Kick Blue Light Pollution to the curb...

While we have all had to adjust to life during a pandemic, our saving grace has been technology. More of us are working from home which means using our computers at least 8 hours a day. Shopping on line for groceries and essentials, children learning online, TV on in the background. There seems to be no relief from the amount of Blue Light we have become exposed to due to the increased amount of screen time.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light comes from sunlight, smart phones, computers and other electronic devices. It is a high energy, short wavelength light that is on the blue end of the visible light spectrum. This short wavelength has a higher energy output and unfortunately can cause greater damage to the skin.

Harmful effects of Blue Light

Blue light has been proven to affect our beauty sleep because it disrupts our natural circadian rhythm. If one is exposed to a significant amount of blue light before bed, you may find it difficult to fall asleep because blue light affects the level of melatonin, the sleep hormone. There is mounting evidence that blue light contributes to photo-aging which can worsen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as breaking down collagen, depleting skin's elasticity and causing hyper pigmentation. Studies have shown that spending four, eight hour workdays in front of a computer is equivalent as spending 20 minutes un-protected in mid day sun. Though you don't feel the heat or burning of your skin, the damage is being done. Blue light has the ability to penetrate the skin deeper than UVA and UVB light causing free radical damage and inflammation.

What can we do to limit exposure

A quick fix would be to cover your computer and phones with a blue light shield or turn your computer and phones to "night mode" which gives off a yellow light not a blue light. This should be used at all times to save your eyes and to help prevent aging. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants from fresh fruits and vegetables as well as applying topical antioxidants from skincare. During the day it's recommended to apply a physical sunscreen, like a mineral based sunscreen that contains Zinc Oxide. Look for products that contain Cocoa seed extract as studies show it helps block the skin's blue light receptor cells as well as products that protect against environmental pollution and contain antioxidant rich ingredients. 

Some products we recommend are, Dermalogica Invisible Physical defence SPF30, Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30, Eminence Sun Defense minerals SPF30 and New from Eminence, Lilikoi Daily Defense SPF 40 with Blue Light plus Anti-pollution shield. Products available at Glow Spa.