#SkinSchool: Everything You Need To Know About Blue Light Protection And How It *Really* Affects Our Skin

Mar 21, 2022

With us, millennials glued to our phones all the time, wearing sunscreen daily has become more of a necessity. We are the 'silent agers' of our generation! *long sigh*

A recent report revealed that most people spend an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes looking at their screens – mobiles and laptops – daily. Simply put, we are getting significantly more blue light exposure than we used to, at a time when the only blue light source we were exposed to was the sun.

Here's an interesting fact for you- “spending 4 eight-hour workdays in front of our desktop exposes us to the same amount of energy as being 20 minutes under the sun!"

Now that we've established that blue light from the screen is harming our skin, let's find out how.

How Is Blue Light Leading To Skin Damage?

Blue light (also known as High Energy Visible or HEV light) induces oxidative stress in the skin, thus contributing to ageing.

The blue light effect on skin is rather significant, and can often result in a wide array of concerns, including but not limited to –

  • Pigmentation
  • Cell shrinkage
  • Swelling & redness (in people with darker skin tones)
  • Fine lines & wrinkles
  • Dark circles

It is glaringly clear, that blue light from screens is harming our skin in more than one way! It is high time we investigate how to protect the skin from its damaging effects!

How To Prevent Skin Damage From Blue Light?

Feeling blue? Let's fix that!

It seems inevitable that blue light care needs to be a significant part of our skincare regime.

Generic Measures for Blue Light Care

Generic Measures for Blue Light Care - Sunscoop

Before you tweak or update your regimen, here are some precautionary measures that you should try first -

  • Change the settings on your phone to 'night' or 'dim' mode as it helps.
  • If possible, change the screen guard of your phone and choose the one that offers blue light protection.
  • Try limiting your screen time. The world won't end if you don't open Instagram every two minutes.
  • Install blue light filters/shields on your desktop devices.
  • If you wear spectacles, choose lenses that offer protection from blue light.

Skincare Products for Blue Light Protection

Skincare Products for Blue Light Protection - Sunscoop

When it comes to protecting the skin from blue light using skincare products, we have a few ideas.

  • Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection from blue light.
  • Use it all over your face and the skin exposed around it.
  • Do not apply less than two fingers' worth of product.
  • Reapplication is a must, every two hours!

It may not look like much but trust us, it is a big step in the right direction - which is your road away from all the skin damage that blue light exposure might be causing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Light Care Using Sunscreens

How do Sunscreen Lotions help protect the skin from Blue Light Damage?

More often than not, sunscreens comprise zinc oxide – the component responsible for reflecting and scattering UV rays, thereby preventing these rays from damaging the skin. The same zinc oxide also helps reflect the blue light from mobile and laptop screens, thereby offering much-needed blue light care to the skin.

What is the ideal SPF for blue light protection?

Any broad-spectrum sunscreen can offer blue light protection, however, an SPF of 50 specifically has various, blue light-protecting ingredients including but not limited to zinc oxide, Vitamin E, and photolyase enzymes all of which act together to not only protect the skin from blue light damage but also repair the sun damage that the skin has already suffered from.

Is blue light as harmful as UV light?

Blue light is characterised by very short, high energy waves. UV light, on the other hand, is characterised by relatively shorter and more powerful waves. That said, both blue light as well as UV light are considered harmful for the skin and eyes, especially during prolonged exposure.


FAQs

The 5 steps to sun safety are:

1. Apply sunscreen.

2. Wear protective clothing.

3. Stay under shade during peak hours (10:00a.m. to 04:00p.m.)

4. Stay hydrated.

5. Don't forget to reapply the sunscreen.

Follow these tips for being in the sun:

1. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

2. Choose long sleeves, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

3. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

4. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

5. Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

To apply sunscreen correctly, use a generous amount and cover all exposed skin, including often-missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet. Apply it at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

The 5 W's of sunscreen are:

1. Who: Everyone, regardless of age or skin type, should use sunscreen.

2. What: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

3. When: Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

4. Where: Apply to all exposed skin, including face, neck, ears, and the tops of feet.

5. Why: To protect against harmful UV rays, prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and prevent premature aging.

The 3 finger rule in sunscreen means you need to squeeze sunscreen on your three fingers and then apply it thoroughly on your face. This ensure that you are applying the right quantity.

Look for these criterias while choosing the perfect sunscreen:

1: SPF Level: Select SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection.

2. Broad Spectrum: Ensure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

3. Skin Type: Choose a formulation suited to your skin type (e.g., sensitive, oily).

4. Water Resistance: Opt for water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.

5. Non-Comedogenic: Especially for acne-prone skin to avoid clogging pores.

Yes, it is an excellent choice to wear sunscreen on face everyday to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and other signs of ageing.

Yes, sunscreen helps protect your face from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, premature ageing, and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Here are the benefits of sunscreen:

1. Protection from UV rays.

2. Prevents sunburn.

3. Anti-ageing.

4. Skin cancer prevention.

5. Maintains skin tone.

Yes, babies need sunscreen, but it's important to use specially formulated sunscreen designed for infants over 6 months old. Always consult with a pediatrician before applying sunscreen to babies, and keep them protected with hats, clothing, and shade whenever possible.

Here are the best sunscreen ingredients to look for:

1. Mineral Sunscreens: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum protection and are gentle on sensitive skin.

2. Chemical Filters: Avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and octocrylene offer effective UV protection in chemical sunscreen formulations.

3. Broad-Spectrum Coverage: Ensure the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays for comprehensive sun protection.