The term ‘blue light’ has become a bit of a buzzword lately, with dermatologists across the UK warning us against the damaging effects it can have on our eyesight, sleeping pattern, memory and complexion. So what is it and which products offer protection from blue light?
What Is Blue Light?
I’m sure you Glossies have already heard about longwave UVA rays and shortwave UVB rays that are emitted by the sun. Well, it turns out that there is a whole spectrum of different wavelengths of light. Blue light is just one of them.
With limited exposure, blue light is actually beneficial. It helps regulate our sleeping cycle. However, because we spend so much time staring at phone and computer screens that emit this blue light too, we’re actually getting over-exposed to it. This is where the damage starts.
What Are Its Effects?
According to REN skincare expert Keiko, spending eight hours in front of your computer screen or looking at your phone is equal to spending 20 minutes in direct sunlight with no protection. You don’t need me to tell you that that’s not good!
Essentially, blue light causes:
- Sagging and wrinkles: Blue light penetrates into the deep layers of your skin, damaging the collagen and elastin responsible for keeping your skin firm, plump and smooth.
- Pigmentation: Blue light also damages your skin cells, causing small and dark patches to appear on your skin.
- Poor sleep: Beauty sleep? It’s not just an expression! Getting those eight hours gives your skin time to repair itself and over-exposure to blue light is stopping you from sleeping properly.
Bad news Glossies, your phones are making your skin age prematurely!
The Best Products That Offer Protection From Blue Light
You’ll be pleased to know that many beauty brands are stepping up their game and developing products that offer protection from blue light.
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REN - Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 Mattifying Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen
Buy now with free deliveryIf you haven’t incorporated an SPF into your daily skincare routine yet, you really need to!
If you’re looking to include an SPF into your skincare routine, I’d recommend REN’s newly-released Clean Screen Face Sunscreen. By forming a protective shield on the surface of your skin, it deflects both UV rays and blue light so that they aren’t absorbed into your skin. This sunscreen helps protect your elastin and collagen levels, while also moisturising your complexion and soothing reddened shine.
Better yet, it’s entirely silicone-free, made from naturally-derived ingredients and is packaged in a recyclable tube made with 50% recycled plastic!
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PÜR - 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Foundation
Buy now with free deliveryIf you like multi-purpose makeup, you’re going to love this four-in-one pressed mineral powder. Not only does it offer the same coverage as other powder foundations, but it’s titanium and zinc-infused formula creates a barrier around your skin and protects it from blue light and UV rays.
This SPF powder foundation is the perfect way of giving your complexion a healthy glow while also shielding it from environmental damage.
Better yet, because it’s a foundation, concealer, powder and SPF all in one, it’s great value for money!
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PÜR - Out Of The Blue Vanity Eyeshadow Palette
Buy now with free deliveryIt turns out, Glossies, that PÜR has actually launched a whole range of makeup that offers protection from blue light. Once you’ve used your REN SPF, applied your pressed mineral foundation, you can focus on creating your anti-blue light eye look.
This eyeshadow palette allows you to build a stunning and dramatic eye look while shielding your skin.
Their new eyeshadow palette brings together 12 gorgeous matte and shimmery shades in a range of summer-appropriate colours (think peach, pinky-red, gold and silver). Best of all though, these hues are infused with ginseng, green tea and vitamin B to help fend off blue light damage.
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PÜR - Out Of The Blue 3-in-1 Vanity Blush Palette
Buy now with free deliveryTo finish off your anti-blue light makeup look, don’t forget to sweep on a little blush.
Enriched with antioxidants and anti-ageing ingredients, PÜR’s new blush and highlighter palette offers protection from blue light.
PÜR’s new vanity palette boasts two luminous blushes and a shimmery highlighter that give your skin a radiant glow, while also acting as a protective shield that helps maintain a healthy and youthful-looking complexion.
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Estée Lauder - Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex
Buy now with free deliveryIf your skin has already suffered the damaging effects of blue light, then I’d recommend this lightweight eye cream. It has been designed to repair and reverse the effects of blue light.
If you need to rescue your skin from blue light, this is a great place to start.
Using hyaluronic acid to hydrate and brighten your under-eye area, it targets pre-mature signs of ageing caused by over-exposure to light and works to reduce the appearance of puffiness, fine lines and dark circles.
And there you have it Glossies, five products that offer protection from blue light.
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