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You already know how important it is to protect your skin from the sun’s age-accelerating (and cancer-causing) UV rays with an SPF. Sunspots, fine lines, and enlarged pores are just a few of the myriad of skin woes courtesy of the sun, but now skin is facing a new enemy: High Energy Visible Light (HEV Light). As if it wasn’t a hassle enough to protect your complexion from the sun when outdoors and even indoors where natural light is abundant, now you have to be concerned when you’re at the office typing away or scrolling through your Instagram feed too. Hence the onslaught of blue light beauty products on the scene.
Recent research suggests that the blue light emitted from our cell phones, computer screens, and certain light bulbs is also damaging to the health of our skin, prompting the beauty sphere to launch a slew of blue light skincare with HEV defense. There are plenty of commonalities amongst HEV, UVB, and UVA rays when it comes to the harm they incite. All three are associated with causing oxidative stress, which causes our skin to release free radicals, which disrupt and slow down our skin’s natural elastin and collagen production. This is detrimental because collagen and elastin are the key components of youthful-looking skin, influencing firmness, hydration levels, and tone.
Hence, just like outdoor light rays, blue light is also responsible for premature aging (photoaging), and unprotected light exposure can also lead to dark spots and hyperpigmentation. However, HEV rays actually affect (and damage) our skin in different ways than UVB rays, because they’re capable of penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin rather than just the outer most layer. What this means, is that they’re capable of tampering with collagen production and our skin’s natural ability to exfoliate with the help of retinoids and acids.
Now, we’re not suggesting that you quit your phone cold turkey or put in your two weeks notice in the name of avoiding free radical damage from screens, but making sure to keep your skin protected when you’re indoors is evidently, equally as paramount of a consideration when it comes to your skincare routine. Fortunately, brands are catching on to skin’s latest villain, offering plenty of defensive products to help you prevent and reverse existing damage so you can maintain your weekend Netflix binge-watching routine, shameless scroll through the apps, and your career without compromising your pursuit of flawless skin.
Paula’s Choice.
Paula’s Choice Essential Glow Moisturizer
This illuminating moisturizer gives the skin an instant dew effect while protecting your skin from your computer screen and the sun. With a solid SPF 50, along with the addition of 12 different antioxidants, including niacinamide and Vitamin C to reverse the visible aftermath of free radical damage.
$24.95 at Paula’s Choice
Amazon.
Revlon PhotoReady Candid Anti-Pollution Foundation
This skincare-foundation hybrid is generating a lot of buzz among makeup artists as of late, thanks to not only its gorgeous satin finish but its powerhouse of skin-enhancing ingredients.
$5.99+ at Amazon
Ulta.
Pur Lit Mist Illuminating Setting Spray
This shimmery setting spray is not only a great last step, but it’s also perfect for touch ups and refreshes throughout the day. It’s infused with HEV-shielding ingredients including Ginseng and Vitamin B to keep you protected throughout the day. This is a great desk-side beauty product to keep on hand at the office.
$24 at Pur
Ulta.
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Defense Radiant Protective Veil
This multi-use “veil” harnesses the power of mineral sunscreen, pore-filling primer, and a lightweight moisturizer all in one. Plus, it’s also infused with cacao and sugar particles to help defend you against both indoor and outdoor damage from UV rays and blue light.
$39 at Ulta
Amazon.
Dr. Sebagh Supreme Day Cream
This rich cream is an excellent choice for those with dry skin. It contains a proprietary blend of light-blocking ingredients including a form of melatin to prevent damage from environmental aggressors as well as HEV light.
$220 at Amazon
CoverFx.
CoverFx Water Cloud Primer + Pollution + Blue Light Defense
This 2-in-1 primer and blue light blocker not only even the skin for a blurred, filtered-effect canvas, but it also actually functions as a defense against outdoor pollution, heavy metals and of course, blue light emissions.
$38 at Ulta
Blue Mercury.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Unlike so many greasy sunscreens on the market, Supergoop has somehow managed to create a glowy sunscreen that stays in tact and works as the perfect base under makeup — actually making it look better like a primer. This option include a hydrating and soothing blend of anti-aging red algae and meadowfoam seed to defend your skin against HEV light.
$34 at Blue Mercury
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