Shielding Your Skin from Digital Damage: Embracing Blue Light Protection Skincare

Welcome to the digital era, where our constant interaction with technology has become an integral part of daily life. While these devices have dramatically changed how we communicate and entertain ourselves, they emit a type of light known as blue light, which could impact our skin negatively. This blog explores the science behind blue light and the significance of integrating blue light protection skincare into your daily skincare routine.

What is blue light?

Blue light falls within the shorter wavelength range of the visible light spectrum. It's present in sunlight and emitted by devices like smartphones, laptops, and LED lights.

Does blue light effect skin?

Studies suggest that prolonged exposure may disrupt our skin's natural rhythms, potentially causing an increase in melatonin production leading to hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Additionally, oxidative stress speeds up the breakdown of collagen, accelerating signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.

The amount of blue light emitted from digital devices is considerably less than what we get from the sun. However, the amount of time we spend using these digital devices and the proximity of these screens to our faces has dermatologists concerned about its long-term effects.

How does blue light protection skincare help?

Blue light protection skincare typically involves either or both of these approaches:

• Boosts natural cellular repair and reduce oxidative stress induced by blue light through the use of antioxidant-rich ingredients.

• Using ingredients that filter or absorb blue light, such as mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, effective against both blue light and harmful UV rays.

How to include blue light protection into your skincare routine

To help protect your skin from blue light damage, consider incorporating these skincare products into your daily routine:

1) Use a moisturiser with antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as our Superactive Day Cream, infused with Blueberry NECTA®, an antioxidant-rich active oil that shields the skin from blue light exposure.

2) Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to safeguard against UVA and UVB rays, which can exacerbate blue light damage.

Additional tips to help protect your skin from blue light

• Limit screen time and take regular breaks.
• Adjust screen brightness to minimise blue light exposure.
• Consider a blue light screen protector or activate the night mode setting on your devices.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, hydration, and adequate sleep, promoting overall skin health and mitigating the effects of blue light exposure.

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While more research is needed to fully understand blue light's long-term effects on the skin, current evidence suggests that prolonged exposure may potentially accelerate ageing. It's worthwhile to take steps to shield your skin, incorporating blue light protection skincare products and minimising screen time where feasible.

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References

Kumari, S. (2020). Theimpact of blue light and digital screens on the skin. Journal of CosmeticDermatology, 19(1), 11-20.

Xu, N., et al. (2018).Blue light induced skin damage: Molecular mechanisms and potentialcountermeasures. Antioxidants, 7(10), 173.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Blue Light Exposure on Skin: A Review of Published Literature

Wang, Y., et al. (2019).Blue light irradiation promotes pigmentation through activating the p38mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in human melanocytes. Photochemistryand Photobiology, 95(3), 558-566.

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