Since we were little we’ve been taught about the importance of regularly using sunscreen to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays. And as we got older and we started to pay more attention to our skin, dermatologists, skincare experts, and everyone else on the internet has advised us about the potential damage from environmental stressors like pollution. But on top of that, our skin is also facing a new enemy that we might not be aware of: blue light.
And yes, while we’ve all heard about the negative effects harsh blue lights, which are also called HEV (High Energy Visible) light, can have on our sleep patterns and eyesight, as we spend hours glued to our screens and smartphones each day, the eerie neon glow can actually be affecting our skin, too. Some experts have said too much contact with blue light can lead to premature skin, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Great.
While using dim settings on phones and computer screens and limiting screen time are great for minimizing blue light damage, making sure to prep your skin with products that combat the effects of blue light is equally as important—hence the onslaught of blue light beauty products on the scene.
Luckily for everyone, brands are stepping up to this skincare villian and have started to release their own products that will help you minimize damage from blue light and help repair the skin.
Read on to learn about eight products that will protect your skin from blue light damage.
Lise Watier Undercover Creme Concealer: $29
Why yes, even your makeup can help protect you. Luckily Lise Watier has released a slew of anti-pollution beauty products that will help to detoxify and bring radiance to your skin. Enriched with chamomile, panthenol, and vitamin E, this waterproof and oil-free concealer provides high coverage and a wonderful silky finish. Thanks to its unique formula, which contains light-reflecting pigments, it discretely enlightens the under-eye area to illuminate the look and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Make Beauty Moonlight Primer: $55
Perfect for anyone exposed to city pollution, Make Beauty’s ‘Moonlight Primer’ protects skin from the damaging effects of HEV light emitted by electronic devices such as iPads and laptops. This tinted black primer (the colour disappears once applied) is enriched with marine algae which fight against free radicals, all while tackling outdoor and indoor stressors at the same time. Additionally, this gel-cream formula hydrates and mattifies your complexion while diminishing the appearance of pores and wrinkles.
This Works Morning Expert Open Eyes: $60
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Defense Radiant Protective Veil: $39
This all-in-one lightweight hydrating veil lotion is formulated with sugar molecules that help block pollution particles, cacao extract that protects against the damaging effects of blue light, and mineral SPF 30 to protect against sun damage, for optimal indoor and outdoor protection. Plus, this multitasking lotion enhances and evens the appearance of all skin tones with natural pearl for a lit-from-within glow—all in just a few drops.
LUMIVIVE is the first and only dual-acting antioxidant skincare system that offers protection against environmental aggressors during the day and recharges the skin’s essential repair process at night. This two-step set comes with the Day Defense Serum, which helps protect the skin against pollution and blue light aggressors during the day, while the Night Revitalize Complex recharges skin overnight by improving the skin’s ability to actually repair itself while you sleep.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++: $68
This multitasking, 100% mineral sunscreen protects your skin from the five main causes of damage: UVA/UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation. After applying, your skin gets a boost from the inside out as the colour-correcting tint evens your skin tone, Vitamin C helps to brighten, and the polymer matrix acts like a breathable “second skin” and blocks adhesion and penetration of toxic pollutants.
COOLA Full Spectrum 360° Sun Silk Drops Organic Sunscreen SPF 30: $36
Don’t let taking selfies take a toll on your skin. Coola’s daily Full Spectrum 360° drops help protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun and digital overexposure, thanks to three key ingredients. Hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin, works to bind moisture to the skin to keep it supple while increasing firmness and elasticity. Neroli flower extract helps to calm, rebalance, and hydrate skin. And finally, the all-star ingredient is the full spectrum 360° complex, a proprietary blend of supercharged antioxidants and plant-derived actives that help mitigate the skin damage from exposure to blue light, infrared, and pollution.
CoverFx Water Cloud Primer + Pollution + Blue Light Defense: $50
This 2-in-1 primer and blue light blocker is a beauty bag must-have as it refreshes and defends skin against pollution and harsh HEV light, all while creating a smooth, glass-like finish that grips makeup for long-wear. You’ll be able to maintain your weekend Netflix binge-watching routine without compromising your flawless skin with this primer thanks to a skin defense complex that helps defend against blue light emissions and urban pollutants including heavy metals and free radicals. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and doesn’t contain parabens, fragrances, mineral oil, talc, gluten, sulphates, or phthalates.
