Solar pollution, or light pollution, is emitted from all sources of light. The sun is the greatest source of light, and thus light pollution, and as shown in the spectrum below, the sun produces both ultraviolet (UV) light and visible light. UV light exposure is known to cause skin damage, including burning, signs of photoaging, and even some skin cancers. However, recent research has revealed that visible light brings its own unique dangers.
Visible light is light that can be seen with the naked eye and often appears as colors that range from long-wavelength reds to short-wavelength blues and purples. These shorter wavelength blue and purple lights are on the upper end of the energy spectrum, where they border the higher energy, invisible UV range of light. This particular portion of visible light is known as High-Energy Visible (HEV) light.
HEV light makes up one-third of all visible light, and it is considered to be damaging to skin. Also known as blue light, HEV light is problematic for a few reasons. First, it is emitted from digital screens, such as smartphones, computer screens, and LED televisions, and the close proximity of users to the source of the light (versus our large distance from the sun) has scientists concerned about acute skin damage. Second, HEV light is harmful because it penetrates more deeply into the skin than UV light.
Specifically, HEV light causes inflammation and damage to skin cells called melanocytes, which are cells that produce the skin’s pigment. As a result of this damage, the melanocytes malfunction and produce age spots and other skin discolorations. This damage is on top of other signs of photoaging linked to HEV light, including wrinkles, sagging, rough texture, and dryness.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect the skin from damage caused by HEV light. Just as broad-spectrum sunscreens will specifically protect skin from UVA and UVB radiation, certain products and ingredients can protect skin from HEV light. Two particularly powerful ingredients that offer this protection are Chromabright® and the Winter Cherry extract.
Chromabright® is a state-of-the-art ingredient that serves several functions. First, Chromabright® has been proven to inhibit the excess production of melanin, or pigmentation, by blocking the action of an enzyme critical to the synthesis of melanin. Therefore, melanocytes damaged by HEV light will be disabled before they produce age spots or other discoloration. In addition, this ingredient prevents damage from the light in the first place by absorbing the high-energy wavelengths. Finally, in-vivo studies have shown that Chromabright® can also brighten skin that has already been over-pigmented due to HEV light exposure.
Several products offered by CosMedical Technologies feature the exclusive capabilities of Chromabright®. One product is known as Ultra Benefits®, which is a firming and brightening moisturizer. Similar to Ultra Benefits® is the Ultra Benefits® Eye Gel, which is a hydrating gel designed specifically to illuminate the area around the eyes. Another feature-specific product is Lip Benefits®, which acts as an anti-aging lip plumper.
A different ingredient option for protecting against HEV light damage is the Winter Cherry extract. Known more formally as Withania Somnifera, the Winter Cherry extract is a unique botanical solution to preventing HEV light damage. This ingredient absorbs the harmful light before it has a chance to penetrate the skin surface. As a result, the undamaged melanocytes are left to their normal production of melanin, and no unusual pigmentation occurs.
CosMedical Technologies offers two products that utilize the power of the Winter Cherry extract. The first is Ultra Replenishing Sunscreen SPF 40, which is a broad-spectrum SPF product with dual UV and HEV light protection. The second product containing the Winter Cherry extract is the Restorative Body Conditioner. This distinctive moisturizer is specially designed to target the vulnerable areas of the body, including the arms, hands, neck and chest, to offer protection from damaging HEV light.
All in all, HEV light is a serious threat to skin health, thanks to the long and penetrating wavelengths of blue light. However, CosMedical Technologies has harnessed the power of two unusual ingredients, Chromabright® and the Winter Cherry extract, to combat these dangers. Presented in a variety of products, these ingredients serve to protect against signs of photoaging caused by exposure to HEV light, including skin discoloration and age spots. For more information on these protective products, contact CosMedical Technologies today.
