Effects of Blue Light on Skin & How to Prevent Them
Spending a lot of time on Zoom calls or on your computer working from home? New research has shown that it's not just damage from UVA and UVB that causes premature skin ageing, but the blue light emitted from our screens could be just as harmful, particularly in the current circumstances which has meant a huge rise in homeworking, Zoom calls and looking at other digital devices during the day.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light has a very short wavelength and unlike UVA and UVB can be seen by the human eye. In small amounts it can also help increase feelings of wellbeing. However, exposure to large amounts of blue light can be harmful to the skin and can also disrupt our natural circadian rhythms which in turn can cause sleep disturbances and impact our skin’s natural ability to heal itself at night.
Where does Blue Light come from?
How does Blue Light affect the Skin?
Over exposure to blue light can lead to:
- Free radical damage
- Inflammation
- Pigmentation
- Degradation of collagen and elastin, the skin’s supporting structures
What can you do to Prevent the Effects on Blue Light on the Skin?
Antioxidants, antioxidants, antioxidants!
Antioxidants not only help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of blue light but they also help the skin recover from any oxidative damage already caused by blue light, so it's important to choose skincare products in your daily skincare routine which contain antioxidants. Some of the best sources of antioxidants are Vitamin C, B6 and E, Niacinamide, as well as in certain types of Algae, greens such as Kale, berries such as Blueberry, Acai, Grape, plus Turmeric and Selenium.
Best Skincare Routine for Blue Light
In the morning, cleanse with supercharged Kale 3D Cleanse before toning your skin with Antioxidant Peptide Mist, powered with pigmentation-fighting Turmeric – this can be spritzed in the morning, evening and throughout the day to top up your antioxidants.
Follow with a serum and moisturiser rich in Vitamin C such as the Protect Replenishing Peptide Serum and Protect Hydrating Moisturiser, and treat your skin with Radiance Firming Facial Oil formulated with antioxidant-rich French marine algae extract to slow down the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
In the evening, double up on the Vitamin C with Protect Refreshing Cleanser, Antioxidant Peptide Mist, Protect Replenishing Peptide Serum and Protect Hydrating Moisturiser.
End your routine by applying the potent Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm packed with protective natural plant extracts such as Algae, Kale and Rosehip - you can leave on overnight as a mask to restore and replenish your skin's antioxidant reservoir.