Lala
1 Jul 2021
Blue light causes a slightly different type of damage. It causes generation of reactive oxygen species which damages collagen, causes wrinkling, pigment changes and laxity.
We all know how important it is to apply SPF on the daily. Even if you are staying indoor you need to apply sunscreen. SPF is what shields our skin against those harmful UV rays and pollution that can cause premature aging. But did you know there’s another offender when it comes to causing premature wrinkles and fine, it’s about blue light.
What is blue light? If you’re reading this, you’re currently exposed to blue light. All digital screens (meaning your laptop, TV, tablet, phone, and screen on which you’re currently reading) emit something called blue light. It can cause damage similar to that of UVA/UVB rays (we’re sure you’re familiar), but because we are exposed to our devices over 12 hours a day on average, blue light may actually be worse for your skin. While UVA and UVB rays impact the first and second layers of skin, blue light actually penetrates at a deeper level and reaches the third layer, increasing the risk of dullness, discoloration, fine lines, and generally looking as tired as you feel after sitting in front of the computer for hours soaking it in. But just because artificial blue light is a new threat, that doesn’t mean it can’t be stopped.
Here, we give you on the difference between UV rays and blue light, what exactly is SPF and blue light protection, the types of products you should be incorporating into your routine, and how to use each.
What is the difference between UV rays and blue light? Blue light causes a slightly different type of damage. It causes generation of reactive oxygen species which damages collagen, causes wrinkling, pigment changes and laxity.
The sun, on the other hand, causes photoaging to a greater degree than blue light, and can also induce skin cancers. So basically, yes, both blue light and UV rays cause premature aging, wrinkles, and photo damage, but unlike spending a day poolside under the sun’s rays, blue light doesn’t burn your skin. Blue light does, however, penetrate to the third layer of your skin (for comparison UVA/UVB typically only touches the first and second layers) causing oxidative stress on skin cells also leading to wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and skin dullness.
So how do SPF and blue light protection shield my skin from damage? Simply put, SPF or Sun Protection Factor helps to prevent the sun’s UV rays from affecting your complexion.
There are two types of SPF: physical sunscreens, which actually block the rays from reaching your skin and chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays before they can do any damage. Blue light antioxidants that help fight off the free radicals could be beneficial in protecting your skin. Serums specifically designed for this damage may help. Sunscreen protects your skin from further damage, but it won’t repair in the same way these blue light protection products claim to do.” When you use both daily, you’re decreasing your exposure to both damaging lights preventing those signs of aging.
What products should I add to my routine? Unlike those 10-step skincare routines (don’t worry, we wouldn’t do that to you), incorporating both SPF and blue light protection into your daily routine is actually pretty simple.
Experts recommend SPF products that contain physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc to help protect your skin from both broad-spectrum UV and blue light plus antioxidant-rich moisturizer like Vitamin C, etc. to help fight free radicals from causing damage.
If you want to take it a step further, we suggest incorporating serums, moisturizers, and other treatments that contain damage-reversing properties like 365 Skin Booster, The ingredient of Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract which can is an effective antioxidant agent, protecting cellular DNA and collagen from oxidation and degradation as well as an anti-stress and protective agent due to its filtering power. Got it!
So how should I use both in my routine? We’re so glad you asked. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to layer your skincare from lightest to richest. Just remember, you’ll always end your routine with a layer of SPF.
First, remove dirt, oil, and impurities using a cleanser of your choice. We recommend L’eaine Hydrating & Calming Cleanser for face cleansing daily. Plus, it doesn’t dry out the skin thanks to the hyaluronic acid include in the formula.
Next, rebalance your skin using a toner or Calming & Purifying Fluid (Sensitive and acne skin) or HA Emulsion (dry to normal skin). We love L’eaine’s Calming & Purifying Fluid. It’s powerful enough to smooth out your skin’s texture and reduce pores overnight without causing irritation.
Next is where you add in your serums or treatments that contain Blue Protection. Our 365 Skin Booster protects you from blue light with its robust 3-in-1 formula enriched with antioxidants, skin-strengthening properties, and hydrators that leaves your skin glowing. It also improves your skin’s elasticity, reduces wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and rejuvenates skin so it’s more plump and supple.
Now it's time to hydrate with your moisturizer of choice. We suggest trying our Vitamin C Moisture Cream which contains Vitamin C and Q10 that nourish your skin - which is key to retaining your skin’s moisture levels.
Top everything off with an SPF. Like we’ve mentioned we recommend trying a physical SPF that has broad-spectrum protection against UV lights. Blue light and UV rays are pretty much unavoidable. But, by keeping the above in mind and implementing these changes into your daily skincare routine, you can help prevent and reverse skin damage from blue light.
