In this article we take a look at some of the most important news coverage on this subject in recent months, combining this news to give you an overall picture on how the trend is shaping up.
A growing body of scientific evidence about the potential damage of blue light to the skin (and eyes!) has led to a frenzy of development activity by ingredient developers, formulators and skin care brands.
Naturex study on blue light
Earlier this year active ingredient developer Naturex announced the results of clinical trials it had conducted on its blue light ingredient Eliorelys, noting it can provide a significant reduction in DNA damage caused by this pollutant.
According to Naturex, DNA damage in human keratinocytes was reduced by up to 75% when incubated with Eliorelys.
“The results indicate that Eliorelys exerted a protective effect against blue light-induced DNA lesions,” the company says.
Eliorelys is extracted from cherry tree flowers using a patented process based on Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NaDES) technology, the company explains.
Research into screen light effects on the skin
Ingredients developer Gattefossé and biotech company CYTOO, which specialises in the development of physiologically-relevant cellular models and assays for High Content Screening (HCS), have initiated a two year long research project to determine the effects of screen exposure on the skin.
The two companies state they are working together to investigate mitochondrial modulation and how protection against the effects of artificial visible light exposure could work.
Don’t forget red light, too
Last year a guest article written by Euromonitor analyst detailed how blue light from mobile devices is forming an integral part of the anti-pollution trend, while also highlighting the lesser known peril of red light.
Here, Maria Coronado, Euromonitor ingredients analyst and doctor in chemical engineering, gives her take on how light pollution can impact on the skin, and how the industry can respond.
Recent research about skin-ageing suggests that in addition to UV radiation and air pollution, the exposure to infrared light and intense visible light from smartphones is likely to have an impact on the skin, contributing to skin pigmentation and skin ageing through oxidative stress.