Post-Screen Makeup: How to Protect Your Skin from Blue Light
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We spend about 5 hours a day in front of a screen. And for many, that’s a minimum, as just having a job in front of the computer all day, scrolling during commutes, and watching a movie at night can make that time explode! While we have more or less adjusted to this new pace of life, human biology, on the other hand, is not a big fan of screens, and neither is our skin. The skin, a fragile and protective organ of the body, surely didn’t anticipate this wave of technology. And for good reason: the skin on our face, in particular, is very sensitive to blue light and ages faster in its presence. Bad news for all those who want to stay young and are connected (which is to say, most of us, without getting too ahead of myself)! So, how can we protect our skin from blue light and screens? Fortunately, there are several tips I’m sharing to help you stay connected with a smile and, incidentally, beautiful skin!
Blue light: an invisible enemy for the skin
We can’t see it, yet blue light influences our skin. While it can be used for specific LED treatments to address skin issues like acne at a wavelength of about 415 nm, it can also be responsible, without us realizing it, for skin aging due to all those hours we spend in front of a screen.
Because it’s not so much the technology that poses a problem, but our constant exposure: smartphone screens glued to our faces, computers on from morning till night, binge-watching shows in bed… This weakens the skin barrier, generates more free radicals, and can lead to a loss of elasticity, a dull complexion, and even exacerbate hyperpigmentation.
In short, blue light is a bit like that friendly colleague at first… but who ends up sapping all your energy if you let them get too close.
Why our screens accelerate skin aging
Our screens connect us to the world… but they also have a sneaky side. The blue light they emit, from our smartphones, laptops, or LED lamps, stimulates skin fatigue. It penetrates deeper than regular visible light and generates free radicals: as a result, our cells defend themselves, get exhausted, and produce less collagen. Over time, this manifests as more pronounced fine lines, a less radiant complexion, and sometimes pigment spots, especially if we spend many hours in front of a screen without protection.
Another effect that is little discussed: by acting on the skin’s internal clock, blue light disrupts its nightly regeneration cycle. In short, even though we love binge-watching and scrolling, the skin, on the other hand, sometimes prefers a little rest… and some good protections on a daily basis.
Makeup + SPF + blue light filters: the winning combo
Our best ally against blue light? Smart makeup, designed as a true daily armor. Nowadays, many primers, foundations, and setting sprays contain protective ingredients: antioxidants, vitamin E, niacinamide, or marine extracts capable of neutralizing the free radicals generated by screens. But that’s not all: blue light never travels alone. It often comes with UV rays, especially when we work near a window. Hence the importance of incorporating an SPF into your routine, summer or winter.
With this triple combo: protective makeup, blue light filters, and sunscreen, your skin remains radiant, less stressed, and better defended. Enough to continue living connected… without letting screens decide the future of our glow.
Simple gestures to reduce daily exposure
Before rushing to any blue light blocking product, here are some simple gestures to adopt right now to reduce exposure to blue light:
Reduce screen time
We expect this, but of course, one of the solutions to avoid blue light is to be less confronted with it. To do this, avoid unnecessary screen time (the endless scrolling, if you know what I mean).
Opt for a computer filter
Prices are affordable, and they help filter out a portion of blue light emissions. Why deprive yourself? It’s best to get informed or ask for advice in a store. Your skin deserves the best protection.
Choose the right cream against blue light
One of the solutions to counteract the skin aging effects of blue light is to give your skin good protection by choosing a moisturizer that will protect your skin while you’re in front of a screen. It’s best to seek advice from a professional or a dermatologist.
Take breaks outside
Nothing is better than nature to counteract oxidative stress and allow the skin to breathe. Of course, if the sun is out, apply sunscreen, okay? The goal is not to damage your skin.
Image credit: ©Photo by Icons8/unsplash
