Do you spend most of your day working at a computer or looking at your smartphone or TV? You may be aware that exposure to digital devices can cause eyestrain and retina damage (preventblindness.org), but did you know that the blue light emanating from these screens can cause damage to your skin as well?
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is visible, high-energy, short-wavelength light, but is not UVA or UVB rays. The sun is the largest source of blue light that we are exposed to daily. However, our indoor lights and digital devices expose us to blue light up close. Since we spend so much time on our devices which are concentrated sources of blue light energy, it is important to learn more about how blue light may be affecting your skin and the simple preventative measures you can take.
What is the effect of blue light on Your Skin?
Research has shown that long term exposure to blue light promotes stressors in the skin that cause aging. Exposure to blue light can lead to color changes in the skin, inflammation, hyperpigmentation and weakening of the skin’s surface. A study published by the US National Library of Medicine suggested that exposure to blue light might stimulate the production of free radicals in the skin, which may accelerate the appearance of aging. While the full effects blue light has on the skin needs more research, current evidence does suggest it affects the skin and has the potential to cause long-term damage.
Blue Light Protection Skin Care
Wearing polarized sunglasses and a hat when spending time outdoors can help prevent long term damage from blue light exposure. When indoors, many smartphones now have a setting that disables blue light in exchange for a yellow light. If your phone or tablet has this feature, setting it to stay on can help protect you from the damaging effects of blue light on your skin and eyes. Lowering the brightness level on your screens can also help.
To further prevent blue light skin damage, incorporate our Blue Light Shield Concentrated Serum into your daily skincare routine. This mineral-rich serum delivers skin-boosting moisture to defend against environmental aggressors while neutralizing the look of photo-aging, reviving the skin's appearance and helping skin recover from blue light exposure. Nourishing Blue Green Algae Extract, rich in antioxidants, softens and deeply moisturizes the skin while antioxidant-rich Lutein helps provide a shield from blue light.
In addition to incorporating a blue light protecting serum into your daily skincare routine, it is very important to apply SPF daily to both the face and body. DERMA E’s fragrance-free, non-greasy All Sport Performance Face Sunscreen with SPF 30
as well as DERMA E’s Sun Defense Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 Body are clean options. Applying sunscreen helps shield the skin from harmful rays, oxidative damage and premature signs of aging.
Lastly, mist on DERMA E’s Blue Light Shield Facial Spray before sitting down to work at your desktop. Enriched with Lutein for ultimate hydration, this spray can be used over or under makeup and can help to shield the skin from blue light & prevent blue light skin damage. Similar to the serum, our Blue light Shield Skin Spray is formulated with Blue Green Algae, Activated Charcoal, and Ginseng Root Extract.
While there is no way to completely avoid blue light, you can still help your skin by incorporating these preventative measures into your lifestyle.
How do you protect your skin from blue light stressors?
Sources:
https://www.preventblindness.org/blue-light-and-your-eyes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4337113/