How Does Blue Light Damage Skin?
We are all well aware of the risks associated with excessive exposure to UVA and UVB light, but we are now starting to see increasing amounts of data suggesting there are significant risks associated with High Energy Visible Light (HEV) or Blue Light. Is your laptop or smartphone damaging your skin?
What is Blue Light?
High Energy Visible Light (HEV) or Blue Light is the light we commonly associate with computer screens, electronic notebooks and smartphones.This is different to UV light, however sunlight is actually the main source of blue light and traditionally we've got most of our exposure during daylight hours. However, due to our modern lifestyles, it is now the amount of time we spend glued to our blue light devices that are causing increasing concern.How does Blue Light affect skin?
The constant exposure to blue light from our devices increases the potential risks associated with damaging free radicals and the resulting oxidative stress. Blue Light has the potential to penetrate even deeper than UVA/UVB rays so the risks associated with collagen degradation and elastin loss are even greater. Making wrinkled and prematurely aged skin a real risk.There are also some concerns regarding the impact of Blue Light on our melanocytes, the pigment producing cells that risk abnormal pigmentation production.When is Blue Light good?
That said, not all Blue Light is bad and it can help with mood, memory and brain function. Blue Light is also really important in relation to a healthy sleep pattern.Exposure to Blue Light during the day can help maintain a healthy sleep cycle but too much Blue Light in the evening can cause sleepless nights and the resulting daytime fatigue. These interrupted sleep cycles also raise concerns regarding our skin's ability to restore and repair and again may lead to accelerated ageing.How can you protect skin from Blue Light?
Blue Light shields are becoming more popular and many smart phones now have 'night modes', which swap out the harmful Blue Light for yellow, which is gentler on both the eyes and the skin.In terms of the best products to protect skin against harmful Blue Light, antioxidants are our first line of defence “ think Vitamins A, C, E and Ferulic Acid. To further protect skin against HEV/Blue Light, a broad-spectrum SPF is a must.
Mesoestetic AOX Ferulic is an antioxidant-rich serum and helps to protect skin against the free radicals and oxidative stress caused by Blue Light. The serum contains a high concentration of 15% Vitamin C in combination with 0.5% ferulic acid as well as Vitamin E and peptides in an exclusive protech-cell complex. The hardworking serum protects fibroblasts, improves collagen fibre synthesis whilst also protecting the natural antioxidant system and barrier function of the skin.
A Vitamin A based product in the evening will help to repair and normalise skin and even help to prevent premature wrinkles. Aestheticare's Retriderm Vitamin A 0.5% Retinol Skin Serum offers superior Vitamin A efficacy and is also a must for those with pigmentation problems.A daily diet high in antioxidant-rich foods, including fruit and vegetables will also help skin's protective function and its ability to help repair itself.
Products to protect against Blue Light
HydroPeptide's latest new product release included the HydroPeptide Somnifera Root Mist Indoor Light Pollution Shield. The refreshing and hydrating spray contains Somnifera Root Extract to protect skin against damaging blue light exposure whilst inside and atmospheric pollution outside.The Heliocare 360° range of SPF products are enriched with Fernblock® FC a powerful antioxidant complex as well as advanced filters and a Bioshield System that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, High Energy Visible Light and IR (infrared radiation).One of our favourites is Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and sebum-controlling 
technology, making it ideal for oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin.The most advanced broad-spectrum sun protection comes from Spanish Pharmaceutical brand, Mesoestetic. The Mesoestetic Mesoprotech range contains six products with next generation sun protection technology to not only protect against UVA and UVB rays, but also infrared radiation (IR) and High Energy Visible Light (HEV).Each innovative SPF product protects against all ranges of damaging light. The Mesoestetic Mesoprotech range includes; a liquid to powder formula with a matte finish, a light textured anti-ageing formula with added Hyaluronic Acid, a gel that transforms into a lightweight oil, a melanin inhibiting formula to prevent pigmentation, a handy SPF stick for on-the-go protection, perfect for melasma sufferers and finally a silky, moisturising and high quality sun protection for the body.
Mineral Matt Antiaging Fluid SPF 50+
- Matte finish with a liquid to powder consistency
- Unique anti-ageing formula protects collagen
- Non-greasy & non-comedogenic
- Unique anti-ageing formula protects collagen
- Contains Hyaluronic Acid and silicon to enhance hydration and support elastin for a youthful correction
- Ultra light texture
- Non-comedogenic
- Unique anti-ageing formula protects collagen
- Water resistant ingredients for longer lasting protection
- Chia seed oil rich in Omega 3 and 6 to support a healthy barrier function
- Gel formula that turns into a lightweight oil
- Contains melanin-inhibiting ingredients to reduce pigmentation and sun spots
- Universal tinted pigment to provide a colour corrective base and even out skin tone
- Specifically designed for skin with pigment issues
- High factor level for extreme protection
- Unique anti-ageing formula protects collagen
- Good for sensitive/missed areas such as eyelids, ears & top lip
- On-the-go protection
- Rosehip oil boosts epidermal repair
- Contains Vitamin E to intensely moisturise the skin
- Suitable for all the family
- Spreadable lightweight cream
- Easily absorbed
For all these products and more, shop online now!
To book a face-to-face consultation with our professional clinicians, call 0113 282 3300. If you are looking for skincare advice, call 0113 282 7744 or take our online skin test now and receive personalised product recommendations direct to your inbox!
Written for you by: Kate, Face the Future
Image source: freepik.com
