Blue light is also included in the light of the sun and fluorescent lamps. Although they look white, they are actually made up of a mixture of various lights from blue to red, like the seven colors of the rainbow. In other words, not only light that looks blue contains blue light.

Among the visible light (visible light), blue light has the shortest wavelength and is easily scattered.
This scattering of light is also responsible for the different colors of the sky in the morning, daytime, and evening.
The daytime sky looks blue because it scatters a lot of blue light with short wavelengths.
The reason why the morning and evening sky is dyed red is because light has to pass through the layers of the atmosphere longer than during the daytime, so only the remaining colors are visible, so it looks red.

What emits blue light? ?
In addition to the light of the sun and fluorescent lamps, it is often contained in LEDs. LEDs are used not only for lighting, but also for televisions, computer displays, smartphones, and portable game consoles. There are many familiar places, and we are usually exposed to a lot of blue light.

I'm bathing in blue light right now as I'm reading this article...

Since LEDs mix only two colors of light, blue and yellow, to create white light, it seems that the ratio of blue light is higher than the light of the sun and fluorescent lights, which consist of various colors.

Like UV rays, we need some exposure to blue light to stay healthy. Strong energy visible light such as blue light has the effect of increasing concentration and awakening the body and making it active.
The distance from the light source must be taken into consideration when influencing blue light.
It is not yet clear how much and how long exposure to blue light has adverse effects. However, it is also true that the length of time we use the device and the proximity of the display to our face affect our daily lives.

The size of the effect seems to be inversely proportional to the square of the distance, so if the distance from the eyes is doubled from 20 cm to 40 cm, it can be reduced to 1/4.

●Influence on sleep By bathing in the sun's light, including blue light, the stimulus is transmitted from the eyes to the brain, and the body wakes up and becomes active.
On the other hand, it is necessary to avoid blue light at night. This is because when you are exposed to blue light at night, your brain mistakenly believes it is still daytime and stops producing melatonin, a substance that promotes sleep. As a result, it is difficult to get up and fall asleep, and the quality of sleep is reduced.

●Influence on eyestrain <br>Because blue light has a short wavelength, it is light that hits dust and moisture in the air and scatters easily. This causes the image to flicker and appear blurry, causing the eye to adjust its lens to focus. Even if you are not conscious of it, the focus adjustment function of your eyes is straining.

In addition, blue light that reaches the retina generates active oxygen that causes aging. Accumulation of damage to the retina due to this active oxygen may lead to retinal disease, and in severe cases age-related macular degeneration.

Effects on the skin <br>There are still many unknowns about the effects of blue light on the skin, but since it has properties very similar to UV A and B wave therapy, it can be used during the day when the sun is shining or when going out. But we are also at risk indoors and after the sun goes down. Continuing to bathe every day will increase the damage to the skin.

Sagging, wrinkles
Like wave A, blue light has the property of passing through the epidermis of the skin and reaching the dermis layer deep inside the skin.
The dermis layer contains "fibroblasts" that keep the skin healthy, and damage to these cells causes sagging and wrinkles to appear on the skin.

burnt smartphone
Since it is similar to B wave, it damages the epidermis in the same way and generates melanin pigment. Therefore, it is said that it causes pigmentation that darkens the skin in the same way as sunburn due to ultraviolet rays.
●Reduce the brightness of your computer or smartphone display <br>The brighter the display, the greater the influence of blue light. You can reduce the amount of blue light you are exposed to by reducing the brightness.
Use blue light reduction settings, apps, blue light cut sheets, etc.

● Refrain from using your computer or smartphone for a long time <br>Continuing to be exposed to blue light for a long time at a time leads to accumulation of damage.
As a guideline, let's try to take a break of about 15 minutes after using electronic equipment for 1 hour, as recommended by the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Avoid using it 1-2 hours before bed.

It is also a good idea to wear glasses with a blue light cut function while using a computer or smartphone.

●Use base makeup that cuts blue light <br>It is recommended to use base makeup that cuts blue light whether you are working from home or at home.
There are many products on the market, so please find one that suits your style.

We recommend Obagi's Obagi C Multi-Protect UV Emulsion.
It is a UV emulsion that performs 4 functions of milky lotion, beauty essence, sunscreen, and makeup base in one product.
Formulated with a high concentration of vitamin C, it prevents spots and leads to clear skin every time you use it.
It's an excellent cosmetic that protects not only from UV rays, but also from blue light, near-infrared rays, air pollution, and harmful substances!

In terms of dietary care, as with UV rays, consciously consume foods with strong antioxidant properties such as vitamins C and E and polyphenols.

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare "Guidelines for Occupational Health Management in VDT ​​Work", Blue Light Study Group, Shiseido