while rolling back damage at the same time.

It’s just that easy!

And to make things even easier, Skin Actives has a special, limited edition drop just for you this weekend. Read on: 

Limited Edition Antioxidant Serum + EGF

Skin Actives Scientific is proud to announce, for a limited time only, we’ve added epidermal growth factor to our high nutrient density Antioxidant Serum.

This is the ultimate expression of anti-aging and antioxidant power in one bottle. 

Reignite dormant cell growth and division while purging reactive oxygen species from your skin. 

This limited edition drop is here for a short time only. Get one while they are hot!