Do you spend countless hours in front of a computer screen for work? Do you scroll through TikTok before you go to bed or read a book on your tablet? While these are normal ways to pass the time, they can negatively impact your skin - without you even knowing it.
This is because most tech items produce blue light. Blue light works similarly to UVB rays and can negatively impact your skin if you don't have the proper protection.
We're here to walk you through everything you need to know about blue light and what you can do to protect yourself.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a high-frequency, short-wave blue or violet light. This light is commonly referred to as high-energy visible (HEV) light and has a wavelength of roughly 400-450 nanometers. Blue light is everywhere. It's in the sunlight spectrum, LED light bulbs, televisions, and smartphones.
While exposure throughout the day has been shown to elevate mood and keep individuals more alert, it can negatively impact individuals at night. When you're curled up in bed reading a book from your tablet or staring at a computer screen, your body's circadian rhythm is disrupted. This means the blue light can confuse your body into thinking it's daytime, disrupting your sleep patterns and your body's natural production of melatonin.
How does blue light affect your skin?
There has been ongoing research that suggests prolonged exposure to blue light can also negatively impact your skin. While the full effect of the impact of HEV light on your skin is still unknown, studies suggest it can disrupt your skin barrier function, cause premature signs of aging, and lead to serious skin conditions.
This is because blue light works similarly to the way UVB rays work. When you spend all day in the sun, you get sunburn. If you continue to sit in the sun for prolonged periods without protection, it can lead to oxidative stress. When free radicals are present, they can cause fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer.
How to protect your skin from blue lights
Thankfully, in today's digital age, there are a few different ways you can protect your skin from blue lights. Think of these solutions as the "sunscreen" for the blue lights you're exposed to daily.
Here are four things you can start doing today:
Limit your screen time
To protect your skin from the blue lights, you'll need to take a step back from your phones, laptops, and tablets. Limiting your screen time is a great way to rest your eyes and give your body a break from the blue lights. You'll want to try to step back for at least five minutes every 30 minutes. Once you turn this into a priority, you can slowly increase it to 10 minutes or more.
Buy a blue light filter
There are blue light filters you can slip over your phone, tablet, or computer screen will minimize your risk. These filters will give your eyes and skin a break from the damaging effects of blue lights.
Switch to night mode
Thankfully, most modern-day laptops and tech items have a night mode option. Night mode allows you to minimize the blue light's omission. You can likely automate your tech tools: so that night mode turns on at a certain time at night and switches off during the day.
Try a blue light blocker facial spray
Our Blue Light Blocker Facial Spray is designed to protect your skin from harsh blue light and external stressors. The potent blend of Butterfly Bush and Witch Hazel are two bold ingredients that tone your skin and help you achieve a youthful glow: all while protecting you from the harmful implications of blue light.
Before you start your workday, all you need to do is give your skin a few sprays. The toner will hydrate your skin and work as a barrier to protect you throughout your work day. You may want to give yourself a few extra sprays throughout the day or before you jump into bed to watch TV, scroll on social media, or watch videos.
Protect your skin with NatureWell Beauty
At NatureWell Beauty, we want to help you protect, hydrate, and nourish your skin. All of our skincare essentials are designed with you in mind, so you can protect yourself from blue lights, premature signs of aging, and any other pesky skincare problems.
Start exploring our collection of facial sprays, body creams, and moisturizers today.
