Fighting the signs of ageing is often the focus of our skincare routines. Now there is more evidence of the impact that environmental toxins including blue light can have on our skin and the ageing process.
High Energy Visible (HEV) light, or blue light, comes from sun exposure but also our digital devices such as our phones, laptops and television screens, which we are increasingly spending more time in front of every day (on average over nine hours!). The impact of blue light on the skin has been shown to not only cause serious skin damage including pigmentation, it can also promote the breakdown of collagen and can exacerbate existing skin conditions including dry and dull skin or acne or hypersensitive skin and fine lines and wrinkles.
One peer-reviewed study of the effects of blue light on the skin, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, found that exposing skin to the amount of blue light we get from the sun caused more pigment, redness, and swelling than when the same person's skin was exposed to comparable levels of UVA rays!
So, how can you protect your skin against the damaging effects of blue light?
Use a sunscreen that provides physical protection
Unlike chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin, which means they can effectively block blue light. The Edible Beauty Basking Beauty Natural Sunscreen is a natural SPF50 sunscreen which contains a blend of Zinc Oxide, Kakadu Plum and Rosehip to protect against UVA, UVB and blue (HEV) lights, and minimises the damage caused by light radiation.
Load up on antioxidants both inside and out
Antioxidants are the key to defending the skin from blue light damage. The more we expose our skin to blue light, the quicker our antioxidants are depleting. By providing your skin with a healthy dose of antioxidants you are able to “store” them so they continue to reduce skin damage even when you have removed your sunscreen.
Edible Beauty’s Glowing Skin Smoothie is packed full of antioxidant-filled ingredients such as Broccoli Extract, Kale and St Mary’s Thistle. These ingredients contain powerful antioxidants that work to neutralise free radical and environmental damage.
Vitamin C is also a key ingredient for preventing damage caused by free radicals. Edible Beauty’s No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum is rich in Vitamin C derived from native Australian extracts such as Kakadu Plum, Riberry and Davidson Plum along with White Tea and Hyaluronic Acid for additional protective and plumping benefits!
Ensuring that you have enough Vitamin C in your diet can also effectively protect our skin and bodies from inflammation, and neutralise free radicals, ensuring skin is able to withstand the effects of damaging air pollutants.
Provide a physical barrier
Providing a barrier across the skin is an effective way to protect it from external aggressors, including blue light. Polysaccharides form a net on the skins surface and prevent pollutants from sticking, therefore protecting the cells from damage. The Edible Beauty Glowing Skin Smoothie contains Pumpkin Seed Oil, which is rich in polysaccharides and fatty acids to simultaneously shield and hydrate.
In addition to the above precautions, the most effective and simplest method of reducing damage caused by blue light is simply to reduce your screen time and use shields to reduce the blue light emitted from your phone and computer screens.
