It's no secret that protecting our skin from UBB/UVA rays by wearing daily SPF is essential. But what about blue light? Also known as HEV (High Energy Visible Light), it's a natural part of sunlight. However, it is also emitted from our phones, tablets and computers and for most of us, scrolling through social media, online banking, reading emails and shopping online is the first and last thing we do. Research has shown that too much exposure to blue light can accelerate ageing and further increase your complexion woes.
Dr Murad, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare, explains, "Excessive blue light accelerates the oxidation process, causing hyperpigmentation, its oxidative effects elicit inflammation and damage the skin barrier making it more prone to signs of ageing, increased uneven skin tone, dullness, pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles". Yikes.
Fortunately, beauty brands are catching on to the need for a solution to combat the effects of blue light, launching products which can minimise the damage caused, and in some cases, prevent it before it happens.
Click through to see our round up of products to tackle HEV light, from SPFs to eye creams and everything in between.
Murad's City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50 star ingredient, lutein, as Dr Murad explains, is a powerful antioxidant that protects blue light from penetrating the skin while simultaneously creating a barrier to atmospheric pollutants like carbon particles, heavy metals and chemical pollutants. Combined with iron oxides to help colour correct and vitamin C to brighten, it has a soft peach tint boosting radiance, to be worn alone or under makeup.
Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA ++++, £45, available at Murad
This lightweight SPF from Soap & Glory protects against HEV light using liposhield HEV melanin, which works by filtering blue light from penetrating skin. Easy to integrate into your routine, it also combines vitamin C to stimulate collagen and protect form sun damage with a mattifying powder to even out skin tone. It delivers a smooth, transparent finish, creating an even base for your makeup.
Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful Sunshield Superfluid SPF50+, £15, available at Boots
This was one of the first products on the market that was designed specifically to combat the effects of HEV light. "It contains a fractionated melanin compound (HEV Melanin) which shields the skin from the HEV light. Melanin, as we know, is a widely occurring pigment in nature and is present in the human body and is photo protective. As we live in northern climates, we have less exposure to UVA and UVB but more to blue light so it is important to protect against it, as over time, research has shown that this can accelerate photo ageing of the skin", says Dr Sebagh. But, most importantly, as Dr Sebagh points out, this cream does not replace an SPF and this should always be used in addition to any skincare routine.
Dr Sebagh Supreme Day Cream, £145, available at Space NK
Treat HEV-fatigued skin with this anti-ageing treatment. Rich in omega fatty acids, potent antioxidants and restoring ceramics, the lotion works to strengthen the skin barrier, provide and retain moisture and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles to eliminate a dull and dehydrated complexion.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Omega+ Complex Serum, £32, available at Look Fantastic
As a topical vitamin C serum, Phloretin CF diminishes the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Used as a complement to sunscreen, this should't be used in place of an SPF, it refines skin texture and delivers a brighter complexion for a more uniform skin tone.
SkinCeuticals Phloretin-CF, £150, available at SkinCeuticals
As an oil-free liquid veil that provides protection from environmental aggressors and pollution. Sitting pretty over your day cream, the cantaloupe melon extract, organically farmed in Provence, forms a film on the skin to protect it from UV rays and sun-induced damage, i.e. blue light.
Clarins UV Plus Anti Pollution Day Screen Multi Protection SPF50, £32, available at Feel Unique
Strained eyes aren't the only side-effect of staring at a screen for too long, blue light can also damage the delicate area. Origins Age-Defence eye cream is enriched with a blend of silver-tip white tea and white birch extracts, the essential nutrients, minerals and antioxidants work to reduce visible signs of ageing, including wrinkles and dark circles. Cocooning the skin with a protective SPF20 layer, the cream strengthens and repairs.
Origins A Perfect World SPF 20 Age-Defense Eye Cream with White Tea, £30, available at Origins
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