What is Visible Light?

Visible light (400-700nm) makes up 40% of solar radiation that reaches the surface of the earth. It is damaging to the skin as it is not only able to penetrate the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis but also the deeper layer of the skin, the dermis. Here a complex cascade of reactions occurs deep within the skin inducing a pro-inflammatory response and oxidative damage which can trigger solar urticaria, actinic dermatitis, phototoxic and photo-allergic reactions in the skin.

As the name suggests it is any light that is visible to the human eye. The most damaging is from the sun. Artificial visible light from light bulbs, TVs, computers, tablets and mobile phones is of very low energy and generally not harmful to the skin.

Tips that can help with Visible Light

• Studies have shown that people with darker skin types and especially those who have multiple exposures to VL, are more prone towards pigmentation, making it darker and more permanent
• Spend less time outdoors in direct sunlight
• Wear UV protective clothing and hats and even resort to using an umbrella
• If your skin is at risk of developing pigmentation, you need to consider how much time you spend outdoors, especially in the middle of the day
• The best way to minimise damage caused by visible light is to be meticulous in your use of a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen that includes a visible light blocker

Skincare ingredients that can help with Visible Light

• Iron Oxide
• Vitamin C
• L-Ascorbic Acid
• Ferulic Acid
• Antioxidants
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Resveratrol

Skincare products that can help with Visible Light

Antioxidants are your internal bodyguards. They protect against oxidation, which occurs when molecules lose electrons – becoming unstable and known as free radicals. Antioxidants have the special ability to ‘donate’ an electron to these free radicals, thus neutralising them and protecting your DNA while combating cellular damage caused by UV rays, Infrared radiation, pollution, and lifestyle factors such as smoking – all of which generate these damaging free radicals and prematurely age the skin. We believe that topical antioxidants should be a routine staple, offering one of the safest, most effective, and easiest ways of supporting the skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• SkinCeuticals Serum 10
• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic®
• NeoStrata® Antioxidant Defense Serum
• ZO Skin Health Illuminating AOX Serum
• Endocare Radiance C Ferulic Edafence Serum
• Obagi-C Fx Clarifying Serum

Sunscreens that block visible light. Dr Webster recommends:

Tint free:

• Heliocare 360° Age Active Fluid SPF 50
• MartiDerm Active D Fluid SPF 50+
• ZO Skin Health Daily Sheer SPF 50

Tinted:

• Heliocare 360° Color Gel Oil-Free SPF 50+ (Beige)
• Colorescience Face Shield Flex (Medium)

Body:

• Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray SPF 50+
• Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50