Technology and the Skin

Recent scientific evidence suggests that High Energy Visible (HEV) light at the wavelengths that the eye perceives as blue to violet is harmful to skin. HEV light has been shown to generate the same amount of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) in the skin as those produced by UVA and UVB combined. The exact impact of this ROS burst to normal biochemical cycles that maintain healthy skin is not fully understood.

Lipo Chemicals has conducted a study analyzing the changes in the skin’s gene expression when exposed to HEV light. This study’s results indicate that HEV light may significantly affect the skin’s inflammatory cascade and its progression to healing, barrier recovery, cell cycles and melanogenesis. The results may explain the variety of previously described effects of HEV light on skin and shed new light on the understanding of what is believed to be the harmful impact that leads to accelerated skin aging. In order to maintain skin’s health the skin must be shielded from this wavelength.

What is High Energy Visible Light?
High energy visible (HEV) light is a high frequency light in the blue/violet region with wavelengths from 400 to 500 nm created from Laptops, Cell Phones, LED lights etc. While the public is highly educated regarding the dangers associated with excessive exposure to ultraviolet light in the UVA and UVB wavelengths, findings in recent years indicate that we have yet to explore the full spectrum of adverse effects related to sun exposure.

What Damage Can Be Caused By HEV Light?
Like UVA, HEV light may be another silent, long-term aging wavelength. It does not generate the immediate erythema or edema reactions triggered by UVB, but it may induce carcinogenesis and accelerated photoaging. While the effect of UVB radiation is associated with direct damage to the DNA, the cellular damage caused by HEV radiation is less direct and is associated with the generation of free radicals and the induction of oxidative stress. HEV is most likely absorbed by endogenous non-DNA chromophores in the skin, a process that leads to the generation of photo-sensitization mediators. In their photo-excited state these intermediates exert damage by directly reacting with substrate molecules, including DNA bases or molecular oxygen leading to ROS formation.

What can I do to protect my skin?
Skin by Marywynn’s new Total Age Corrector and Eye Serum both contain Liposhield which is currently the only ingredient on the market proven to protect against HEV light. This fractioned melanin compound from vegetable origin was designed to be applied topically as an environmental defense. It is designed to shield the skin from HEV light and scavenge free-radicals generated by the sources of HEV light. Layer with Skin by Marywynn’s Antioxidant Defense complex for extra free-radical protection.

References: YG Labs and GCI Magazine and Lipo Chemicals