Beyond UV: The Critical Role of HEV Protection and Post-Procedural Care

Jennelle Daly, MPAS, PA-C, expanded the discussion of photoprotection beyond ultraviolet radiation to include high-energy visible (HEV) light and post-procedural skin vulnerability. She emphasized that HEV light, or blue light, originates not only from sunlight but also from digital devices, computer screens, and indoor lighting. Although visible, HEV exposure is frequently overlooked in patient counseling. Daly noted that HEV light contributes to oxidative stress and collagen degradation, accelerating cutaneous aging and exacerbating pigmentary disorders, particularly melasma.

Because melasma is highly sensitive to multiple wavelengths of light, she encourages clinicians to counsel patients that UVA, UVB, and HEV exposure can all trigger flares and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. To mitigate HEV-related effects, Daly recommends tinted mineral sunscreens containing iron oxides, which can help block visible light in addition to providing broad-spectrum UV protection. She also discussed adjunctive behavioral strategies, including blue-light–filtering eyewear and awareness of cumulative screen exposure, especially in patients with pigmentary disorders.

Daly underscored that strict photoprotection is especially critical following aesthetic procedures such as non-ablative lasers, ablative resurfacing, and chemical peels. Post-procedural skin is functionally immature and more susceptible to photodamage and dyspigmentation while barrier repair and epidermal turnover are ongoing. Even incidental winter exposure or indoor light can provoke post-inflammatory pigmentation in this vulnerable window. She frames sunscreen use as essential to protecting procedural outcomes, noting that failure to maintain photoprotection may negate treatment benefits and create new pigmentary complications.

“If you're investing a lot into services to help with photo aging or just natural anti-aging rejuvenation, you got to protect yourself. You might as well not do the procedure if you're not going to be committing to protecting yourself as well,” she often tells patients.

Addressing sunscreen formulation trends, Daly expressed a strong preference for mineral-based products over chemical filters, citing tolerability and patient perception of safety. She highlighted cosmetic elegance and ease of use as critical for adherence, particularly tinted formulations that double as light cosmetic coverage. Finally, she noted the growing influence of social media–driven skin care trends in the consultation room and stressed the importance of clinician-led education grounded in evidence, ingredient literacy, and individualized assessment to counter misinformation and guide patients toward consistent, medically appropriate photoprotection strategies.