Are Blue Lights Getting Under Your Skin
With modern technology, much of the light we see and experience has shifted completely. As humans who absorb an array of lights and colors, this can be a potential problem in more ways than one. Humans are used to absorbing natural sunlight which is a perfect combination of yellows, reds, blues, and purples. Each color spectrum contains different amounts of wavelengths our body uses to create energy. Similar to the way plants absorb sunlight to grow, humans utilize this light energy to produce hormones, support immunity, and function properly. While natural sunlight does contain blue light, man-made blue lights emitted by computer screens, TVs, smartphones, tablet screens, LED and fluorescent lighting has created an imbalance of exposure, tipping the scales.
Multiple studies conducted by Harvard showed that 3 hours of artificial blue light exposure a day not only reduced melatonin production, but also disrupted hormones, cognitive function, and damaged skin. An article published by the Shiraz University of Medical Science concluded that exposure to light emitted from electronic devices on human skin cells, even in the case of short exposures, increased oxidative stress, premature aging, as well as damaged skins surface. In time eventually interrupting skin's regenerative cycle, damaging DNA, and breaking down collagen production.
HOW TO REDUCE THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF ARTIFICIAL BLUE LIGHT
Wear blue light glasses that have yellow tinted lenses which neutralize and block out the blue light emitted from digital screens.
Practice the 20 20 20 rule by looking at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes when staring at any digital screens for long periods of time.
Use protective blue light shields or filters made for digital devices like phones and tablets. Our favorite blue light protectors are the Save Face, Blue Light Blocking IRL Filters. These filters protect your collagen and the elastin levels in your skin. They're made with 4 layers of high-quality Japanese tempered glass. Smudge -proof, crystal-clear and scratch resistant. As an added bonus they're also infused with silver ions which keep it antimicrobial aka free of germs- no break outs please.
Stop screen time 2 hours before bed to avoid blue light's impact on the body's circadian rhythm and natural melatonin production.
Use your phones "night mode" filters to automatically adjust after sunset as a means of limiting the amount of blue light being emitted as it switches to warmer colors.
Download blue light filtering applications for desktops and computers to limit the amount of blue light for individuals who still need to work after sunset.
Expose yourself to natural sunshine light during the day to help boost your ability to sleep at night, as well as lift your mood and alertness during the day.
Eat plant foods with yellow, red, orange, and green pigment. If we refer to color correcting laws, these colors cancel out the color blue and nourish the eyes by reaching the underlying structures of the retina where we process these colors. Sulforaphane glucosinolates found in cruciferous vegetables helps activate antioxidant enzymes that protect the skin from photoaging. As well as wild salmon, sweet potatoes and carrots rich in orange pigment.
Support your eyes with supplements such as Lutein and Zeaxanthin which are the only nutrients deposited specifically into the eyes to help filter harmful blue light.
Integrate antioxidants and minerals that boost collagen and combat oxidative stress such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc. The Beauty Chefs, Inner Beauty Boost contains all of the enzymes and nourishment needed to protect your skin and body from free-radical damage and cellular aging.
Use antioxidant rich skincare on your face and neck to help protect and reverse the damage artificial blue lights have on skin over time. We love Kypris Antioxidant Dew because it contains herb-derived antioxidants that challenge free radicals and nourish your skin barrier. And let's not forget Patyka Antioxidant Smoothing Cream-Universal to reduce inflammation and rejuvenate, while their smoothing creams oxygenate cells and refine skin texture.
Drinking herbal teas that protect and maintain the health of eye macula such as marigolds, turmeric, and saffron. While chamomile, valerian, and nettle help regulate sleep cycles to promote proper collagen production. Please see our Sleeping Beauty blog for more information on this.
And lastly, rest your eyes. Reduce your screen time and go outside instead to feed your macular system with all of the natural vibrant colors found in nature.
Natasha @simpleorganix
