Blue Light: Threat to Skin, or Over-Hyped?

By now you’ve probably heard it all when it comes to screen time and the negative effects of long-term usage. But have you ever wondered how the light reflected off of your digital devices, as well as from the sun, impacts your skin health? Our team of experts are here to keep you informed on the daily damage your skin can endure from both sun and digital device exposure.

Lockdowns and work-from-home orders have us facing more than boredom: we're facing more blue light exposure. As screen time went up and up, so did concerns about blue light exposure and blue light skin damage: "What is blue light's effect on my skin?" and "Is there anything I can do about blue light skin damage?" Learn more as we dive into the effects of blue light skin damage and the importance of adding products like face moisturiser with SPF into your blue light skincare routine.

What is blue light? Blue light is found in everything from cell phones and laptops to, yes, even the sun. Blue light is visible light that has a shorter wavelength, making it a higher energy intensity light. In addition to regulating our sleep and wake cycles, blue light can boost our mood, alertness, and increase memory and cognitive function. We are mainly exposed to blue light during the day, but this exposure can continue into the evening and late-night hours as we simply can't put down our cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other digital devices.

What does blue light do to the skin? Blue light exposure messes with our sleep cycle which has downward consequences for your skin health. Why? Because quality rest is essential for our skin cells to repair, heal, and renew, and this lack of recovery may increase the appearance of skin aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and dark spots.

What can I do to protect my skin from blue light pollution? Studies reveal that blue light's effects on skin can take years to show, similar to UV light damage. This makes a blue light protection key. City Skin™ Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++ is 100% mineral sunscreen, that shields against digital blue light damage and harmful UV rays. It's clinically proven to shield skin from 89% of blue light from screens (in in-vitro test results with the final product). Its color-correcting tint refines uneven skin tone and boosts radiance, and it's safe for any skin type, including sensitive skin.

To unplug from blue light & UV damage while you sleep, reach for City Skin™ Overnight Detox Moisturiser. Marrubium plant stem cells detoxify to help neutralise daily damage caused by harmful UV rays and blue light pollution from screen time. And, nourishing botanicals moisturise & plump to help visibly reduce premature aging that can lead to fine lines and deep wrinkles.

And, don't forget Dr. Howard Murad's advice: "Healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness." Make time for "blue light breaks": put your electronic devices away and take a 10-minute walk, close your laptop during lunch, and create a digital-free nighttime regimen that helps you get away from blue light exposure before you nod off. Regardless of how busy you are, you could use a break from blue light, and your skin agrees.

Need help putting together a skincare routine to reduce blue light effects? Take our virtual skin analysis to reveal which sunscreen products our team fits best for you.