Is the blue light from your phone screen giving you wrinkles?

We all know that exposing your skin to the sun and other outside polluters can cause considerable damage. What you may not know, however, is how damaging blue light can be.

Every day we expose ourselves to blue light (also known as HEVL, high energy visible light): the light emitted from televisions, computers and mobile phone screens. Much like UV rays from the sun, this type of light can have detrimental effects on the skin. There is evidence to suggest that the high-energy, short-wavelength qualities of blue light mean it penetrates the skin, causing inflammation, hyperpigmentation and breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are integral to healthy skin.

With technology becoming an ever more important part of our lives and jobs –  just think about how much time you spend looking at your phone – many brands have come out with blue-light fighting products to keep our faces protected. By using products that contain antioxidants that target the oxidative stress blue light promotes, your skin will be safer during screen time. Most of these also contain SPF and other pollution protections, because why not save your skin in one fell swoop.

Chantecaille Blue Light Protection Hyaluronic Serum

This serum’s sole purpose is to decrease the damage we face from blue light emitting devices. Suitable for all skin types, the unique blend of botanicals is designed to protect the mitochondria in the skin. By doing so, blue light is not able to affect the skin’s collagen production and accelerated ageing is prevented.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Defense SPF 30

Bare Minerals brings us an all-in-one answer to the blue light plight. Acting as a defence against sun, pollution, UV and blue light, this product will cut the number of steps in your skincare regime but add a serious layer of protection.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex

This eye cream not only helps prevents the damaging effects of blue light but also repairs the impact it’s already had on the skin. Claiming to reveal brighter, more hydrated looking under eyes, this product might be the cure for our long-week-at-work, hangover-fuelled, not-enough-sleep dark circles. Using the brand’s patented ChronoluxCB™technology, the lightweight cream promotes natural skin renewal and protects against HEVL free-radical damage.

Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++

This award-winning SPF provides full-on protection. 100% mineral based, PA++++ and with SPF 50, this cream protects from all five causes of premature skin ageing: blue light, pollution, infrared radiation, UVA and UVB. Make sure to apply this after moisturiser to your face, neck and decolletage for maximum coverage - it’s not just your eyes that feel the effects of prolonged screen time.  

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum

This product is a splurge; but its potent, high performing ingredients make it an industry champion. Antioxidant protection is thought to help fend off damage caused by our screens, defending against light-related free radicals.

Sisley Sisleyouth Anti-Pollution

Protecting from wrinkles and loss of radiance and firmness, this product focuses on intensely moisturising the skin. Whether you’re outside in the sun and pollution or inside glued to your screen, your skin is bound to suffer. This solution uses anti-oxidant, anti-free radical ingredients including buckwheat seed, ginkgo biloba and pea extracts, to stop your skin from feeling those effects. Safe skin, check.

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50

Although they’re essential, many SPF and pollution protecting products have the tendency to turn your face into an oil slick, meaning we skip using them altogether. This oil-free, dry touch gel will change your mind. Using broad spectrum UV and HEVL protection, the Heliocare 360 gel protects and repairs skin and uses anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and sebum controlling ingredients. Oily skin types, start queuing.

Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation

If you’re looking to protect your skin from blue light and apply your make-up base all in one step, this is the product for you. The foundation contains vitamin E, acclaimed for its antioxidant and anti-pollutant powers. Available in 31 shades, its lightweight texture will leave you with a natural and dewy finish. Revlon also offer a setting powder and concealer in this collection for a complete blue light-fighting base.