How to Protect Your Skin from Blue Light Damage: Everything You Need to Know
2022-04-29
The issue at hand is not a new one, but a very common, urgent one. While recent studies have shown that blue light can potentially be harmful to the eyes and in turn, disrupt our sleep cycle, our skin health might be at risk as well. In our digital age, the constant exposure to blue light emitted by TV screens, computers and other digital devices can have both immediate and long-term effects. Just like UVA and UVB rays, blue light is believed to contribute to wrinkle formation and skin discoloration may cause premature skin ageing. Luckily, there are ways to learn more about its dangers and protect skin with the products. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is blue light?
Blue light, also called HEV (High Energy Visible) light represents the light found specifically within the blue portion of the visible-light spectrum. Its wavelength is slightly longer than ultraviolet light (UV, UVB, and UVA), and it has been shown to penetrate deeper into the skin than ultraviolet light does. While the majority of our exposure to blue light is caused by the sun, it’s also emitted by digital devices as well as LED bulbs from indoor lighting, which is used closer to peoples faces.
What are the short-term effects on your health?
Studies suggest that natural exposure to blue light from sunlight can actually be healthy, as it stimulates alertness, improves memory and elevates your mood. However at night, it can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm, making it harder to get a good night's rest. Since it affects melatonin levels (your sleep hormone), it makes your body believe it’s actually daytime and impact your nightly renewal and repair processes. In some people, it can cause eye-strain and pose a challenge to getting a good night's rest.
What are the long-term effects on your skin?
While continued research is still underway, it has been found that blue light can induce oxidative stress, which occurs when free radicals overwhelm the body’s cells, speeding up the ageing process and causing damage to the skin cells. With exposure to blue light, the skin is prone to dryness and irritation, as well as a weakening of the skin’s barrier. Over time, this may lead to more permanent dark spots, pigmentation, the breakdown of collagen, and overall skin deterioration that is irreversible.
How can you protect your skin against the damage?
While sunscreen is a crucial part of your daily routine, it doesn’t solely protect against blue light. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and iron oxide, antioxidants and vitamin C, which increases the absorption and protection against visible light and UVA radiation, which minimise damage from blue light as well as repair skin, making it a key in maintaining skin health.
The newest addition to the Pro-Collagen range is the Morning Matrix Cream, which uses the powerful Padina Pavonica Ferment to defend against environmental stressors, including blue light. Created as a key tool for modern living and in the fight against digital ageing, it helps to protect from the effects of blue light and provides antioxidant protection, while improving bounce and elasticity. Potent antioxidants neutralise free radicals and help protect skin from oxidative stress which can lead to ageing, lacklustre skin.
What is so unique about the ingredients?
Each of the ingredients in the Morning Matrix were formulated to deliver dramatic, visible brightening and protective benefits.
Padina Pavonica Ferment
The cutting edge fermented marine algae is exclusively formulated in the Pro-Collagen range. Fortifying skin against environmental damage, it contains exceptional antioxidant benefits that help visibly soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with lasting hydration.
Curcuma Longa
The biologically active plant cells of the Turmeric root have been praised for centuries for its skin-soothing benefits. In the Morning Matrix, a unique extraction process helps protect your skin’s collagen and elastin from stress induced degradation.
Microalgae
A naturally-derived antioxidant that helps combat inflammation, this ingredient also creates homeostasis by protecting the skin microbiome from inner stress signals. With continued use, it helps improve the visible effects on the skin where stress shows most.
Japanese Artemisia Capillaris
Sourced and cultivated from the Shirakami Region, the medicinal plant helps to restore skin’s radiance due to its antibacterial properties. Rich in polyphenols, it is known to neutralise oxidation damage from UV exposure, for long-term skin protection.
Who is the Morning Matrix for?
Just like its counterpart, the best-selling Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix, the Morning Matrix is suitable for all ages, and concerns. For those looking for a morning treatment that delivers the same bounce and firmness to skin, this day cream has everything you need for protection from common lifestyle aggressors. Suitable for all skin types, the non-greasy formula makes it a perfect priming base for makeup application, or it can be used alone as a daily moisturiser.
Step-by-Step Routine
Apply every morning after double cleansing.
1. Warm a pea-sized amount between palms. Gently smooth over face in upward strokes
2. Follow with an broad-spectrum SPF
For best results, use in synergy with the Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix, your bedtime favourite companion.
While routine exposure to blue light has been shown to take a toll on your skin, there are easy ways to prevent stress and further damage. By using the Morning Matrix daily, your skin will be protected from the harmful effects of blue light and other lifestyle stressors that accelerate visible ageing. Targeted to provide antioxidant protection against damaging blue light, the formula keeps skin supremely healthy and hydrated, with bounce and elasticity that you can see and feel.