Studies show that limiting or reducing daily exposure to the emissions of modern environmental aggressors can improve immune resilience and reduce the early onset of disease by up to 71%. In addition, blocking these emissions reduces cosmetic signs of environmental damage and chronic skin conditions.  

In developing SkinSuit™ technology, Skin Authority studied the cumulative effects of full environmental exposure. We learned some surprising facts about damaging elements more abundant than sun and potentially more hazardous to skin health. Let's examine the impact of these new light and pollution particles we encounter every day:

• Blue light from screens/LED displays;
• Infrared radiation from wireless technology/outlets/batteries;
• Thermal radiation from heat/stress; and
• Free radical stress of airborne/waterborne pollution, gases.

BLUE LIGHT from screens and LED displays

Recent clinical studies show that prolonged exposure to blue light, especially from digital devices and LED screens, have damaging effects on the skin. One key finding is that blue light penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, similar to UVA light, and is linked to photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and with long-term exposure, possibly skin cancer.

In particular, blue light exposure has been shown to induce oxidative stress, leading to increased free radicals in skin cells. This accelerates aging by breaking down collagen and elastin, key components for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. One study conducted by Chamayou-Robert et al. (2020) demonstrated that blue light induces DNA damage in normal human skin keratinocytes, increasing the potential for cellular dysfunction and premature aging.

Another study by Jo et al. (2020) found that blue light leads to visible signs of aging, such as pigmentation and wrinkles, especially when emitted by digital screens. Additionally, Avola et al. (2019) explored the use of antioxidants to counteract blue light-induced skin damage, highlighting the importance of protective measures.

While these studies confirm the harmful effects of blue light on skin over time, experts also note that short-term, low-intensity blue light exposure can have beneficial effects, such as reducing acne or inflammation. 

INFRARED RADIATION from wireless, outlets, betteries

Recent clinical studies have demonstrated several damaging effects of infrared radiation (IR) on the skin, particularly focusing on the near infrared or infrared A (IRA) spectrum (760-1440 nm). Prolonged exposure to IR has been shown to promote skin aging, oxidative stress, and the breakdown of essential skin components like collagen and elastin, more specifically:

• Photoaging and Collagen Depletion: Studies indicate that IR radiation, especially from sunlight, induces the formation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that degrade collagen, leading to skin aging similar to the effects of UV exposure. This damage manifests as wrinkles, sagging, and loss of skin elasticity. IRA penetrates deeper into the dermis compared to UV radiation, which accelerates the aging process and weakens skin structure over time.
• Oxidative Stress and Free Radical Formation: IR radiation can also increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin cells, causing oxidative damage. This contributes to inflammation, pigmentation issues, and further breakdown of skin structures. A 2015 double-blind study highlighted the effectiveness of antioxidants like vitamins C and E in counteracting this damage, suggesting that topically applied antioxidants can mitigate the harmful effects of IRA by neutralizing free radicals.
• Inflammation and Heat-Related Effects: Continuous IR exposure has been linked to inflammatory responses in the skin, exacerbating conditions like erythema (skin redness) and contributing to long-term inflammatory damage. Studies confirm that the deeper penetration of IRA causes heating in the dermal layers, leading to skin damage through thermal effects and prolonged inflammation.

While IR radiation does not cause immediate visible damage like UV light, its chronic effects contribute significantly to skin aging, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Protection strategies include the use of mineral-based sunscreens and antioxidant-rich skincare products to help neutralize these effects.

THERMAL HEAT from climate, stress, and physical activity

Thermal heat can cause damage to the skin through a variety of mechanisms. Studies show that exposure to high temperatures can disrupt skin structure, leading to protein denaturation and irreversible cellular damage. One key study by Henriques and Moritz demonstrated that sustained temperatures above 44°C (111°F) can initiate skin damage, with higher temperatures resulting in faster and more severe tissue destruction. This damage is linked to the thermal denaturation of proteins and collagen, leading to burns and delayed healing.

Thermal exposure activates heat-sensitive nociceptors, such as the TRPV1 receptors, which are involved in the perception of thermal pain and can contribute to mechanical injury from heat. When skin is exposed to excessive heat, these receptors become overstimulated, resulting in inflammatory responses and increased sensitivity to pain .

Prolonged exposure to heat can also impair the skin’s barrier function, reducing its ability to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors. Damage to the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer, further exacerbates these issues, making the skin more susceptible to infections and chronic wounds .These findings are critical in understanding the impacts of thermal exposure, not just in everyday heat-related injuries, but also in clinical settings, such as during the application of heat-based therapies.

AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution negatively impacts skin health through various mechanisms, but primarily by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupting the skin’s natural barrier function. Key pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contribute to these harmful effects:

1. Oxidative Stress: Pollutants like PM and PAHs penetrate the skin’s outer layers and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS cause oxidative stress, which damages skin cells, proteins, and lipids, accelerating photoaging, and contributing to conditions like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. A study by Li et al. (2016) confirmed the link between air pollution and increased pigmentation, particularly in areas frequently exposed to outdoor pollution.
2. Inflammation: Airborne pollutants also trigger inflammatory responses in the skin. The pollutants activate receptors such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This inflammation exacerbates skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Studies have noted that exposure to high levels of PM is associated with flare-ups of these inflammatory skin conditions.
3. Skin Barrier Dysfunction: Ozone, a common pollutant, is known to deplete essential antioxidants like vitamin E from the skin, weakening its protective barrier. This makes the skin more vulnerable to external aggressors, increasing trans-epidermal water loss and resulting in dehydration and skin sensitivity.
4. Carcinogenic Effects: Long-term exposure to certain pollutants, particularly PAHs, has been linked to increased risk of skin cancer. These chemicals can be absorbed by the skin and lead to DNA damage, raising the potential for malignant transformations in skin cells.

Air pollution accelerates skin aging, increases inflammation, and compromises the skin’s barrier function, making it more susceptible to both environmental and biological damage.

SUMMARY

New skin science shows a need for a more comprehensive approach beyond sunscreen to protection and prevention of environmental damage. We don’t see or promote blue light, infrared, or thermal heat as the sole damaging source by itself, but when added to the other sources of light all being absorbed simultaneously, the cumulative affect bears greater potential for short and long term damage to our skin, overall well-being, and mental wellness.

Skin Authority designed and markets the SkinSuit family to be protective tools targeting the combined impact of UV, blue light, infrared, and pollution particulates, not a standalone sunscreen with some antioxidants added. As a preventative measure, skin health steps have to take into account absorbing more than UV exposure and protecting outdoors. The cumulative data indicates radiation indoors is even more damaging than what happens outdoors and requires consistent daily protection indoors, too.

We invite you to "Suit-Up" in our protective environmental innovation. Learn more about the SkinSuit family of ennvironmental protection products.