The impact of blue light and digital screens on the skin

• Published in: Journal of cosmetic dermatology Vol. 22; no. 4; pp. 1185 - 1190
• Main Authors: Kumari, Jyoti, Das, Kinnor, Babaei, Mahsa, Rokni, Ghasem Rahmatpour, Goldust, Mohamad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.04.2023
• Subjects: blue light; Circadian rhythm; Circadian Rhythm - physiology; dermatology; digital screens; Hair; Hemoglobin; Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Kinases; Light; Lighting; Melatonin; Portable computers; Proteins; Radiation; Reactive Oxygen Species; Skin; skin; blue light; digital screens; dermatology
• ISSN: 1473-2130; 1473-2165; 1473-2165
• DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15576

Introduction The skin is frequently subjected to a variety of environmental trauma and stress. It is unavoidably subjected to blue light due to the increased use of electronic equipment, including indoor lighting and digital gadgets like smartphones and laptops, which have a range of detrimental effects. The method of action and numerous harmful consequences of blue light on the skin are the main subjects of this review. Materials and Methods A literature search has been performed using PubMed, GoogleScholar and EmBase databases and an updated review on the topic has been presented. Results Numerous studies have shown that being exposed to blue light accelerates the aging process and produces cutaneous hyperpigmentation. It also modifies the circadian rhythm. The two main molecules that mediate cellular responses to blue light are nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species. However, the precise process is still not fully known. Conclusion These negative consequences may eventually cause more general skin damage, which may hasten the aging process. At times, skin protection may be crucial for protection against blue light.