Since the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800’s, humans have been surrounded by artificial light 24/7. Constant exposure disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm — your internal clock that tells every cell when to work, rest, and repair.
During the day, your skin works as a defensive organ — constantly exposed to environmental stressors such as pollution, UV rays, and blue light from screens. At night, it shifts into repair mode, producing reparative molecules to correct the damage accumulated throughout the day.
However, when the circadian rhythm is disrupted — by artificial light exposure at night or irregular sleep patterns — the skin’s repair cycle is thrown off balance.
The Trouble With Blue Light
Blue light, also called HEV (high-energy visible) light, is more intense the closer you are to the source, such as your phone or laptop. It penetrates deeply, confusing melanocytes and signaling them to produce more melanin even during nighttime, leading to uneven tone and pigmentation. The result is phase deregulation: proteins meant to be produced only during daylight hours are synthesized at night, while others are suppressed. This imbalance leads to oxidative stress, dehydration, and premature aging. Blue light (the kind that comes from LED screens and phones) tricks your skin into thinking it’s daytime, even at midnight. When that happens:
- Pigment cells make extra melanin → uneven tone and dark spots
- DNA repair slows down which results in dehydrated, dull, tired looking skin
- Antioxidant defenses weaken which leads to less resilient skin and premature aging
The closer you are to the screen, the higher the energy of blue light - and the more confusion for your skin.
Opsins and the Light Response
The skin contains Opsin receptors — light-sensing proteins that influence DNA repair, cell survival, and lipid balance. Constant exposure to LED light, especially at night, can arrest DNA repair and inhibit antioxidant response, leaving the skin tired, dull, and vulnerable.
Why Circadian Rhythm Matters
Since the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800’s, humans have been surrounded by artificial light 24/7. Constant exposure disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm - your internal clock that tells every cell when to work, rest, and repair.
When your rhythm goes out of sync:
- Hydration channels in your skin (called Aquaporins) slow down, leading to dryness.
- The skin’s natural detox and antioxidant pathways switch off.
- You wake up to dull, fatigued, and less resilient skin.
Aquaporin Decline and Dehydration
When circadian rhythm is disrupted, one of the first casualties is the Aquaporin-3 receptor — a key protein that transports water and sugars through the epidermis. Reduced Aquaporin-3 activity contributes to dryness, dullness, and impaired barrier function.
Our Onerta® Cream Barrier features Aquaxyl™ technology, which supports Aquaporin activity and reinforces hydration balance!
Barrier Oils and Biotechnological Advances
Barrier oils maintain skin health by mimicking its natural lipid layer without replicating sebum’s chemical structure. Modern biotechnology has enhanced these oils through fermentation, breaking large molecules into smaller, more bioavailable ones. The result is improved absorption, smoother texture, and a “plant-intelligent” performance that aligns with the skin’s needs.
The Nighttime Imperative
Poor sleep and disrupted circadian rhythm lead to visible signs of fatigue and premature aging. Nighttime is your only opportunity to naturally release melatonin, a powerful antioxidant and cellular repair signal. Limit blue light exposure before bed, remove electronic devices from your sleeping area, and allow your skin to perform its night-shift duties undisturbed.
Smart Ingredients in Our Products That Support the Skin’s Rhythm
To counteract these effects, ingredients that synchronize the circadian rhythm and defend against light-induced stress are essential, defending skin from smog, blue light, and environmental stress. The plant-powered antioxidants help preserve collagen, restore radiance, and strengthen the skin’s natural resilience against modern-day aggressors.
Powered by ActiSoothe™, a biotechnological mushroom extract complex from Cordyceps Sinensis and Trametes Versicolor, clinically shown to reduce inflammatory cascade triggered by blue light–induced ROS, restore cellular calm and support skin’s post-exposure recovery.
Powered by a natural anti-pollution complex that strengthens the skin barrier and defends against environmental stress. A blend of phospholipids and sphingolipids reinforces the skin’s structure, while gluconolactone and deuterium oxide provide antioxidant protection. Borage oil, cucumber, honey, and prebiotic sugars soothe and support the microbiome, helping skin stay hydrated, balanced, and resilient against modern pollution.
A potent antioxidant complex powered by three forms of Vitamin C and Vitamin E protects skin from oxidative stress caused by blue light and environmental exposure. Plant antioxidants and natural ferments soothe, brighten, and keep your complexion resilient and luminous through daily screen time.
Powered by advanced plant peptides and antioxidant botanicals — including Kakadu Plum, Edelweiss, and CoQ10 — this formula defends the skin from oxidative stress caused by blue light and digital exposure while restoring collagen, firmness, and radiance.
Powered by a multi-antioxidant complex of Vitamins C & E, CoQ10, and Seabuckthorn Oil, this formula helps defend the skin from oxidative stress caused by blue light and environmental exposure. Peptides and soothing actives restore collagen, calm inflammation, and strengthen the barrier for a visibly firmer, brighter, and more resilient complexion.
THE ONERTA CREAM BARRIER - a pot of pure gold!
Powered by Aquaxyl™ for deep hydration and Citystem™ for blue-light and pollution defense, this formula keeps skin luminous and resilient. A luxurious blend of Shea Butter, Sunflower, and essential Barrier Oils restores lipids, delivers antioxidants, and soothes the complexion for a perfectly hydrated, protected glow.
A protective treatment powered by CoQ10, Vitamin E, and Peptides to help shield skin from oxidative damage caused by blue light and environmental exposure. Squalane and Sunflower Oil restore moisture and strengthen the barrier, leaving skin smooth, resilient, and naturally radiant.
Powered by antioxidant botanicals and vitamins C + E, this formula helps shield skin from oxidative stress caused by blue light and environmental exposure. Green Tea, Ginkgo Biloba, and Elderflower extracts deliver powerful protection against digital and urban pollution, while Shea, Mango, and Safflower oils nourish and strengthen the barrier for a smooth, radiant, and resilient complexion.
Practical Tips
- Limit blue light exposure at night — especially from screens and LED lights.
- Sleep in total darkness to support melatonin production and nighttime repair.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule that supports your chronotype (early bird, midday, or night owl).
- Support the skin’s barrier and hydration daily with nourishing oils and moisture-binding actives.
