We often talk about UVA, UVB & IRA light from the sun, and how it can cause damage to the skin including premature ageing and sunspots. Luckily, blue light itself does not cause an increase in skin cancer. However, did you know that the blue light (HEV light) emitted from your phone, tablet, computer and even television can cause premature ageing and pigmentation?
Blue light is everywhere. It is present in daylight, but it's also emitted from fluorescent lamps and LED devices. Sunlight is the largest source of blue light to which we are exposed, and digital devices only emit a fraction of that radiation. However, because we keep our phones so close to our faces all day, and a lot of us are using computers every day, this can increase the risk dramatically.
Below are our top 3 recommendations on how to reduce your exposure to blue light and therefore reduce skin damage, premature ageing and inflammation over time:
#3 Use a screen protector on your devices
#2 Limit device use before bed
#1 Use an SPF that protects against blue light
These are just a few of our top recommendations to reduce skin damage, but for Skin Expert tips tailored to your skin, and advice on the best products to purchase, book your free video skincare consultation by tapping the button below. Read on to learn more about how to defend your skin from blue light damage.
#3 Use a screen protector on your devices
A blue light screen protector is a cost-effective and simple option to allow you to use your device without having to worry about your skincare or damage to your eyesight. You might not even need to buy anything, as many smartphones and laptops now come with a setting that turns off the blue light and omits more yellow light instead. This is often called "night mode" or "eye comfort shield", and is a simple way to reduce your exposure.
#2 Limit device use, especially before bed
This is an obvious one, but you may not realise just how much you use devices throughout the day until you stop and have a think about it! Reducing the amount of time you spend scrolling on your phone could really make a difference over time. A simple way to do this is to turn off as many non-essential notifications on your phone as you can or put your smart speaker to good use by setting it to read out any essential notifications to prevent you from glancing at your phone too often. Device use before bed can even upset your circadian rhythm, so leaving it alone for at least an hour before bed can improve your sleep (and help your skin!).
#1 Use an SPF sunscreen product that protects against blue light
Not all facial SPF products protect against blue light (HEV light) in addition to UVA, UVB and IRA light. Here at Face Dr, we swear by the ZO Skin Health SPF range, as they are all broad-spectrum and provide protection from the sun and from your devices. In addition, the brand offers a range of SPFs offering different finishes on the skin including matt, dewy and tinted.
Skin Expert recommendation: ZO Broad Spectrum SPF 50 provides maximum protection in a huge 45ml bottle. For pricing, pop an email to hello@myfacedr.com or complete our quick reorder form for a pricelist here.
In summary
There are a number of steps you can take to make sure that you are as protected as possible from blue HEV light and other forms of damaging light radiation. Here at Face Dr, our Skin Experts always recommend using a medical-grade SPF facial sunscreen product, and we always recommend ZO Skin Health.
ZO Skin Health SPFs protect against blue HEV light where most brands do not, in addition to UVA, UVB and IRA light, so they really are the full broad spectrum protection masters! To find out more about ZO Skin Health, visit our page here.
Looking for more help? If you're based in the UK, you can book your free video skincare consultation with one of our Skin Experts by tapping the button below.
Want to find out more about SPF skincare products? Read more by tapping the links below.
ZO Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30; Convenient everyday protection
ZO Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50; sunscreen for a bronzed, healthy glow
ZO Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50; sunscreen for a dewy finish
