The benefits of blue light

After exploring the benefits of red and infrared light, known for their ability to penetrate deep into tissues and stimulate cellular metabolism, it is time to focus on another fascinating component of the light spectrum: blue light. 

Beneficial blue light, with wavelengths between about 380 and 500 nanometers, is a key part of natural sunlight. When used in a controlled and targeted manner, it can play a key role in maintaining hormonal, immune and mental balance, positively influencing numerous physiological processes. 

Why use blue light? 

In recent years, scientific research has paid increasing attention to the health impacts of blue light, highlighting how this is not only a visual stimulus, but a real biological signal for the body in the following areas: 

- Strengthening of the immune system

The relationship between light and the immune system is closer than you think. On the one hand, some scientific publications suggest that certain wavelengths, including blue light, may influence the behavior of key leukocytes of adaptive immunity such as T lymphocytes, favoring their functional "readiness" in some contexts (for example, by supporting their ability to move and monitor tissues). It is an interesting line of research because T lymphocytes are essential in recognizing viruses, bacteria, other pathogens and counteracting cancer cells, eliminating them. 

Blue light stimulates T cells to produce more hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide), a molecule they use as a signal and antimicrobial weapon, making them more responsive and efficient. 

The most solid and well-known link between blue light and defenses, however, remains that with vitamin D, often called the "sunshine vitamin" but, in reality, a real hormone with a regulatory role on many processes. Vitamin D is produced in the skin through exposure to sunlight, particularly UVB rays, and then transformed by the body into biologically active forms. Immune cells, including T lymphocytes, possess specific receptors (VDRs) and react to Vitamin D by modulating the production of inflammatory molecules.  

Vitamin D values considered optimal (in many clinical settings) are between 30–40 nanograms per milliliter (75–100 nanomoles per liter); sufficient levels are between 20–30 nanograms per milliliter (50–75 nanomoles per liter). It is important for overall well-being, especially bone health and the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin D, on the whole, tends to reduce excessively pro-inflammatory responses and promote a more "regulatory" balance, useful for keeping defenses effective but well controlled. 

In the winter months, when natural light decreases and you spend more time indoors, or if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, it is easier to experience low levels of vitamin D. Indoors, even if we perceive a lot of brightness (sun coming in through windows, blue light), an important part of the useful wavelengths does not really reach the body: the glass of modern windows is in fact designed to block both infrared, which would help to warm the environment, and ultraviolet and even a part of blue light. 

This can affect not only the proper functioning of the immune system, but also general health. For this reason, regular exposure to light becomes essential to support the body's balance. 

- Regulation of the circadian rhythm

Natural blue light (a component of sunlight, especially in the morning and in the middle of the day) is one of the most powerful signals to synchronize the circadian rhythm, i.e. our "biological clock" that coordinates sleep, energy, body temperature and hormone production. When it is perceived by the eye during the day, it activates specific receptors in the retina and sends the message to the brain that "it's daytime", helping to keep the internal sleep-wake cycle aligned with the natural alternation of light and dark. 

Our eye, in fact, is not only used to see: it is also a powerful sensory organ. In particular, blue light stimulates special cells in the retina called ipRGCs, rich in melanopsin, a photopigment that is extremely sensitive to the blue wavelength (about 460–480 nm). When these cells intercept blue light, they send a signal to the hypothalamus, which activates the systems that regulate the sleep-wake rhythm, helping to reduce sleepiness and inhibit the production of melatonin by the pineal gland. 

Melatonin is the hormone that marks the sleep-wake rhythm: it tends to increase in the evening, when the brightness decreases, preparing the body for rest, and to decrease in the morning with the arrival of light. 

However, the circadian rhythm can be altered when light signals arrive "out of time" compared to the natural cycle (for example: little light during the day, excess artificial light in the evening, shifts, jet lag). For this reason, it is not only how much light we receive that counts, but also what type of light and above all at what times. 

Adequate exposure to blue light at the right times can help to: 

• improve the quality of sleep at night (because the internal clock remains more stable)
• Promote a more energetic awakening
• reduce the feeling of chronic fatigue linked to out of phase rhythms

- Improved alertness and cognitive functions

In addition to regulating sleep, blue light has an immediate effect on alertness and mental performance. When perceived during the day, it sends an "active mode" signal to the brain, promoting the cortisol spike and helping to maintain a state of alertness, reduce sleepiness and support energy tone. This is one of the reasons why natural light is often associated with a feeling of greater "readiness" than indoors and poorly lit environments. 

This is also reflected in some cognitive functions, such as: 

• Attention and ability to concentrate 
• Rapid response and reaction times
• perception of less mental fatigue
• better continuity of performance during prolonged activities (study, computer work) 

- Support in the treatment of seasonal depression (SAD) 

Blue light therapy is widely used in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to reduced exposure to sunlight in the winter months. It was described and defined in the 1980s by Norman E. Rosenthal and collaborators, observing how seasonal decrease in brightness could stably influence mood in vulnerable subjects. 

The principle is closely linked to circadian rhythms: in the darkest periods, the tendency to drowsiness, apathy and mental fatigue increases, often accompanied by a feeling of "hibernation". In this context, controlled exposure to phototherapy can help to re-establish a more "diurnal" set-up, with effects that translate into:

• Improved mood 
• Reduction of apathy and mental fatigue
• attenuation of the feeling of slowing down typical of months with low light

In terms of evidence, a much-cited meta-analysis (Golden and colleagues) showed that blue light phototherapy significantly reduces the severity of depressive symptoms in SAD, with clinical efficacy considered, on average, comparable to that of many antidepressant therapies, albeit with individual variability. 

Blue light: an anchor for the mind  

Blue light is a wavelength capable of dialoguing with the deep centers of the brain through neurobiological circuits connected to the retina. It is capable of influencing attention, alertness and stress regulation.   

An example comes from Japan: in a context where metropolitan stress is at its highest levels, some railway companies have replaced the classic white or yellow lights of the platforms with blue LEDs. A study (1) reported a significant reduction (up to 84%) in suicides in stations where blue light was installed, suggesting a possible environmental effect on behavior in times of crisis.   

Why does this happen?  In simple terms, blue light can enhance "rational" control over emotional responses, promoting better regulation between impulse-related areas and decision-making areas. The perceived result can be greater lucidity, a feeling of control and a reduction in anxiety peaks.  

- Skin health benefits

Blue light is also used in dermatology, particularly as a support in anti-acne treatments and for seborrheic-prone skin. Its interest derives above all from its antibacterial action: at specific wavelengths (about 400–450 nm) it can help reduce the presence of Cutibacterium acnes, one of the microorganisms involved in acne inflammation. In practice, some molecules produced by bacteria are "activated" by light and generate reactions that hinder their vitality, with a possible positive effect on imperfections such as papules and pustules. 

In addition to this, the controlled use of blue light can help calm inflammation (typical of acne) and make the skin less reactive, improving the overall appearance of the complexion, especially when included in a proper routine (gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic hydration and sunscreen). In some people it can also support a rebalancing of sebum production, reducing shine and promoting a more uniform skin texture, without "turning off" the sebaceous glands, but creating less favorable conditions for pore occlusion. 

Blue light and nanotechnology: the role of Taopatch® 

Taopatch® nanotechnology devices emit a wide spectrum of wavelengths, including those of beneficial blue light, allowing the body to receive targeted light stimuli in a continuous and non-invasive way. 

One study (2) showed that using Taopatch® can stimulate the production of hormones related to sun exposure, including vitamin D. 

The research, conducted on patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, has in fact shown an increase in the endogenous production of vitamin D, a hormone essential not only for the health of the immune and bone systems, but also for the well-being of mood and neurological functions. 

Given these results, it was decided to include beneficial blue light in the latest generation Taopatch® lamp: BODY STATION PULSE. The controlled and balanced use of this specific wavelength in the PULSE allows to: 

• activate and enhance T lymphocytes
• support the immune system
• promote general psycho-physical balance

This is particularly relevant if we consider that the modern lifestyle, often sedentary and carried out mainly indoors, drastically reduces exposure to natural light, depriving the body of an essential stimulus for its proper functioning. 

Blue light, if used in a conscious and controlled way, is therefore a valuable ally for health, with positive effects on the immune system, hormonal balance, cognitive functions, mood and skin health. 

Thanks to the integration of this wavelength in the BODY STATION PULSE, Taopatch® offers innovative and technologically advanced support for the overall well-being of the person, responding to the needs of an organism that is increasingly distant from the natural rhythms of sunlight.

Come and find out how blue light can help your mental and physical balance here. 

(1) Matsubayashi T., Sawada Y., Ueda M., Does the installation of blue lights on train platforms prevent suicide? A before-and-after observational study from Japan, Journal of Affective Disorders, 2013. 

(2) Giuseppe Messina et al., A new road to improve vitamin D and balance through Taopatch® and proprioceptive protocol in Multiple Sclerosis patients, European Journal of Translational Myology, 2022.                                                                           

Communication aimed at professional operators.