Christine Giordano
When Apple added a “Screen Time” feature to its devices in 2018 that allowed users to monitor how much time they spend on their devices, your weekly average was likely a little…startling, to say the least. Yes, it’s probably bad for your mental health, but could these blue light-emitting devices also be taking a toll on your skin health?
“Blue light, or high-energy visible (HEV) light, is primarily from the sun, but it’s also emitted by our phone, tablet, and computer screens,” explains board-certified dermatologist Deanne Robinson, MD. While blue light can at times be beneficial (i.e. for killing bacteria and treating acne), Dr. Robinson says that being exposed to too much of it can also “prompt the formation of free radicals, which break down collagen and cause inflammation, leading to redness, dark spots, and wrinkles.” It can also darken hyperpigmentation, especially in deeper skin tones, so it’s important to protect skin from its powers in the same way we do from the sun.
Her tips to help prevent and combat the damage: antioxidants and mineral, broad-spectrum sunscreen. “Antioxidants do not physically block the light, rather they work to neutralize oxidative stress caused by the light,” Dr. Robinson explains. “Next, layer overtop a mineral-based, physical sunscreen that will shield the light. Be sure to choose a broad-spectrum formula which protects skin against UVA/UVB and blue light.”
As much of the world now shifts to work-from-home setups and becomes increasingly reliant on devices, it seems more impossible than ever to shrink the daily screen time average. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, most of the blue light we’re exposed to comes from the sun, but as research continues to show, we are spending more than half of our waking hours interacting with devices and are therefore exposed to more blue light now than at any other point in history. Luckily, there are plenty of products that provide blue light protection and help shield skin from its harmful effects. From serums to sunscreens to screen protectors, there’s fortunately no shortage of ways to guard your skin from blue light, and now is the perfect time to add them to your daily routine.
Blue Light Protection Hyaluronic Serum
CHANTECAILLE
nordstrom.com
$150.00
This oil-free serum combines the hydrating powers of hyaluronic acid with Nasturtium flower and fermented extracts to combat the signs of blue light exposure without sacrificing moisture. It’s gentle on skin, making it ideal for all skin types, and should be used underneath your favorite moisturizer and sunscreen every morning.
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Ilia
credobeauty.com
$46.00
How there is 12 percent non-nano zinc oxide in this liquid formula, I’ll never know. The lightweight, dewy finish is anything but streaky and protects skin from UVA, UVB, and blue light damage while also evening out your skin tone for an almost-filtered looking finish.
Anti-Pollution Drops
DR. BARBARA STURM
nordstrom.com
$145.00
These drops are formulated to protect skin from environmental pollution, harmful UV rays, and blue light. The serum features extracts from marine microorganisms proven to boost skin’s barrier to protect from pollutant-caused aging, while cocoa seed extract shields skin from signs of digital aging. Apply it when you would your serum, before moisturizer and sunscreen.
Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40
Supergoop!
sephora.com
$36.00
Leave skin dewy and glowing (read: not pasty and white) while also offering protection from UVA, UVB, and blue light thanks to this sunscreen’s cocoa peptides and antioxidants.
100% Mineral Sunscreen for Face SPF 45
Soleil Toujours
dermstore.com
$55.00
This sunscreen is designed specifically with the face in mind, formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection alongside antioxidants like green tea leaf extract and vitamin C that help protect against and repair blue light damage.
City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
This popular sunscreen from Murad was formulated with the damaging effects of urban pollution in mind, but it’s a great option even for those who never step outside. Perfect for all skin types, the mineral-based formula goes beyond UV protection to fight blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation, all of which can accelerate signs of aging. The soft peach tint also helps color-correct to even out discoloration.
TONE SMART SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact
sunbetter
skinbetter.com
$55.00
One of Dr. Robinson’s go-to products, the Sunbetter SPF 68 compact from Skinbetter Science is ideal for anyone seeking a sunscreen/makeup hybrid or just a white cast-free finish. The water-resistant formula provides UVA and UVB protection and shields skin from blue light. The tinted, creamy sunscreen comes in a foundation-like compact and adjusts to your natural skin tone. Use it in place of your makeup or as a touch-up for reapplications throughout the day.
Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Glow Liquid Moisturizer
Lancôme
sephora.com
$45.00
One of the principal effects that blue light exposure has on skin is the weakening of its moisture barrier, which can lead to a delay in skin’s recovery time to damaging products and environmental stressors.By protecting and strengthening skin’s moisture barrier with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and amino acids, it helps restore skin’s natural self-defense mechanisms against water loss and keeps it in fighting shape.
Water Jelly Dew Cream
Goodhabit
goodhabitskin.com
$25.00
The entire goodhabit line was created to help protect and combat the effects of blue light. In addition to antioxidants it also uses a marine extract that’s high in proteins and polysaccharides to create a protective film over your skin that helps prevent blue light damage.
Blue Light Blocking Screen Protector
Eye Just
eyejust.com
$34.99
Stop blue light damage at the source by putting a protective screen like this one over top of your devices. Ophthalmologist-tested and approved for its blue-light-blocking efficiency, EyeJust was created by fashion and design veteran Gigi Mortimer after realizing the blue light coming from her devices was affecting her sleep. The screen protectors are applied just like any other and help shield eyes and skin from blue light’s threats.
Gabby Shacknai
Gabby Shacknai is a New York-based journalist and editor who produces high-quality content for a wide variety of outlets and brands across various industries.
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