What is HEV light?
HEV, or High Energy Visible light, is a form of visible light that surrounds us constantly—indoors and out. Though it’s part of the natural light spectrum, scientists have only recently begun to understand its impact on the skin.
Understanding the Sunlight Spectrum
Sunlight is made up of three types of light: ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared. Roughly half of the sun’s radiation falls into the visible light category—what we perceive as the colors of the rainbow. UV and infrared light are invisible to the naked eye.
Most people are familiar with UV rays and their harmful effects, such as skin aging and increased risk of cancer. But visible light—especially the blue-violet range known as HEV—can also penetrate deeply into the skin and influence skin health.
HEV Light Exposure in Daily Life
HEV light isn’t just from the sun—it’s emitted by everyday devices, including:
- Smartphones, tablets, and computers
- LED, fluorescent, and halogen lights
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Televisions and e-readers
That means we’re exposed to HEV light during much of the day and even into the night, especially when using digital screens or artificial lighting.
How Does HEV Light Differ from UV in Skin Impact?
While UVB rays affect the outermost layer of the skin and are responsible for sunburns, UVA and HEV light reach deeper into the dermis, with some research suggesting HEV may go as far as the hypodermis.
HEV light contributes to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and oxidative stress, and may disrupt natural skin functions, such as healing and melanin regulation.
Common Sources of HEV (Blue) Light
- Natural sunlight
- Digital screens: phones, tablets, laptops, TVs
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Indoor lighting: LED, fluorescent, incandescent, halogen
Potential Health Effects of Overexposure to HEV Light
- Disrupted circadian rhythms, leading to sleep problems
- Premature signs of aging: fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots
- Higher risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes
- Elevated risk of depression
- Eye strain and retinal damage, including macular degeneration
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Digital eye strain symptoms: dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, neck/back discomfort
Is Blue Light Entirely Harmful?
Not at all. Controlled exposure to natural blue light—especially during the day—can boost alertness, improve mood, and help regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). It may even enhance memory and concentration.
How to Protect Your Skin from HEV Damage
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, including protection from UVA, UVB, and HEV light.
- Apply antioxidants like Vitamin C, E, or green tea extract to neutralize free radicals.
- Incorporate repair-focused skincare, such as products with niacinamide or peptides.
Maintain a diet high in antioxidants, including berries, leafy greens, and omega-3-rich foods.
What products do we recommend to shield your skin from HEV damage?
- SkinMedica Lumivive System – This unique system, rich in antioxidants and active ingredients, helps detoxify the skin, recharges the skin’s ability to repair itself, defends your skin against blue light, pollution and environmental aggressors and helps restore a glowing and youthful appearance to your skin.
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Revision Skincare Intellishade Original, Matte and Intellishade TruPhysical – Tinted moisturizer packed with antioxidants, peptides, broad-spectrum protection against UVA rays, UVB rays, Infrared rays and blue light (HEV light).
What skin treatments do we recommend for HEV damage?
We suggest Chemical Peels, FotoFacials IPLs, Rejuvapen Microneedling and PRP Facial with SkinBooster. Chemical Peels can exfoliate dead cells, improve fine lines and wrinkles, and improve texture and pigmentation. FotoFacial IPL can reduce red and brown spots, minimize pore size, and stimulate collagen production. Rejuvapen Microneedling helps tighten the skin, minimize pore size, improve the appearance of the skin and boost collagen production. PRP Facial can boost collagen production, tighten, improve pigmentation, texture, and tone.
