Is screen time ruining your skin?
Did you know that the blue light from this device could be ageing you? Don’t turn us off just yet. Here's how to prevent skin damage when powering up.
Photo: bareMinerals
Blue light: The low down
Blue light is also known as HEV or high energy visible light, and it’s this that gets emitted from our phones, tablets and computer screens. It’s short wavelength and high-energy, and research has shown that blue light accelerates the oxidation process when exposed to skin, which elicits inflammation and damages the dermis – meaning it will speed up the ageing process. In fact, dermatologist Dr. Murad has found, ‘spending four eight-hour workdays in front of a computer exposes you to the same amount of energy as 20 minutes in the mid-day sun.’ Point taken. So for anyone who feels guilty at their levels of device time (thank you Apple Screen Time alert), you won’t feel quite as bad with the brilliant new ranges from skincare and tech companies who are hitting this modern skin phenomena face-on, with products specially formulated to remedy the blues.
THE SKINCARE LINE-UP THAT COMBATS THE EFFECTS OF BLUE LIGHT
1. Payot Blue Techni Liss, from £23.50This new range of skincare fights the effects of desynchronised biorhythms, and mitigates the impact of blue light on the skin, allowing the cells to regenerate easily. The brand states, 'During the day the skin needs protection; during the night it needs regeneration.' We couldn't agree more.
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2. Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, £55Shields skin from 89% of blue light from devices, along with a super-efficient UVA, UVB, infrared radiation and pollution protection.
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3. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Defense SPF30, £35Optimal indoor and outdoor protection with this mineral-based all-in-one veil with cacao extract to help protect against the damaging effects of blue light and winter sun.
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4. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex, £45A new offering from the ANR range – this lightweight gel/cream textured eye cream with ChronoluxCB™ offers a remedy to blue light and environmental aggressors, along with 24-hour hydration.
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5. Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF30, £46
Not only protects from screen time, sun damage and city pollution – but also makes for a perfect base for make-up, courtesy of the award-winning weightless formula.
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HIGH-TECH PROTECTION
Invest in an anti-blue-light screen bodyguard: Olixer Anti Blue-Light Tempered Glass Protector, from £21.03 Olixar has designed a high-tech range that filters the potentially harmful blue light rays that are produced by the phone's display. This helps to protect your dermis, retina, reduces eye fatigue and can also improve your sleep.
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