Did you know that blue light emitted from your tech devices could be aging your skin?

In the natural world, blue light plays an important role during daylight hours because it boosts attention and increases energy. But once the sun goes down, the light emitted from electronics can interfere with our body’s circadian rhythm, resulting in later nights and inadequate sleep.

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a myriad of health issues including diabetes, cancer, and immune deficiency, and it also causes signs of premature aging. Because the body’s epidermal cells regenerate and repair during deep sleep, restless nights can interfere with collagen production, leading to fine lines and sagging skin. What’s more, inadequate sleep reduces circulation around the eyes, causing dark circles and fluid retention.

The Effect of Blue Wavelengths on Skin

While turning our screens to Night Mode after sunset may seem like a simple solution to protect our sleep and save our skin, studies have shown that the negative effects of blue light extend beyond its interference with our sleep cycles.

While the use of blue light (also referred to as high energy visible or HEV light) in standard dermatological procedures for conditions like eczema and psoriasis have been deemed safe through research, blue wavelengths penetrate more deeply than UVA and UVB light, reaching the dermis layer that contains collagen and elastic. Studies on blue light indicate risks associated with prolonged HEV light exposure, such as oxidative stress that causes signs of premature aging such as hyperpigmentation and a loss of skin’s firmness.

How to Protect Your Skin from Blue Light

Fortunately, it's possible to neutralize the detrimental effects of blue light on your skin by using topical products that contain antioxidants. Unlike SPF, which creates a barrier between skin cells and UV light, antioxidants actually neutralize blue wavelengths.

The epidermis is naturally rich in vital nutrients, but free radicals from light and pollution can sap our skin of antioxidants like vitamins E and C. This is why it’s essential to use products with a high concentration of topical antioxidants — To replenish those lost by unavoidable environmental factors in our daily lives.

Our Go-To Ingredient for Radiance and Rejuvenation

When formulating my luxury, natural skincare, I searched high and low for the most nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich ingredients. Upon learning the miraculous benefits of pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, I didn’t hesitate to invest in the highest-quality extract on the market, which is derived from white pitaya grown in Israel. 

Pitaya is rich in antioxidants and UV protectors that prevent premature aging by neutralizing blue light. In addition, it contains flavonoids that protect the skin against UVA & UV light, heat, and photo oxidation. With its high levels of bioavailable vitamin C and minerals—zinc, magnesium, and potassium—pitaya prevents oxidative damage, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.

Pitaya’s Unmatched Radiance

Not only does pitaya’s abundance of antioxidants neutralize blue wavelengths, this magical fruit actually glows blue when exposed to HEV light… meaning it protects the skin while imparting a natural luminance. This phenomenon is called fluorescence, and it’s caused by the re-emission of light by a substance that has previously absorbed it. When applied to the complexion, pitaya’s fluorescent qualities immediately brighten skin, making it appear healthier and more vibrant. 

When tested in vivo for 28 days, pitaya extract yielded the following results:

• Decreased UV spots
• Decreased wrinkle count by 33% 
• Increased skin brightness by 7.5%
• Decreased TransEpidermal Water Loss by 22%

When used in our skincare, pitaya extract protects against premature aging caused by blue light and leaves the skin nourished, hydrated, and naturally radiant.

Experience the remarkable benefits of pitaya extract in the following Agent Nateur formulations:

• holi (cleanse) cleansing face oil - formulated to emulsify impurities while brightening the complexion.
• holi (water) - gently exfoliates to even skin texture, stimulates collagen production, and protects against free radical damage.
• holi (glow) - reduces hyperpigmentation and water retention while brightening skin around the eyes.

While blue wavelengths may offer the benefits of increased energy and alertness during daylight hours, it’s important to stay mindful about overexposure to the blue light emitted by our devices. Take precautions to prevent the hyperpigmentation and fine lines caused by HEV light by using skincare full of antioxidants, and boost your skin’s natural glow with a true, natural miracle: Pitaya.