Figure 3 . Image portraying the anatomy of the human eye , images . wisegeek . com
night , the circadian rhythm aids in helping your body sleep , to improve sleep quality . 9
Blue light affects the circadian rhythm by changing the rest signals in the body . For example , at night , the body is starting to wind down to sleep . The body relies on outside cues , so when an individual opens a smart device that emits blue light during this wind-down period , the blue light sends a signal from the eye to the brain and disrupts the circadian rhythm and therefore impedes the normal sleep cycle . Acute and chronic disruptions in sleep and circadian rhythms will cause chronic fatigue , emotional disturbances , and a weakened immune system .
Preventatives of Blue Light Exposure to the Eyes , Circadian Rhythms , and Skin
Prevention of blue light exposure includes , but is not limited to limiting exposure , increasing the distance between the screen and the
person , screen protectors , blue light blockers in skin care , the yellow night filter on smart devices , and blue light filters on some glasses . Blue light blockers such as iron oxides have recently been manufactured in skin care products . A commonly used term is “ environmental blockers ” since these products protect against UV light , visible light ( especially blue light ), and environmental toxins .
Sunscreens are commonly divided into two groups : physical and chemical sunscreens . Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are physical blockers . Iron oxides found in some physical blockers protect against blue light absorption . 3 When UV light along with blue light hits the sunscreen , the physical blockers provide a barrier that reflects the radiation away from the protected area . Whereas a physical sunscreen sits on the skin , a chemical sunscreen incorporates into the skin . Some of the limitations of chemical sunscreens include the need to wait at least 15 minutes for the product to penetrate the skin for effect , the need for more frequent reapplication , and chemical reactions . This leads to consumers having to wait 10-15 minutes with the product on their skin to fully seep and dry .
Summary
The damaging effects of UV light are well known . The damaging effects of blue light are less well known but may be more or equally important on the effects of the skin , eyes , and circadian rhythms . More research needs to be done to fully elucidate this damage . We present this paper as an introduction to the importance of this issue . We hope this paper increases your awareness and interest in this evolving topic .
Figure 4 . Image portraying the different reactions of physical and chemical sunscreen when exposed to UV rays , www . beautyfrizz . com
References
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