“Blue light emitted from LEDs can penetrate the skin’s dermis, leading to oxidative stress and premature ageing…these high-energy wavelengths can also generate free radicals, which cause the natural collagen in our skin to break down—cue: wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and decreased skin elasticity,” explains Harper’s Bazaar. 

But, luckily for consumers, there is a solution to treating blue light damage – and it doesn’t involve giving up smartphones, computers, or tablets. Instead, frequent use of glycolic acid-based skincare products can help skin stay evenly toned and looking young, despite hours of uninterrupted screen time.

Blue light, or HEV (High Energy Visible), is the light that emits from electronic devices like cell phones, laptops, computers, tablets, and even televisions. Often maligned for disturbing sleep cycles, blue light is now being targeted by dermatologists and skincare professionals for potentially contributing to skin damage and premature aging.

“Blue light is thought to contribute to wrinkle formation and skin discoloration,” dermatologist Dr. Ainah Tan told Brydie.  “Small studies have shown that blue light from the sun contributes to melasma, hyperpigmentation of the face…the small-scale studies and anecdotes—such as worse hyperpigmentation on the side that people hold their phones—does look like blue light is a contributing factor.”

While research on blue light’s effect on the skin is ongoing and relatively new, several studies have been conducted – with bad news for device-loving consumers.

“One small, peer-reviewed study of the effects of blue light on the skin, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in 2010, found that exposing skin to the amount of blue light we get from the sun caused more pigment, redness, and swelling than when the same person’s skin was exposed to comparable levels of UVA rays,” writes Macaela Mackenzie.

“This study absolutely makes us realize that blue light produces visible skin change, including redness and pigmentation,’ says Loretta Ciraldo, a board-certified dermatologist.

While the research on blue light’s damage to the skin is concerning, consumers don’t need to despair. Glycolic acid can help treat problems like hyperpigmentation and melasma quickly and efficiently.

Hyperpigmentation is caused when the top layer of the skin is injured (i.e. through photoaging), and skin cells become damaged or inflamed. But, glycolic acid can shed off these damaged, discolored cells and drive new cell turnover fast. By softening the connective glue that holds dead, damaged skin cells together, glycolic acid quickly sweeps away damaged skin cells from the face, and helps reveal healthier, more evenly toned skin.

Additionally, glycolic acid has one more benefit for protecting the skin from signs of premature aging. Glycolic acid supports the production of collagen and elastin, two key proteins for firm skin – and two more victims of blue light.

“Scarily, blue light actually penetrates deeper than UVA/UVB rays,” explains Elle Magazine. “And Kate Bancroft, of Face The Future, highlights that ‘collagen degradation and elastin loss caused by blue light is greater than that caused by UV.’”

However, glycolic acid can combat this damage, as this hyper-effective molecule has been shown to stimulate the regeneration of collagen and elastin cells within the dermal layer of skin. Even better? Glycolic acid treatments have been shown to increase fibroblasts’ production of collagen in human skin cultures, according to the Dermatological Study. 

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Digital pollution will only worsen, and as consumers spend more time staring at screens, the negative effects on their skin will only accumulate.

Formulators can offer protection and treatment against premature aging and hyperpigmentation with glycolic acid – the present-and-future digital pollution defender.

Take advantage of our new anti-aging guide, featuring the most innovative, highest-quality ingredients in the personal care industry.