DON'T STAY IN THE DARK

Illuminating the Power of Light and Circadian Biology for Skin Health and Treatment Results

By Pia Kynoch - Global Education Ambassador for Scientific Esthetics Symposium

In the world of beauty and skin care, it is easy to stay at symptomatic surface-level solutions—moisturisers, serums, advanced facials, and the latest in rejuvenating technologies can absolutely support skin yet imagine if you could easily tap into a resource that connects the entire mind/body system for even better skin healing, repair and restoration.
You can...It is time to recognise that one of the most powerful influences on skin health lies not in a bottle, device, or cream, but in something truly elemental. 

It is light itself!

One of the most under-appreciated factors in wellbeing is light and darkness cues, and the circadian biology in our skin and body that they govern. Circadian rhythms are a systemic control mechanism that affects not only your skin’s appearance but also its ability to heal and regenerate. 

By understanding the profound relationship between light, circadian rhythms, and our skin, we can unlock new potential for clients and therapists, and our industry as a whole.

The Skin and the Body’s Master Clock

Our bodies, including our skin, operate according to an ancient internal timing mechanism —known as circadian biology, and regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus or ‘master clock’ in our brain —that orchestrates countless biological functions. Just as we wake, move, eat, and sleep on a 24-hour rhythm, our cells are deeply attuned to the natural cycles of day and night on earth. 

The skin, being the body’s largest organ, has its own circadian rhythms that influence everything from cell regeneration to immune function, hydration, and the production of collagen.

However, these rhythms are not self-contained. They are strongly influenced by the light signals our bodies receive, mainly via eyes but also through other receptors and chromophores. Sunlight is the most powerful entrainer of our circadian system, and exposure to the right types of light at the right time of day can dramatically enhance skin health and healing.
 
Conversely, misaligned light exposure—such as the artificial light we are bathed in for much of our modern lives—can throw these rhythms off course, leading to skin issues, premature ageing, pigmentation, acne, and even deeper systemic health problems.

Sunlight vs. Human-Made Light: Why It Matters

Not all light is created equal. The light that our skin and bodies have evolved under for millennia—natural sunlight—contains a full spectrum of wavelengths, from ultraviolet (UV) and visible light to infrared (IR). Each wavelength serves a unique role in regulating and supporting our optimal biology, and their daily input is vital for our health.

For example:

Blue light (natural) Blue light naturally rises in the morning and peaks at midday to enhance wakefulness, cognitive function and elevate mood. It gradually decreases in the afternoon and evening, being virtually absent at night in natural lighting conditions. At its midday peak we would also be receiving other signals in our system created by even higher energy UV light, such as warmth and redness, as a signal to decrease our exposure. Blue light in nature is always balanced by red and infrared light, which aids in healing and recovery.

Infrared light Known for its regenerative properties, infrared light penetrates deep into tissues and bones, promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and supports collagen and bio cellular water production.

Unfortunately, ‘we live in an artificially lit world with an overexposure to a narrow bandwidth of light. The light emitted from our modern devices—phones, laptops, TVs, household and commercial indoor and outdoor lighting, and other man-made sources—is vastly different from sunlight. 

These devices primarily emit concentrated blue light, similar to what we would experience only at solar noon in natural light, but without any of the balancing effects of red or infrared wavelengths or the warning triggers of UV, creating an incredibly unnatural environment for our bodies and skin.

Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to artificial blue light, particularly at night, disrupts the circadian rhythm, leading to poor skin regeneration, skin water imbalances, increased inflammation, hyperpigmentation and accelerated ageing. 

This is not just a cosmetic issue; the body’s misalignment with natural light cycles can also have far-reaching effects on overall health, impacting everything from appetite to weight to immune function to hormonal balance to metabolic function.

The Hidden Impact of EMF Fields

Adding another layer to this issue is the fact that man-made light devices don’t just emit light; they also generate electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While the scientific community is still uncovering the full extent of EMF exposure, early research suggests it may affect mitochondrial function, cellular communication and DNA integrity, particularly through its interactions with water molecules in the body. Given that our bodies—and our skin—are made up of ~60% water, the potential impact on skin health is something worth deeply considering.

While more studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between EMF exposure and skin, the combination of artificial light and EMF fields poses an increasingly relevant concern, particularly for those working in environments with constant screen exposure.

How Screen Exposure and ALAN (Artificial Light at Night) Are Sabotaging Skin Health

The prevalence of, and overexposure to, artificial light at night (ALAN) in our homes, workplaces, and urban environments disrupts our circadian biology and thus our skin’s ability to repair itself. For anyone concerned with skin health—whether clients seeking a youthful glow or therapists delivering treatment results—this is a critical point.

The effects of screen exposure and ALAN on skin include:

1. Disrupted melatonin production: Melatonin plays a crucial role in skin repair and rejuvenation. Artificial light, especially blue light, blocks melatonin production, interfering with nighttime skin repair processes.

2. Increased inflammation Blue light exposure has been linked to oxidative stress, which triggers inflammation. This aggravates conditions like acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

3. Premature ageing: Over time, prolonged exposure to artificial light changes so many different cell dynamics, leading to a break down of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of ageing.

Strategies to Combat Artificial Light Exposure

Fortunately, there are actionable strategies both clients and clinic owners can adopt to mitigate the impact of artificial light on the skin:

For clients:

- Expose yourself to natural light. Getting at least 20 minutes of morning sunlight every day can help reset your circadian rhythm, boost mood, and support healthy skin function.

- Limit screen time, especially after sunset. Wherever possible, and ESPECIALLY after a treatment at your clinic, reduce exposure to screens.

- Use blue light-blocking glasses or screen filters. These tools can help minimise the impact of blue light on your circadian rhythm and skin.

- Consider red and IR light therapy. Incorporating these wavelengths consistently into your skincare routine can help counteract the damaging effects of blue light, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

For clinic owners:

- Consider timing of treatments e.g. if using blue LED can you book client at midday so that light exposure would be more closely matching that of natural solar noon?

- Consider ways to reduce unnecessary light exposure from devices e.g. taping or covering, or using non-scented candles in your treatment rooms

- Installing warmer, full-spectrum or even incandescent lights in treatment rooms, staff spaces, and waiting areas. This can support the body’s natural rhythms and reduce the impact of artificial blue light.

- Consider using lighting systems that adjust throughout the day to mimic natural sunlight patterns, enhancing both client experience and staff well-being.

- Educate staff on circadian health. Helping your team understand the importance of light exposure can empower them to make better choices for their own health and the quality of care they provide.

A Holistic Approach to Skin Health

Ultimately, the future of skin health and treatment results lies in a holistic understanding of the body’s interconnected systems—and light is at the core of that understanding. By honouring circadian biology and making conscious choices about light exposure, both therapists and clients can enhance skin healing, improve treatment outcomes, and contribute to overall well-being.

By integrating these strategies into your skincare routine and clinic environment, you’re not just addressing surface-level concerns—you’re tapping into the deeper rhythms that drive true, lasting beauty from within.

Written by Pia Kynoch - 
Global Education Ambassador for Scientific Esthetics Symposium