Blue Light: Threat to Skin, or Over-Hyped?

Lockdowns and work-from-home orders have us facing more than boredom: we’re facing more blue light exposure. As screen time went up and up, so did concerns about blue light exposure and blue light skin damage: “What is blue light’s effect on my skin?” “Is there anything I can do about blue light skin damage?” Read on for more details about blue light skin damage and how you can defend your skin.

What is blue light?
Blue light is found in everything from cell phones and laptops to, yes, even the sun. Blue light is visible light that has a shorter wavelength, making it a higher energy intensity light. In addition to regulating our sleep and wake cycles, blue light can boost our mood, alertness, and increase memory and cognitive function. We are mainly exposed to blue light during the day, but this exposure can continue into the evening and late-night hours as we simply can’t-put-down our cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other devices.

What does blue light do to skin?
Blue light exposure messes with our sleep cycle which has downward consequences for your skin. Why? Because quality rest is essential for the skin to repair, heal, and renew itself, and this lack of recovery may increase the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and hyperpigmentation.

What can I do to protect my skin from blue light?
Studies reveal that blue light’s effects on skin can take years to show—similar to UV light damage. This makes prevention key. City Skin™ Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 15 | PA++ is 100% mineral, indoor/outdoor SPF that shields against digital blue light damage, UVA, UVB & pollution. It’s clinically proven to shield skin from 89% of blue light from screens (in in-vitro test results with final product). Its colour correcting tint evens tone and boosts radiance, and it’s safe for all skin types, including sensitive.

To unplug from blue light & UV damage while you sleep, reach for Essential-C Overnight Barrier Repair Cream. Marrubium plant stem cells detoxify to help neutralise daily damage caused by pollutants and blue light from screen time. And, nourishing botanicals moisturise & plump to help visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

And, don’t forget Dr. Howard Murad’s advice: “Healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness.” Make time for “blue light breaks”: put your phone down and take a 10-minute walk, close your laptop during lunch, and create a digital-free nighttime regimen that helps you get away from blue light exposure before you sleep. Regardless of how busy you are, you could use a break from blue light, and your skin agrees.