What is visible light & infrared-A?
How non-UV light causes skin damage all year round
Many of us are aware of the dangers of UV rays, but fewer people understand risks of other types of radiation, including visible and infrared-A. These lesser-known sources of light are significant contributors to skin damage all year round, penetrating deep into the skin and quietly causing long-term damage.
What is visible light (HEV) and how does it affect the skin?
Visible light, also known as high energy visible light (HEV), describes the light that can be detected by the human eye. A key component of visible light is blue light. Blue light is primarily produced by the sun (the reason the sky is blue is because the sun’s blue light scatters more widely than the other colours on the light spectrum), but it is most often associated with devices like smartphones and laptops. Blue light is also emitted from TVs and LED lights. And with studies showing that worldwide, people spend more than 6 hours a day in front of these screens1, the problem of blue light quickly becomes apparent.
Visible light has wavelengths of 380-700 nanometres2, with blue light having the shortest, most powerful wavelengths of 400-495 nanometres3. Like UVA rays, visible light penetrates deep into the skin, reaching the dermis and causing problems like inflammation, collagen and elastin breakdown4 and hyperpigmentation. Visible light doesn’t burn the skin, so its effects aren’t immediately obvious. But over time, the results of visible light exposure will become apparent in premature skin ageing, such as fine lines, uneven tone and loss of firmness.
What is infrared-A and why does it matter for skin protection?
Infrared-A (IR-A) cannot be seen, but can be felt. Infrared radiation makes up approximately 54% of solar energy, 30% of which is IR-A5, penetrating even more deeply than UV radiation. IR-A has long, low frequency wavelengths between 770-1400 nanometres, which are perceived on the skin as heat. IR-A is produced primarily by the sun, but also from heat sources like fires, heaters and saunas.
As the temperature of our skin tissue increases, problems occur within the dermis. This includes the production of free radicals, which weaken the skin’s barrier, cause collagen and elastin breakdown, and speed up skin ageing.
The solar spectrum is composed of various wavelengths, which penetrate into the skin to various depths. The longer the wavelength, the deeper the rays pentrate the skin.
Skin damage risks from visible light and infrared-A radiation
There are many risks associated with visible light and IR-A exposure, including:
- An increase in free radicals, leading to oxidative stress, premature skin ageing and DNA damage
- Excessive melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation and dark patches
- A decrease in collagen and elastin production, leading to skin sagging, loss of elasticity and the development of fine lines and wrinkles
- A weakened skin barrier function, causing discomfort and higher risk of infection
- The dilation of blood vessels near the skin’s surface (telangiectasia or spider veins), creating an uneven skin tone
- Suppressing the skin’s immune response and damaging Langerhans cells, causing deep DNA damage that is linked to skin cancer
In terms of blue light specifically, our eyes are unable to effectively filter this colour on the spectrum, and so it reaches the retina. This can cause discomfort, eye strain, blurred vision, dry eyes and headaches. Furthermore, using devices that emit blue light will impact sleep quality by suppressing melatonin production6. This may have a compounding effect on skin health, as we all know that adequate sleep is required for the skin to repair and regenerate.
How to protect your skin from visible light and infrared-A
To protect the skin from visible light and IR-A damage, a holistic and multi-layered approach is best. And a product range like HELIOCARE 360° is the ultimate choice. That’s because all HELIOCARE 360° products contain the incredible antioxidant technology, Fernblock®.
The power of Fernblock®
Fernblock® Technology harnesses the natural plant power of the Central American aquatic fern Polypodium leucotomos. Over time, P. leucotomos evolved and developed a unique protective and restorative ability against the sun’s rays, enabling it to survive on land.
Fernblock® is clinically proven to protect against the full light spectrum, including UV rays, visible light and infrared-A. It multiplies the skin’s resistance to sunburn, protecting against immediate and long-term sun damage, including sunburn, inflammation, sun allergies, photoageing and skin cancer. Fernblock® also helps other SPF filters to work more effectively7.
Fernblock® is proven to prevent the formation of DNA damage and accelerate the repair of existing damage8. This helps to halt the cumulative DNA damage of sun exposure. This incredible ingredient has also been proven to reduce pigmentation and discolouration9, protect against collagen and elastin breakdown10 and protect moisture levels.
Typical SPFs will not protect from the full spectrum of solar radiation, focusing purely on protecting against UVA and UVB rays. That’s why it’s vital to use a full-spectrum sun protection with high-level SPF (SPF50+) and PA++++, which will shield the skin from all UV radiation, visible light and infrared-A11,12.
Other important lifestyle factors in skin protection include wearing physical barriers, like wide brim hats and sunglasses, as well as limiting unnecessary screen time or utilising blue-light filters for digital devices. Staying hydrated, eating an antioxidant-rich diet and getting enough sleep will also make a big difference to your skin health.
Discover your perfect sun protection product from HELIOCARE
Protect your skin from visible light and IR-A with HELIOCARE 360°, our award-winning range of sun protection products, brought to you by Cantabria Labs. HELIOCARE 360° is clinically proven, backed by research and loved by skin experts across the globe. Discover your perfect formulation today, from our ultra-light HELIOCARE 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF50 for a mattifying finish on oily and spot-prone skin, to our family favourite HELIOCARE 360° Pediatrics Atopic Lotion Spray SPF50 for your little ones. Explore the range today and protect your skin from the full spectrum of light, every day of the year.
