Blue Light Can Damage

consider a ‘blue-light’ special

 

Most people know that outdoor UV rays can wreak havoc on skin. But did you know that the harsh fluorescent lights found in most offices can be just as damaging? Artificial lighting, also called “visible light,” emits high levels of blue light, which penetrates all the way to the dermis level—just like UVA rays. Blue light may cause free radical damage to cell membranes, which can lead to accelerated skin aging. And while sunscreen protects skin from UV rays, it does nothing to ward off the damaging effects of workday exposure to blue light.

By now, clients are surely well-protected against, or at least well-educated about, the dangers of sun damage. You can also help them shield their skin against premature aging against indoor lighting. It’s a concern that hasn’t likely crossed their mind, so use this as an opportunity to both cater to your clients and boost your skin care business. Research new products and treatments that you can prescribe to your skin-conscious clientele.

For example, Bioelements recently launched a moisturizer called Lutein Indoor Protective Day Crème to address harmful blue light with 100 percent natural lutein—a nutrient derived from the petal of the marigold flower. Lutein is a carotenoid, or organic pigment, found in dark leafy vegetables, egg yolks and carrots. Recent research published in the Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology and the International Journal of Cosmetic Science has shown that this natural ingredient provides extraordinary antioxidant protection against environmental factors including artificial indoor lighting.

The natural, yellow carotenoid pigment found in lutein absorbs and filters out potentially damaging blue light from visible light. Also, unlike sunscreen ingredients, lutein has multiple benefits because it is a highly effective antioxidant that protects the skin from indoor pollution and increases skin hydration.