For centuries, the scientifi c community believed that Ultra Violet (UV) light was the main component of the solar radiation that was responsible for cutaneous pigmentation and photo-aging. However, recent fi ndings have shown that Blue Light, or High Energy Visible (HEV) Light do have signifi cant pigmenting and skin aging effect.

Blue Light corresponds to the segment of the solar radiation between 400nm and 500nm and is well known for its detrimental impact on the eye retina leading to macular degeneration. However, the effect of Blue Light on the skin is more and more studied due to the opportunity that it offers to the cosmetic industry.

Blue Light occurs both naturally, by solar irradiation and artifi cially, through the various electronic devices containing LED such as smartphones, tablets, computers, tv screens, etc… Even though the amount of Blue Light emitted from these electronic devices are negligible as compared to the solar radiated Blue Light, our 24/7 connected lifestyles may increase the possibility of artifi cial light affecting the skin. An important characteristic of Blue Light is its penetrative power. As opposed to UV irradiation which mainly reaches the epidermis and the upper dermis, Blue Light, penetrates deeper in the skin and may reach the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. It then induces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in these deeper structures, leading to the destruction of the collagen and elastin as well as the depletion of natural anti-oxidants.

Until now, most solar protection products contain mainly fi lters to block UVA and UVB. But they still claim to be “full spectrum” or “broad spectrum”. Most of these products have not been tested for their effi cacy in blocking Blue Light. Hence the main question that arises is whether we need to add specifi c fi lters or actives to sunscreens or anti-aging products to prevent Blue Light from affecting the skin? Indeed, many cosmetic companies are already marketing cosmetics with the Blue Light protection claim.

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