Blue light from screens causes skin hyperpigmentation.

Is it true that blue light from screens causes skin hyperpigmentation?

Partly. Several reviews and a cell study report that blue light exposure can promote melanin synthesis or hyperpigmentation, but they do not isolate light emitted by screens at real-world doses. One dosimetry study measuring screen-emitted blue light found the doses small and unlikely to harm human skin, so the evidence only partially covers the claim and points both ways.

Verdict: CONTESTED PARTIAL · 4 sources for, 1 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

The impact of blue light and digital screens on the skin. (n.d.). cir.nii.ac.jp. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15576

Charoenpipatsin, N., Yothachai, P., Nuntawisuttiwong, N., Wongpraparut, O., Choosri, P., & Silpa‐archa, N. (2025). Dosimetry Assessment of Potential Hazard from Visible Light, Especially Blue Light, Emitted by Screen of Devices in Daily Use. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S490977

Werner, A., Erkiert-Polguj, A., & Budzisz, E. (2025). The two faces of blue light: From treating inflammation to causing oxidative stress in the skin.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118442

Pigmentation effects of blue light irradiation on skin and how to protect against them - PMC Lock. (n.d.). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12637

Low energy multiple blue light-emitting diode light Irradiation promotes melanin synthesis and induces DNA damage in B16F10 melanoma cells. (n.d.). cir.nii.ac.jp. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281062

Zhou, S., Yamada, R., & Sakamoto, K. (2023). Low energy multiple blue light-emitting diode light Irradiation promotes melanin synthesis and induces DNA damage in B16F10 melanoma cells. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281062