Are anti-blue light beauty products worth it?
by Priscila Fadul
LENDAVA INVESTIGATES:
The modern world is putting us behind screens more than ever. Responding to iPhone notifications, scrolling through social media, watching Netflix, and grinding away behind a laptop add up our daily screen time. That means extra blue light exposure. But, is blue light really affecting us and our skin?
The wellness industry has recently raised awareness on the idea that staying indoors doesn’t fully protect you from harmful light exposure. Meanwhile, beauty brands are launching products specifically designed to protect from blue light. So, are anti-blue light products really worth it? Keep reading to find out.
What is blue light?
All light, whether it be from the sun, light bulbs or LED screens, emit a spectrum of wavelengths. We often talk about UVA and UVB that cause ultraviolet radiation and damage the skin, but what about blue lights?
High-energy blue light is part of the “visible light spectrum,” meaning we can actually see it. Vibrating within the 380 to 500 nanometer range, blue light has the shortest wavelength and the highest energy. In fact, about one-third of all visible light is considered blue light.
Does blue light harm your skin?
In short, yes. Blue light breaks down collagen, one of your body’s building blocks to youthful, glowing skin. Collagen loss is natural as we age, but environmental stressors like light exposure accelerate the process.
The largest source of high-energy blue light is the sun, but LED screens also emit it. We are constantly exposed to blue light, but its levels vary throughout the day and our activities.
There is only one scientific study that links blue light damage to the skin, and it shares the impact of that from the sun - not screens. The amount of light that our screens emit is so low in comparison to the sun, it doesn’t really add up to much. Without science supporting the link between screen time and skin damage, it’s safe to say you’re okay!
How do you prevent blue light damage?
To prevent blue light damage, mineral sunscreens containing iron oxides offer the best protection. However, in order for this to work, you would need to wear mineral sunscreen all day, every day. This will clog pores and could cause other skin issues like acne and overall skin dullness.
Another solution to preventing blue light damage is topical antioxidants like Vitamin C or E. Concentrated antioxidants in quality skincare products help tame the free radicals that blue light creates, plus other daily encounters like pollution.
So, are blue light beauty products worth it?
To be blunt, anti-blue light specific products are a marketing strategy and may not be effective. Instead, use products containing antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins, as we offer in Lendava. These ingredients protect you from blue lights plus provide plenty of other skin-loving benefits.
Wear mineral sunscreen when you’re outdoors to protect yourself from sun exposure. For days you plan to stay inside? You’re safe to pass on the SPF and let your skin and pores breathe! Spend your time indoors nurturing your skin with super-potent formulas that help your skin from the inside out.
