We constantly preach about sunscreen being the key to preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and premature aging. However, as research is done and results come to fruition, we are seeing more and more that protection from UVA and UVB rays are not the only danger to our skin. The blue light from our phones, tables, and laptop screens are also damaging to our skin.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a portion of the visible light spectrum which the human eye can actually see. Blue light has the shortest wavelength with the highest energy. In fact, about one-third of all light that we can see is considered blue light.
Light from the sun is the most notable source of blue light, while fluorescent light, compact fluorescent light, LEDs, flat screen LED televisions, computer monitors, smartphone and tablet screens, are all artificial sources of blue light.
The issue with blue light
As we are sure you’ve caught on, we use blue light in just about every aspect of our daily life. So, what’s the issue with it? The free radical generation blue light produces! Studies have shown the effects of blue light generates oxidative stress in our skin.
This oxidative stress adds to the aging of our skin, similar to the way our skin ages when exposed to UVA sun rays. The difference, however, is blue light has the unfortunate ability to perforate deeper than UVA and UVB light can. In fact, blue light has the ability to penetrate where our collagen and elastin live, which means, an increase in visible fine lines and a loss of firmness.
We may not know it, but the effects of blue light may be causing or worsening pigmentation to your skin! Another way blue light is damaging or rapidly aging our skin is by doing what we do everyday, spending time on our devices.
It is said that an 8-hour work day in front of a computer or on your phone is the same as exposing your skin to 20 minutes in the sun! Imagine the damage. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect your skin from the effects of blue light.
How to protect the skin from blue light damage?
The quickest fix to protect your skin from the effects of blue light is to start at the source and place blue light shields on your cell phone, tablets, and computers.
If you are an iPhone user, you can activate your night mode or night shift mode on your phone to disable the blue light. This not only helps your skin but gives your eyes a break from the damage as well.
Along with the quick technological fixes, we recommend eating foods that are rich in antioxidants such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and investing in broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of no less than 30.
Our general recommendation is that sunscreens should be reapplied at a minimum every two hours, but we would rely on the recommendation of the sunscreen you have chosen as every sunscreen will have specific time guidelines for you to follow!
1. One sunscreen that we recommend is SkinMedica’s Total Defense + Repair!
This sunscreen is your skin’s line of defense against harmful sun exposure while simultaneously helping to rejuvenate photodamaged skin. It is the only sunscreen with patented SOL-IR technology against infrared rays, which dives deeper into the skin while helping to reduce and correct signs of aging and assists with blue light blocking. Benefits include:
- Tinted formula with easy absorption and silky smooth application – no white residue!
- Protection from skin-damaging effects of UVA + UVB + Infrared-A.
- Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, photodamaged skin, while improving skin elasticity
- Contains a potent blend of antioxidants to brighten, improve skin texture and skin tone evenness.
While the skin naturally contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E, these are depleted when the skin is exposed to an excess of free radicals, such as UV light, visible blue light, and other free radicals such as pollution, etc.
In general, topical antioxidants are incredibly necessary to fight blue light damages. Applying particular products with antioxidants, participating in a certain treatment, and eating foods rich with antioxidants can help boost our skin in the fight against blue light damage.
If you’re feeling like you need to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen at all hours, don’t! Topically applied antioxidants form a depository in the skin, so the antioxidants will still flourish after you’ve cleansed your face for the night.
If you’re looking for a product or products to protect your skin fight blue light issues while you sleep, SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex is the one!
SkinMedica’s TNS (Tissue Nutrient Solution) Recovery Complex System with NouriCel-MD™, is a research based cosmetic ingredient only found in TNS, is comprised of natural growth factors, antioxidants, matrix proteins, and soluble collagens, to help restore what time takes away. NouriCel-MD™ (a research based cosmetic ingredient only found in TNS!), was originally discovered through wound healing research, NouriCel-MD is a proprietary mix of multiple human growth factors, soluble collagen, matrix proteins, antioxidants and other elements essential for healthy young skin.
NouriCel-MD visibly improves skin discoloration and the appearance of wrinkles, and it increases skin firmness and resiliency. With regular use of these physician recommended SkinMedica products, you’ll see visible, dramatic results. Benefits include:
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Diminish the appearance of age spots and dyspigmentation.
- Improve skin texture and elasticity, and reduce photodamage.
Another product we know will help fight blue light is SkinMedica’s Lumivive.
SkinMedica Lumivive is a two-step radiance-boosting treatment for daytime protection and nighttime repair. The Lumivive Sytem takes Vitamin C antioxidant protection above and beyond, this treatment includes bioflavonoids and extracts that support a powerful dermal barrier against pollution and the blue light damage created by phone and computer screens and fluorescent or LED light.
It fights the signs of premature aging caused by environmental aggressors and photo damage.
If you are still feeling pretty unsure about this new revelation of blue light and want to know what else you can do to help protect and prevent your skin from fine lines. wrinkles, and premature aging, talk to one of our estheticians!
Our new #AskAnEsthi program offers you the opportunity to build a skincare routine with one of our skincare experts! Did we mention it’s FREE? Click here to learn more and to schedule your consultation!
