UVA, UVB... and Blue Light Radiation?

July 31, 2019

While the sun may be beneficial to us as a source of energy, Vitamin D and endorphin stimulation, overexposure to the sun and visible light may bring about a plethora of other problems for us; including skin burns, photoaging, hyperpigmentation and skin disorders (such as skin cancer!)

Overexposure to the sun and visible light is responsible for 90% of premature skin ageing. This is due to the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun and absorbed by our skin.

What is Ultraviolet Radiation?

UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun. It has wavelengths shorter than visible light, making it invisible to the naked eye.

UVA

UVA rays account for up to 95% of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Although they are less intense than UVB, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent. They are present throughout the day and can penetrate through glass.

UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging).

UVB

UVB is the main cause of skin reddening and sunburn. UVB rays tend to damage our skin's more superficial epidermal layers. It plays a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photoaging. Its intensity varies by season, location, and time of day. 

EXPLORE OUR ORGANIC SUNCARE NOW!

To find out more about the full Ultraviolet Index, and to see the latest UV Index forecast and breakdown for Singapore, click here!

We've heard time and time again about the damaging effects of the sun; specifically the damage caused by UVA and UVB rays. But what about blue light?

Blue Light

Visible light, or blue light, is capable of inducing intracellular oxidative stress and triggering toxic effects within our skin cells. Blue light emits the strongest energy in the visible spectrum.

Recent studies have shown that the blue light emitted by artificial light sources such as blue light lamps, LEDs, computer screens and smartphones manage to penetrate down to the hypodermis, thus causing skin hyperpigmentation. It also generates a 50% increase in free radicals and oxidative stress that can accelerate skin ageing.

Although blue light may not be as prevalent as UVA or UVB rays, blue light is still able to penetrate much further than UVA and UVB rays, damaging the deeper layers of our skin.

How can we defend ourselves against blue light?

Visiblue Screen Complex®

Bema's Blue Defence range is created using Visiblue Screen Complex®; an exclusive complex of new-generation active ingredients developed in the Bema Cosmetics Research Laboratories. Visiblue Screen Complex® is able to shield the skin from harmful blue light rays that come from the sun and electronic devices.

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