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| - Last Updated on January 17, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that blue light from devices can significantly harm the skin. We did the fact check and termed this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram video, “Blue light emitted by smartphones, computers, and other digital devices can harm the skin, causing premature ageing, pigmentation, and inflammation. The video shows graphics which claim that blue light penetrates deeper, causing immediate and long-term damage.”
Fact Check
Is blue light from screens as harmful as UV light from the sun?
Not really. Blue light from devices is far less intense than sunlight. A 2019 study found that spending an entire week in front of a screen at a 30 cm distance produces the same blue light effects as just one minute of sunlight exposure.
Blue light from screens may cause oxidative stress in skin cells, which can contribute to minor ageing effects over time. However, its impact is negligible compared to the sun’s UV rays, which are far more intense and damaging.
We reached out to Dr Sachin Gupta, Consultant Dermatologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, to learn whether blue light is as harmful as UV light for the skin. He says, “No, blue light from devices is nowhere near as harmful as UV radiation. UV rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause severe damage, such as premature ageing and even skin cancer. Blue light mostly affects the skin’s surface and is unlikely to cause significant harm unless exposure is very intense and prolonged, like that from sunlight.”
On a similar note, we have seen claims that blue light from screens can increase the risk of blindness, but this is misleading.
Does blue light penetrate deeper than UV rays?
No, not really. UV rays, especially UVA, penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis (the deeper layer). This causes long-term damage like wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and skin cancer. Blue light primarily affects the epidermis (the skin’s surface layer), leading to oxidative stress and mild pigmentation.
The claim that blue light penetrates deeper than UV rays is incorrect and misleading.
Is blue light damage immediate and long-term while UV damage is delayed and short-term?
Well, this comparison is misleading. Both blue light and UV radiation can harm the skin, but their effects differ. UV radiation causes immediate damage like sunburn and delayed effects such as ageing, pigmentation, and even skin cancer. The damage accumulates over time, which is why sunscreen is vital.
Blue light, on the other hand, has a much weaker effect on the skin. Studies suggest it may contribute to mild pigmentation, especially in darker skin tones, but the effects are not immediate. Blue light requires prolonged exposure to show any noticeable impact, and the damage is far less severe than UV radiation.
Can blue light from devices cause skin ageing or pigmentation?
Not significantly. Blue light can increase melanin production, especially in darker skin tones, which may lead to mild pigmentation. However, this effect is minimal compared to UV radiation. Studies show that intense and prolonged exposure—like sunlight—is required for noticeable damage, which is unlikely from digital devices.
We spoke with Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, for his expert take on the impact of blue light on the skin. He says, “Blue light from devices can cause some oxidative stress in the skin, which may contribute to minor ageing effects over time. However, the intensity of blue light from screens is much lower than that from the sun. So, while it’s good to take precautions, like using antioxidant skincare, the risk from devices is quite small.”
Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, shared her expert insights on the effects of blue light on the skin. She states, “Prolonged exposure to blue light from screens can lead to slight pigmentation in some people, especially those with darker skin tones. However, the effects are minimal compared to UV damage. I always remind my patients to focus more on sun protection, as that is the bigger threat to skin health.”
Can blue light interfere with skin repair?
Possibly. Blue light exposure at night can disrupt melatonin production, a hormone that regulates sleep and supports skin repair. Reduced melatonin levels may slow the skin’s natural healing process. However, this effect is more related to poor sleep hygiene (using screens before bed) than direct skin damage.
On the other hand, blue light also has some therapeutic benefits for the skin. It has been shown to help treat conditions like mild psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne by reducing inflammation, controlling bacteria, and promoting skin cell healing. Additionally, blue light is used in photodynamic therapy, a treatment for certain skin disorders, including some types of skin cancer.
Should you protect your skin from blue light?
Yes, but it’s not a major concern. Antioxidant-rich skincare products, like those containing vitamin C or E, can help neutralise oxidative stress caused by blue light. Physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide also offer some protection.
To minimise exposure, reduce screen time, use blue light filters, and take regular breaks. However, these steps are more beneficial for eye health and sleep than for skin protection. More importantly, there is a bigger concern about ‘brain rot’ from the overuse of smartphones.
THIP Media Take
The claim that blue light from devices harms the skin is mostly false. While blue light from screens can cause minor oxidative stress and pigmentation, its intensity is far too low to cause significant skin damage. UV radiation from the sun poses a much greater threat to skin health. Prioritise sun protection over worrying about blue light from devices.
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