Last weekend, I took a much-needed extended break and ended up in Fort Worth, Texas. My son was traveling solo to a gamers convention called Lootfest, which isn't really my scene, but it pushed me to explore other activities. Little did I know that after eating and drinking my way through Fort worth, I would meet some of the most intriguing gamers who were also business professionals. Gaming is a thriving industry, and after chatting with some serious entrepreneurs, I posed a question that sparked hours of conversation. The question was, "What do you use for blue light protection to safeguard your skin?" In this digital age, screens are as essential to us as our morning coffee. From business meetings to intense gaming sessions, we spend countless hours in front of our devices. However, this convenience comes with risks. Blue light, emitted by computers, smartphones, and televisions, can accelerate skin aging, leading to unwanted wrinkles, dehydrated skin, and dark spots. This is blue light aging. This concern isn't limited to beauty enthusiasts; it affects business professionals and gamers alike. Let’s explore effective strategies to combat blue light aging and help maintain your youthful glow, regardless of your age!
Understanding Blue Light and Its Effects on Your Skin
Blue light is more than just a buzzword. While it has benefits, such as improving alertness and mood, too much exposure can damage your skin. Studies indicate that prolonged blue light exposure can lead to a 50% increase in oxidative stress on skin cells, accelerating the aging process. This is alarming news for anyone spending significant time in front of screens. Don't confuse the light used for acne treatment with the blue light from a computer. Although both emit blue light, the acne treatment uses a specific wavelength to kill acne-causing bacteria, while the computer emits a broader spectrum that can damage skin cells with prolonged exposure. The acne treatment light is therapeutic, whereas the computer light is not intended for skin treatment.
When your skin absorbs blue light, it produces free radicals. These harmful molecules attack healthy cells, resulting in dark spots and decreased elasticity (saggy skin). All of this blue light activity can then damage collagen and elastin production—two of the especially critical proteins that protect and give structure to the skin. Knowing the true impact of blue light can drive you to adopt protective strategies and keep your skin healthy and looking good.
Tip 1: Incorporate Antioxidants Into Your Skincare Routine
Antioxidants are powerful allies against blue light damage. Look for skincare products with ingredients like:
Vitamin C: Known to brighten skin and combat free radicals.
Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant and moisturizing and skin repair.
Rosehip Seed Oil: Antioxidant to protect from blue light damage.
Green Tea Extract: Provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
For impactful results, apply a serum containing these antioxidants before moisturizing. Indie skincare brands often offer more specialized formulas to shield against environmental stressors, which can be particularly beneficial for professionals spending long hours indoors.
Tip 2: Use Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Wearing blue light blocking glasses can be a game-changer (pun intended), especially for those gaming or working for hours at their computers. These glasses filter out harmful wavelengths while letting in others that are beneficial. Since I spend a lot of time in front of the computer writing blogs, emails, social media posts, and managing my online store, I use prescription glasses that have a built-in blue light filter. This definitely helps prevent my eyes from getting tired!
Studies indicate that individuals using blue light blocking glasses experience a 30% decrease in eye fatigue and strain. Choosing a pair that is comfortable and matches your style can enhance the likelihood of regular use. Whether you're engaging in a gaming session or working, these glasses aid in boosting your focus and energy. Additionally, I recommend exploring eye treatments that alleviate eye fatigue. Look for products containing avocado oil, sunflower oil, vitamins C & E, and mushrooms. Luxe Eye Gelly Treat alleviates eye fatigue and offers relief by reducing the tired area. Tip: keep it cold to offer instant relief.
Tip 3: Invest in Quality Products that Touch Your Skin
When it comes to skincare & makeup, quality matters. It’s essential to go beyond basic or traditional makeup. Besides the above mentioned ingredients look for products made from minerals and enriched with:
Hyaluronic Acid: Keeps skin hydrated and plump. Look for one that also has vitamin C!
Niacinamide: Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces inflammation.
Also, be sure to use sunscreen or makeup that has daily light protection in it. Modern formulations offer protection against both UV rays and high-energy visible (HEV) light, including blue light. This dual defense can be crucial for maintaining healthy skin, whether you're in the office or gaming at home.
More ingredients to look for are: Mica with its reflective properties that help to scatter and diffuse blue light, and Titanium Dioxide, which absorbs and scatters blue light.
Tip 4: Optimize Your Screen Settings
Did you know that most devices allow adjustments to minimize blue light emission? A few simple changes can make a significant difference:
Enable ‘Night Mode’ Features: This can reduce blue light levels, especially at night.
Adjust Color Temperature: Warmer color settings can decrease eye strain and decrease blue light exposure.
Additionally, remember the '20-20-20 Rule.' Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice can ease eye strain and refresh your focus, making you more productive.
Protect Your Lips
Because your lips lack pores, it's important to be selective with the products you choose. Opt for a product containing mica, as it can help filter out some blue light. The oxidants emitted from screens can cause your lips to dry out with prolonged exposure. Other ingredients that help are sunflower seed oil, vitamins C & E to lock in moisture, and botanical extracts that mimic the components of your lips.
New findings are presented showing that combinations of appropriate Titanium Dioxide (TiO2 UV filters) with a selected range of mica based functional fillers owing a special coating of inorganic oxides can provide tremendous first level protection against harmful HEVL, and represent herewith an innovative concept for modern and protective skin care. Read the data here: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Synergy-of-mica-and-inorganic-UV-filters-maximizes-Lefort-Lage/f4f84ba2ccd1c67fff73e4ca2ca48ab2c4d6cea1
It is now understood that blue light affects the collagen content of the dermal extracellular matrix, not just by increasing the expression of collagen-degrading enzymes. Choose your products wisely.
Tip 5: Consider Dietary Adjustments
Your diet has a direct impact on your skin's defense against blue light. Here are some food categories to focus on:
Antioxidant-rich foods: Include berries, nuts, and leafy greens. These foods help neutralize free radicals. Blueberries are my favorite.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these help reduce inflammation and keep skin hydrated.
Staying hydrated also plays a vital role. Drinking enough water daily helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration. Add electrolytes to your water and stay away from processed drinks. Aim for at least eight glasses a day. A balanced diet rich in vitamins can leave your skin looking vibrant and flawless.
Your Path to a Youthful Glow
Being mindful of how blue light impacts your skin is vital, particularly for those who are dependent on their screens for work and play. By adopting these tips—using antioxidants, wearing blue light blocking glasses, refining your skincare routine, adjusting your screen settings, and optimizing your diet—you can effectively protect your skin against blue light damage.
Look, computers have been around since the early 80s, giving us all extensive computer time, along with screen time from other devices. You'd be surprised at the total hours if you chose to track them. Taking proactive steps not only improves your skin's health but also boosts your overall well-being. Begin making these changes today, and let your skin glow as you tackle professional tasks and navigate virtual worlds. With the right strategies, a youthful and radiant complexion is achievable!
Be healthy, don't get the blues and stay hydrated! Contact me with any questions ~ Genelle genelle@faceitskin.net
Genelle Holub
MUA, NCE
Face It Skin
Founder
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