How Blue-light Affects Your Skin
January 13, 2021
How Blue-light affects skin and health and what can we do to protect against it?
What is blue-light? Blue-light, also known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light has wavelengths between 400-500nm. Blue light is found everywhere, not only just from the sun, it is found in our daily use devices such as TV monitors, computers, and smart phones that uses LEDs for illumination.
The main health concern of blue light is the light-induced damage to the retina (sensory component) of the eyes. Animal studies show that blue light can make the pigments in the retina more sensitive to oxidative damage caused by visible light. Fortunately there is evidence that light in the 470-490nm range maybe less damaging making the development of LEDs with peak emission of around 470-490nm safer for our eyes.
The association between blue-light exposure and development of age-related macular degeneration & accelerated skin-aging is relatively new.
Blue light penetrates deep into the dermin layer of the skin (deeper than UV rays) and is inevitably absorbed by anything yellow, this includes the dermis later. The more intense the yellow, the more blue light it absorbs.
Long-term exposure to blue light can cause damage to the dermis layer of the skin which can result in various skin condition including premature aging.
However, there are increasingly reports that shows that long-term exposure to blue light emitting sources may cause skin damage, through inflammation and
photo-aging, and skin tone changes.
What are some damaging effects of blue light on the skin and sleep cycle?
Some studies show that blue-light in the range of 460-480nm have a role to play in our sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). A pigment from our retina (eye sensory organ) absorbs this blue-light and sends signals to our brain to regulate this sleep-wake cycle. Studies show that exposure to blue-light increases our alertness and stimulates cognitive functions. One study even showed that exposure to blue-light at bedtime negatively affected sleep and the circadian rhythm. Blue-light may even be used to treat mood disorders, that present with sleep disorders.
This light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and occupies part of the spectrum between UVA and visible light. It is part of the light that we see from the sun. In fact, blue-light actually penetrates deeper than UVA and UVB, into the dermis layer creating free radicals that can breakdown collagen & elastin and cause inflammation to the skin.
Similar to UV light, HEV light can lead to worsening of hyper-pigmentation. These individuals usually have an underlying hyperpigmentation condition and prolonged exposure to blue-light may trigger and aggravate these darkening.
How else can blue light affect physical and mental health?
Blue-light can affect our sleep-wake cycles and may be used to treat mood disorders with sleep disorder patterns.
As we age, our eye lens opacifies and turns yellow. This reduces the transmission of blue-light into our eyes and might lead to sleep disorders. There is a report of sleep pattern improvement in patients after cataract removal. The evidence out there is controversial, making the association between aging and photo-reception of blue-light into our eyes subject to debate.
What can we do to help defense against blue-light?
The best way is to spend less time on your electronic devices – take regular breaks from looking at the computer screen for long periods of time, turn on the screen function to reduce the brightness of the white light if you plan to spend long periods on your computer.
Another way is to invest in products that helps to shield your skin from the effects of blue-light.
IDS Skincare has offered a range of products, IDS’s DermaShield range, to protect skin against blue-light, just like screen protectors to block out blue-light from phones.
IDS DermaShield Mask
This unique mask is made of 3 different layers of silk cloths to reinforce protection from blue-light. It contains one of the key ingredients, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, that helps prevent blue-light damage to our skin. This marigold extract (Calendula) is known as an anti-inflammatory and/or a wound healer. It contains lutein which filter as much as 90% of the high-energy, wavelengths of blue-light from the visible-light spectrum.
IDS DermaShield Serum
With similar ingredients as the DermaShield Mask, this gel-like lightweight serum works equally effective!
Both DermaShield Mask and Serum works like an invisible shield to protects skin from harmful effects of UV, Infra-Red, and HEV or Blue-light, as well as shields against pollution, and reducing PM 2.5 adhesions on skin. It is suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.
IDS Sunscreen – S2 Non-Tinted Sunscreen and S3 Tinted Sunscreen
Other than skincare, it is always important to put on sunscreen. IDS’s newly formulated sunscreens – S2 Non-Tinted Sunscreen and S3 Tinted Sunscreen, are additional ways to protect skin against blue-light but harmful UV rays too. With broad-spectrum SPF50 +++, mineral-based sun protection, patented pollution, blue-light protection, and an anti-oxidant enhancement, allowing each application to act as a health boost and reduce the ricochet impact on the overall condition of the skin!
For more information, visit https://jyx.shop/our-sciences-dermashield.
So how do you know if the product with blue-light protection is actually working?
A test can be easily carried out through a simple placebo-controlled experiment to measure the transmission of light (wavelengths 400-490nm) through an empty glass tube and another glass tube containing a liquid that filters off blue-light, using a light emitting device.
Other than the above, the food we consumed also help combat blue-light and improve overall skin and eye nutrition. The best advice is to have a well-balanced diet. To prevent blindness, especially night blindness, Vitamin A is important.
The richest source of vitamin A are livers (eg. beef liver and cod-liver oil).
You can also consume food that are high in Lutein and zeaxanthin.
Foods with lutein and zeaxanthin include:
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Kale
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Spinach
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Collard greens
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Turnip greens
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Corn
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Broccoli
IDS Skincare is available at IDS outlets in International Building and Novena Specialist Center and jyx.shop.
Our Team
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Dr. SK Tan
Special Interest
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Anti-Aging
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Ingredient Studies
Dr. SK Tan
- MBBS
- Diploma in Venereology (University of London)
- Diploma in Dermatology (University of Wales)
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
- Master of Business Administration
- Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD)
Qualifications
About Dr. SK Tan
Dr Tan graduated in 1971, with a Bachelors of Medicine (MB) and a Bachelors of Surgery (BS) from the University of Malaya. Dr Tan’s interest in dermatology led him to train at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London in the 1970s and he has since been focused in the field of aesthetic dermatology.
He is a member of numerous medical associations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, and the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology. Dr Tan was one of the first local doctors to be certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. His personal interest in pigmentary disorders and acne has also led him to become an International Member of the Pigmentary Disorders Society of India, the Asian Society of Pigment Cell Research, and the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS).
Dr Tan’s work has led him to be invited to speak at numerous international conferences in the US, Europe and throughout the Asia Pacific region. He is a co-editor of “Handbook of Cosmetic Microbiology”, a reference book published by Marcel Dekker, and his papers have been published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, International Journal of Dermatology, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, and Expert Review of Dermatology, and has contributed a chapter in the reference book ‘Pigmentary Disorders: A Comprehensive Compendium’.
Special Interest
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Anti-Aging
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Ingredient Studies
Dr. Ben Yim
Special Interest
- Anti-aging
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Body-Contouring
- Fat Reduction
Dr. Ben Yim
- M.B.B.S (Monash University) 1994
- Diploma Practical Dermatology (University of Wales College of Medicine) 1998
- MSc. Clinical Dermatology (University of London) 1999
- MBA (University of Chicago) 2011
- MSc Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics (Anglia Ruskin) 2018
- GDFM (NUS) 2019
Qualifications
About Dr. Ben Yim
Dr Yim graduated from Monash University in Australia with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. He has also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Dermatology from the University of London and more recently in Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics from Anglia Ruskin University in UK, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Family Physicians in National University of Singapore.
Dr Yim has been practicing aesthetic medicine in private practice since 2000. The former director of Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre has been offering a wide armamentarium of aesthetic services including Botulinum Toxins, fillers for facial enhancement, skin tightening, fractional lasers, threadlifts, and non-invasive body contouring treatments.
As a trainer for Allergan Medical Institute in Singapore, Dr Yim has been invited to speak and train for numerous aesthetic workshops and conferences including “The Advanced Facial Anatomy and Injectables Workshop”, Botulinum Toxins and Filler injectable training workshops organized by Allergan, “The Singapore Disease Conference 2008” and “1st International Conference on Healthcare Transformation 2008” and Forum for Professional Self-regulation jointly organized by the SingHealth Centre for Health Services Research and the NUS Medical Society, to name a few.
Dr Yim comes from a family of four doctors, all in private practice in family medicine. Despite the move into full-time aesthetic medicine, Dr Yim has also taken an interest in family medicine pursuing a Master degree in Medicine in Family Medicine in NUS in which he hopes to complete in 2020.
Outside of his profession, Dr Yim also actively participates in social projects such as tattoo laser removal for prison inmates and teenage delinquents. For leisure, he enjoys golf, reading, playing the piano and running – he has participated in several half-marathons.
Special Interest
- Anti-aging
- Hyper-pigmentation
- Body-Contouring
- Fat Reduction
Dr. Liz Lum YX
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
Dr. Liz Lum YX
- MBBCH BAO (Trinity College Dublin)
- Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
Qualifications
About Dr. Liz Lum YX
Dr Liz Lum YX graduated from Trinity College in Dublin with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. She has also earned a graduate diploma in aesthetic medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). Apart from these, Dr Lum has also attained certification by the Ministry of Health accredited bodies under the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetics Dermatology Education Group for various aesthetics procedures. Before joining IDS, Dr Liz Lum YX was a surgical trainee with the hand surgery department in SGH.
Jean Cocteau once said, “If there is a defect in the soul, it cannot be corrected on the face; but if there is a defect on the face and one corrects it, it can correct a soul.”
For this reason, Dr Liz Lum YX has a special interest in acne treatment that dates back to times when she had to deal with her own acne problems and breakouts. This drove her to identify the need for innovative products and treatments to treat acne problems. She strongly believes that many acne prone patients will benefit from a combination of innovative dermatological products, lasers and medications.
Dr Liz Lum YX’s other interests include injectables such as botulinum toxins, fillers and laser treatments for pigmentary disorders. Outside of her profession, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family, friends and loved ones over good meals, movies, and a cup of coffee.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
Dr. Ian Tan
Special Interest
- Acne
- Anti-Aging
- Body Contouring
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
- Hair Regrowth
- Weight Management
Dr. Ian Tan
- MBBS (Singapore)
- MRCS (Edinburgh)
- GDFM (Singapore)
- GDFP Dermatology (Singapore)
- Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine, Amercian Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
- Accredited Family Physician
- Basic Obesity Management Accreditation 2 (BOMA 2)
- Certificate Course in Andrology
Qualifications
About Dr. Ian Tan
Dr Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore and is one of the few medical doctors selected to lead the Singapore National Healthcare Group surgical residency program. He had his basic years of training in various hospital surgical specialties and he obtained Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (General Surgery) in 2013.
Through his practice, he developed a keen clinical interest in dermatological conditions and has obtained a Diploma in Dermatology (FP) from NUS. Dr Tan aims to help his patients achieve beauty through science by using appropriate skincare, aesthetic procedures and lasers. He believes his experience in surgery will complement his work in aesthetic and dermatological procedures at the IDS clinic.
A former national, Dr Tan was an avid athlete during his college days and developed him in local and regional canoe competitions. Outside of his profession, he enjoys running and going to the gym.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Anti-Aging
- Body Contouring
- Face Lifting
- Facial Slimming and Contouring
- Hair Regrowth
- Weight Management
Dr. Michelle Wong
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Focused Ultrasound Lifting
- Skin Brightening
- Cryo based Treatment
Dr. Michelle Wong
- MBBS from The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Diploma in Clinical Dermatology from Queen Mary University of London
- Diploma in Aesthetics Medicine from American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
Qualifications
About Dr. Michelle Wong
Dr Michelle Wong graduated from The University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery and Bachelors of Medical Science. She obtained her post-graduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology with Distinction from the Queen Mary University of London, and holds a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM).
In aesthetics, Dr Wong believes she has discovered her ikigai – the intersection of what she is both good at and loves doing. Her preferred tools of the trade are injectables such as Botulinum Toxins & fillers, which she wields with finesse and intuition - often achieving what her patients desire but cannot express through words. Out of passion and interest, she regularly attends conferences and workshops, eager to learn about the latest treatments and techniques to further hone her craft.
Combining the science of medicine with the art of beauty, Dr Wong provides an honest consult to help her patients achieve their skincare and beauty goals. She believes in understated elegance – a focus on a less-is-more approach - and works to enhance her patients’ natural features whilst instilling self-confidence. Her reassuring and gentle approach puts patients at ease allowing her to achieve maximum results through safe and effective procedures.
In her free time, Dr Wong enjoys taking long walks with her dog at the park. Her family praises her inner domestic goddess that can whip up an impressive variety of home-cooked meals. She is also active in church medical missions and believes in contributing back to society through her God-given gifts and talents.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Focused Ultrasound Lifting
- Skin Brightening
- Cryo based Treatment
Dr. Vivian Yong
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Enhancement
Dr. Vivian Yong
- MBBS
- GDFM
Qualifications
About Dr. Vivian Yong
Dr Vivian Yong graduated from National University of Singapore in 2006, and has an experience of more than 10 years in Aesthetics. She has also accumulated extensive surgical skills and experience from various rotations in general surgery, ophthalmology, and ENT.
Dr Vivian has always had a natural inclination towards science subjects and this led her into medicine. During her medical graduate days, she developed a keen interest in Aesthetics and Skincare, and she believes that Aesthetics is one area that allows her to help a patient achieve their ideal artistic expression based on science. While Dr Vivian is always keen to accommodate her patients’ needs, she ensures that their welfare remains the utmost priority. This is why Dr Vivian is loved by her patients for always being meticulous and attentive to details.
Dr Vivian’s eye for beauty goes beyond aesthetics. Outside the clinic, Dr Vivian loves to spend her time in leather crafting and jewelry making, transforming basics into beauty. She also loves spending her quiet time exercising in the gym or chilling at home with her loved one.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Enhancement
Dr. Sean Lim
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Enhancement
Dr. Sean Lim
- MBBS (Singapore)
- Certified Personal Trainer
Qualifications
About Dr. Sean Lim
Dr Sean is a dedicated medical professional with a diverse background in procedural disciplines and holistic care. He graduated with an MBBS degree from the National University of Singapore, earning recognition on the Dean's List for his exemplary performance in his final year Professional Examination. Fully registered with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), Dr Sean is also certified to perform aesthetic procedures by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG).
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr Sean actively engages in community service and leadership endeavours. He has contributed his medical expertise to humanitarian missions, including Naamjai Medical Missions trips to Thailand and a collaborative effort with plastic surgeons from NUH at Yangon's Defense Services General Hospital (DSGH).
Dr Sean's commitment to excellence extends beyond the medical field. As a former Singapore national athlete in pole vaulting, he has represented Singapore in numerous international competitions, earning accolades and setting records. Dr Sean’s passion for health and fitness is evident in his certification as a personal trainer and his dedication to maintaining an active lifestyle.
A proud new father, Dr Sean cherishes quality time with his family outside of work commitments, demonstrating a balanced approach to life and well-being. His belief in delivering quality care with a personal touch reflects his ethos as a compassionate healthcare provider.
Special Interest
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Fillers
- Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
- Face Lifting
- Facial Enhancement
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2023 © The IDS Clinic PTE LTD. All Right Reserved
Terms and Conditions. Privacy Policy.