There is so much noise surrounding the impact of sunlight on chronic hyperpigmentation, like melasma. Overlooked is the impact of artificial light in workplaces, from phone and computer screens and the resulting overkill of blue light.

Blue light is part of the natural spectrum of visible light in the range from 450–490 nm. We need blue light for our bodies to signal daytime. But if it is not balanced and occurs without the rest of the natural spectrum or we are flooded with it pre sunrise and past sunset, we create a confusion in our innate light signalling system.

Light doesn’t just make objects better visible to us. It also stimulates hormone production, for example serotonin, melatonin, estrogen, cortisol and skin pigmentation hormones. Your eyes are the entry point for light and an extension of your brain. Your brain is the organ where all your hormones and precursor hormones are made and it uses light energy to start the cascade (although the skin itself can produce hormones without help from the brain).

Here I am breaking down how artificial light contributes to melasma.

1. Visible light creates stronger and longer lasting pigmentation than UV light!

Researchers found that the entire range of visible light from violet to red (400–700 nm) creates stronger pigmentation than UVA light. The reason why light devices for skin rejuvenation are not recommended for melasma and why laser treatments can trigger its onset.

And the impact of artificial visible light might be the reason melasma won’t budge, even though you use UV filters and are mostly inside.

I truly believe that natural visible and UV light from the sun is not the problem. But when the different wavelengths of light beam on us in a split, artificial, and isolated form, we are no longer in sync with our natural rhythms, and that creates a cascade of cellular breakdown.

2. Blue light and estrogen

Estrogen is a highly recognized trigger for melasma because we know that melanocytes have receptors that are like an antenna for this sex hormone. Did you know that night shift workers are at a higher risk for estrogen related endometrial cancer? Having blue light overkill because you work under bright, artificial light all day could tip your estrogen balance as well. This doesn’t mean you are at risk of cancer but if you are working night shifts or exposed to bright light all day and beyond sunset, and you have melasma, this is a puzzle-piece to look into.

3. Blue light and aromatase

And here is why artificial light stimulates estrogen. Every cell is finely tuned to a day and night rhythm and dependant on light/dark signals. The cell’s proper function relies on a smooth 24h rhythm, also called circadian rhythm.

Too much artificial light at night for example disrupts this rhythm by keeping your sleep hormone melatonin low. This increases aromatase, the enzyme that handles the final step in creating estrogen. In other words, too much bright light during the night leads to excess estrogen.

4. Artificial light and oxidative stress

As just mentioned, blue light keeps melatonin down. Melatonin isn’t just your naturally produced sleeping pill, it is one of the strongest antioxidants on the planet. If you compromise this production, you risk oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, responsible for cell damage and inflammation, as seen in melasma.

Let’s move to strategies, because without solutions, this message can be daunting. What can we do to protect our circadian rhythm and hormone balance from blue light overload?

1. Blue light filters in screens and devices

A major contributor to blue light emission is our behaviour with modern technology. I also sit in front of screens a lot. There is a simple hack to reduce blue light emission instantly on your laptop and phone.

Go to settings, look for the Display or Brightness settings, search for the Night Shift option and set. Some devices allow you to regulate the warm/cold range. Opt for the warmest tone. If you read ebooks on your phone or tablet, you can choose sepia or dark for less brightness.

2. Incandescent light bulbs at home

Another strategy in your control is to consciously choose the lighting in your home. Choose the dimmest bulbs with the lowest wattage. Incandescent bulbs are the healthiest option, although they aren’t available globally. I use incandescent oven bulbs for many of my lamps. They have a low wattage and a warm, dim light that turns my rooms into a calm zone in the evening.

3. Blue light blocking glasses

We cannot control the lighting in work or public places. If we have to expose ourselves in these environments, then blue blocking glasses are your only option. Unless you can convince your boss for an interior overhaul.

I own a pair of glasses from Bon Charge, but also trust Ra Optics when it comes to high quality products with a neat design.

Find many more important facts about this and other environmental contributors to melasma in The Truth About Melasma.

I hope that helped.