Why Blue Light Protection Skincare is a Must

You’ve probably already heard that the blue light emitted from tech screens can affect your sleep cycles, but did you know that it can also have a negative effect on your skin? It’s true – all that time spent working in front of your laptop can cause your skin to prematurely age. Keep reading to learn more about how blue light affects your skin, and how to incorporate blue light protection skincare into your routine.

Why is Blue Light Skincare Necessary?

So, what is blue light? Blue light is a type of light commonly emitted from tech screens (like your work laptop, your phone, or your tablet). Have you ever watched TV with the lights off? That blue cast that your TV emits is blue light. We usually can’t see blue light in well-lit environments, but it’s there any time you’re using a screen.

Blue light penetrates the skin and creates free radicals which can wreak havoc on collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping our skin smooth and supple. Degraded collagen and elastin are two of the primary reasons for premature skin aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

On the electromagnetic spectrum, blue light is slightly less energetic than UV rays. So while UV rays are more damaging than blue light, blue light can still leave its mark. According to Dr. Kenneth Mark, a cosmetic dermatologist, eight hours of blue light exposure is equal to about 20 minutes of sun exposure. And while that may not sound like much, over the months and years, all those workdays of blue light exposure can add up.

Some of the negative effects of blue light exposure on the skin include:

• Worsened fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin discoloration
• More prominent melasma (a form of hyperpigmentation)

How to Protect Skin from Blue Light

1. Wear Sunscreen!

Blue light protection is just another reason to wear sunscreen every day! A high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen will supply ample blue light protection on top of UV protection.

I love Triple Defense Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 as a blue light sunscreen because it’s a 100% mineral sunscreen that blocks UVA, UVB, blue light, and pollution. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores.

2. Use a Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is well-loved for its protection against sun damage, but did you know it can also help with blue light? Pair your favorite blue light sunscreen with a vitamin C serum like Vitamin C Treatment Complex to amp up your blue light protection skincare routine. Vitamin C Treatment Complex also helps to fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation, which is good news for anyone who’s already experiencing blue light-induced discoloration.

3. Try Brown Algae

Beyond mineral sunscreen and vitamin C, certain botanical ingredients may also help to protect against blue light damage. One I’m particularly excited about is brown algae, which is why we’ve included it in our Intense Hydrating Mask. This deeply hydrating treatment is especially effective for anyone with dry skin.

Do you make blue light protection a part of your skincare routine?