Do You Need to Worry About Blue Light? A Dermatologists Explains How it Affects Your Skin

High Energy Visible (HEV) Light, also known as blue light, has been a hot topic in skincare lately. The main source of blue light comes from the sun, but there is a small amount emitted by devices like cell phones and computer screens. But do you really need be worried about it when it comes to your skin? Can it cause premature aging and hyperpigmentation? I discuss all of that in this video.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician.

[luna]

Underrated video, explains exactly what u need in 7 minutes, no bs, no crazy jargon. Thanks

[AlwaysSummer]

Can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do a video on how long mineral sunscreen is effective on the face? This whole "apply every 2 hours" even when working at a desk (not next to a window) situation seems so extreme. Is there a way to INVESTIGATE how effective a sunscreen still is after 8 hours of normal (non-active) wear? Thank you so much!

[billyjean]

So I can keep being on my phone 24/7? 😂 happy Wednesday ❤️

[Alan-imez]

This is great! Ended up finding this video after CNET shared an article that said blue light emitted from devices can age you, which was absurd. Worst part is the studies listed in the article only mentioned 300-400 nanometers which is not visible light, and it didn’t mention how much exposure.

[tinakayman]

Thank you Dr. Ellis. Can you please do a video on the different types of acne and what works for each? I’ve been receiving treatment for hormonal acne my whole life and then just last month was told I have bacterial acne. One week on these new bacterial acne treatments and my skin has never been so clear. I’m so curious about the differences now.

[caleb-kun]

Glad you touched on the evidence for oxidative damage

[sarahherman]

I've found my pigmentation on my face has increased dramatically in the last 2 years. I've barely been in the sun due to illness and have been mostly in bed. I've spent on average 8 hours a day in very close proximity to my tablet. I had no idea until very recently that blue light could make my pigmentation worse.

[jow]

Thanks Dr. Sam. You’re awesome! Free education.

[cecilia]

Thank you so much for the great video, very informative. This deserves a million views.

[positivevibes]

Can you make a video on the different types of wrinkles that may occur on the face especially the lower half? What can be done in office such as chemical peels, lasers and such? How affective are they and what are the cost. I know injections will keep them at bay, but what about getting rid of the superficial part on the top layers first?
Thank you 😀
Thank you

[xylophone]

Thanks for making a video about blue light!

Edit: Would you consider making some videos about the following?
-How to increase hair density.
-How to reduce sebaceous filaments. Does facial steaming help?
-In-office procedures that are worth it? Microneedling?
-Foods/diet for healthy skin?

Thank you!! I’ve gone to dermatologists before but I think all my questions overwhelm them in the time they have with me and other patients. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[tracybownes]

great video ! please could you do a video on over the counter retinols as here in the u.k you have to have a prescription from a dermatologist to get a retinol and to see a derm here you have to be refured by a doctor or pay private which costs a fortune so your opinion on over the counter retinols would be great !

[imp]

please talk about blue light treatment soon! and also seborreic keratosis thank you

[deborahkoudadze]

Thank you. How do you compare adapalene 0.3 gel to tretinoin 0.025? Do you think it is good to use both by alternate them on different day to get the anti aging benefit from tretinoin and acne benefit from adapalene? Help please

[pilotjones]

Avene just released their new patent filter triasorb, first filter on the market to protect against HEV light and broadspectrum through uva 1/2.

[skandarkeynes]

Such great info! Does blue light from screens still negatively affect our eyesight? Or is that not really an issue either?

[MegsB]

Thank you for the video! Random question: Can “happy lights” that treat seasonal affective disorder potentially make melasma worse? I tried doing some research but didn’t see anything on it. I feel like maybe my melasma has darkened a touch since using, so now I’m wearing sunscreen with it just in case 👍

[jfejpyu]

I bought a blue light blocker screen protector online :) I wonder if it was just a gimmick or if it does actually block out the blue light? :)

[ljuboblajic]

Dr Ellis,
thanks for the review! For BL protection I use two products by Avene:
1. Intense Protect SPF 50 plus (in reality that is 60 plus), 150 ml, for sensitive skin, for babies and adults, fragrance free, water resistant 120 min, fluid to lotion texture, contains new filter TriAsorB (trade name) which protects against UVB, UVA and BL up to 450 nm, it is patented by Avene, Pierre Fabre, it is yellow so in formula you can see Red 33 which minimize yellow color on skin ("nude"). Premium product, but because of new filter and its bioaction it stains clothing even before washing like tinted sunscreen. Because of staining I do not use it below face and ears. It contains only four filters and it is easily removed by any oily product at night. the texture is very stable and oily and although I have some rosacea, I did not experience any problem.
2. Mineral cream SPF 50 plus, 50 ml, intolerant skin, babies and adults, fragrance free, WR 80 min, creamy texture, contains a mix of small and large particles of titanium dioxide for UVB and UVA and well as white pigmentary titanium dioxide and a mix of two iron oxides. Taken together, theoretically, large particles of titanium dioxide, pigmenatary titanium and iron oxides could provide protection against BL. The product is not oily, so the skin needs to be clean, hydrated and moisturized either at night or in the morning to minimize drying effect. It is white on application but because of iron oxides it soon becomes lightly tinted. They also have Mineral lotion 100 ml with the same formula. In terms of staining they are not very reliable, so below face and ears I use other inorganic products.
3. According to Avene, one full finger is needed for face, ears and neck (front and back). I apply sunscreen only twice a day.

[qnguyen]

Thanks so much! This was very informative! I have an odd question. I now use untinted sunscreen (md solar sciences mineral spf 50). I have tried lots of different tinted versions (sun bum, Australian gold, colorscience powder, md solar sciences tinted version) but I always get nauseous after applying the tinted version. I was thinking it is the iron oxide? I also get nauseous after taking multivitamins with iron in them. Is this something you see in your patients?