Everything You Need To Know About Blue Light Protection Skincare
By now you should (hopefully!) be aware of the impact that blue light can have on your eyesight and sleep, but are you one of nearly two-thirds of people who, according to research, are unaware of the effect that blue light can have on their skin?
A study by Unilever has shown that 60% of us now spend more than six hours a day in front of digital devices, and that five working days with that level of exposure to blue light can cause the same amount of skin damage as spending 25 minutes in the midday heat without wearing sunscreen!
We now know that protection from UVA and UVB rays alone isn’t enough to safeguard our skin; we need to invest in blue light protection skincare if we want to prevent premature ageing and avoid hyperpigmentation.
What Is Blue Light?
Also known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light, blue light is one of several colours in the visible light spectrum. Sunlight is the largest source of blue light, but it is also emitted from artificial sources such as digital devices, LED screens and fluorescent lights.
What Does Blue Light Do To Your Skin?
Research has shown that exposure to blue light can cause advanced skin ageing as a result of oxidative damage. Blue light penetrates deeper into the skin than UV rays and generates free radicals, which consequently causes the skin to produce enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. This process, called oxidative stress, leads to loss of firmness and an increase in fine lines and wrinkles.
Blue light has also been shown to cause increased pigmentation, redness, swelling and to disrupt the circadian rhythm of skin cells.
Which Skincare Ingredients Help To Protect Against Blue Light?
If you’re wondering how to protect skin from blue light, the key is to look out for products that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or iron oxide. These can be found in mineral sunscreens and sit on the surface of the skin to create a physical barrier to the light rays. If you really want to be on the safe side, then pick products that specifically stipulate that they protect skin from blue light.
Antioxidants should also be used daily to combat the free radicals that cause oxidative stress. All antioxidants will help reduce blue-light damage, including Vitamin C, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Ferulic Acid and Phloretin.
When Should Blue Light Protection Skincare Be Worn?
All of the time! Blue light protection skincare should be worn both indoors and outdoors, to protect the skin from blue light emitted from both sunlight and from digital devices.
Blue Light Protection Skincare Product Recommendations:
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
If you’re looking for a blue light sunscreen that provides very high broad-spectrum protection, then you’ve found it with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+. Formulated with titanium dioxide and enriched with intelligent polymers, the ultra-light fluid uses a micro-crystal structure to form a strong protective film over the skin. The non-sticky formula feels extremely comfortable on the skin, doesn’t leave white marks and is highly resistant to water, sweat and sand.
2. Skinceuticals Phloretin CF
Get a powerful dose of multi-antioxidants, an essential component in blue light protection skincare with Skinceuticals Phloretin CF. Formulated with 10% pure Vitamin C, 2% Phloretin, and 0.5% Ferulic Acid, the formidable antioxidant treatment protects against a multitude of molecules, including free radicals. Particularly effective at protecting the skin from hyperpigmentation, Skinceuticals Phloretin CF also improves skin tone, brightens the complexion and protects against premature ageing.
3. The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Firming Serum
Packed full of antioxidants, The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Firming Serum prevents free radical damage, consequently reducing fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Nicknamed ‘the instant face lift’, the blue light protection serum is 98.7% organic and is 50 times more powerful than Rosehip alone. Formulated to leave the skin with a radiant glow, The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Firming Serum also firms, tones and plumps the skin.
4. Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream
Formulated with antioxidants including Pennywort Extract, Vitamin C, and Niacinamide, Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream is backed by 30 years of visionary science and produces visible results; when researched, 96% of users agreed that skin around the eyes looked firmer and more lifted and 94% agreed that the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles was diminished. The anti-ageing, radiance-boosting blue light protection cream has a creamy, weightless texture, is vegan-friendly and suitable for all skin types.
5. Colorescience Tint Du Soleil SPF 30 Whipped Foundation
Protect skin from blue light whilst also nourishing your complexion with Colorescience Tint Du Soleil SPF 30 Whipped Foundation. The nutrient-infused foundation cream contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide; both of which help shield the skin from blue light. The innovative foundation has a multi-vitamin complex that protects the skin from free radical damage and contains two peptides that help to improve skin texture and tone.
6. iS Clinical Liprotect SPF 35
With an antioxidant-rich formula that also contains titanium dioxide, iS Clinical Liprotect SPF 35 is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with blue light protection. Formulated specifically for the delicate skin on the lips, this hydrating balm provides protection against, UVA, UVB, blue light and pollutants. Containing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E to condition the lips, iS Clinical Liprotect SPF 35 softens and smooths the lips, stimulates collagen production and supports skin barrier function.
Not sure how to keep track of your skincare expiration dates? Read our simple and informative guide to help you make the very most out of your beauty products here.
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Written by Sarah Blake
