How To Protect Skin From Blue Light?

 Also known as high energy visible light (HEV), Blue Light is emitted by your screens (computer, phones, televisions etc) as well as the sun. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

What Does Blue Light Do To Your Skin? 

“Blue light penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB and UVA rays causing long-term damage to skin cells in the epidermis and dermis. This has a knock-on effect of causing DNA damage within these cells and activating that breakdown of fibres that give the skin support” (Dr Anjali Mahto). This can lead to premature ageing, pigmentation and a loss of collagen. But don't worry there are lots of things that you can do to protect your skin from Blue Light. Here's how you can tackle the blues…

How To Protect Skin From Blue Light?

Grab your sunscreen but don’t just grab any one, you want one that is SPF 30+ (ideally SPF 50) and contains lots of antioxidants. If you’re guilty of sitting on your phones or laptops into the late evening, don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen post-cleansing!

Doubling up with a vitamin C based antioxidant is also essential. It will brighten the skin and help reduce any pigmentation. When applied to the skin, antioxidants help defend and minimise the damage before it visibly impacts your skin. Other antioxidants such as Astaxanthin (derived from microalgae) or Rosemary Extract also counteract the free radical production brought. Vitamin A will help stimulate collagen and renew the skin at a cellular level, stabilising free radicals. ⠀⠀

Other Ideas To Try…

Enable ‘night mode’ settings on your devices to reduce blue light in favour of harmless yellow light. Use headphones that answer calls so that your phone isn’t as close to your face. Schedule some much needed digital-free time into your week!