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Beauty & Health

What Do Blue Light-Protection Products Do Exactly, and Do You Need Them?

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Beauty & Health

What Do Blue Light-Protection Products Do Exactly, and Do You Need Them?

Research shows that overexposure to blue light can cause skin pigmentation and skin-ageing. But is there more to the matter?

by Farisia Thang  /   September 24, 2020
Blue light protecting sunscreen skincare products anti ageing

With more of us working from home during this pandemic, it seems that no matter how stripped down our beauty routine is – sunscreen still remains essential, and for good reason too. One of the main concerns with working from home is the added screen time and whether blue light damage should be a concern.

What is blue light?

Blue light, which has often been demonised, is also known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light. HEV light has been shown to penetrate deeper into the skin compared to UVA and UVB rays and can cause damage which shows up in the form of wrinkles and pigmentation. It has a wavelength which ranges from 380 nm to 500 nm and is also used for blue light therapy treatments as well. That is because blue light is not inherently bad for you. Research has shown that exposure to HEV light can boost mental alertness and elevate your mood.

There are also treatments and gadgets which harness blue LED light to treat the skin. The difference lies in the wavelength of these lights and how much you are exposed to. Blue light therapy, which is beneficial for skin, uses blue LED light with a wavelength between 405 nm to 420 nm to target acne.

But the problem comes from over-exposure to blue light in the form of computer and mobile phone screens.

Credit: Canva

How is blue light harmful to our skin?

Unlike UVA and UVB rays, which disappear after the sun sets, the threat from HEV light extends well into the night. As with most things in our lives, balance is the key when ascertaining if blue light is good or bad for you. Blue light can be both a friend and a foe. If you spend long hours in front of your computer or mobile phone screen, it may be wise to consider some form of protection against the risk of over-exposure, be it putting on a pair of yellow-tinted glasses for your eyes or applying skincare products which can shield your skin against HEV light.

Credit: Canva

Do you really need blue light-protecting products?

While there isn’t enough research to look into the long-term effects of blue light, there is no harm in being preventive in your routine. For one, the Anti-Pollution Research Center of Amorepacific‘s R&D Center recently published a research paper looking into the harmful effects of blue light on the skin. Their findings concluded that blue light with a wavelength of 456 nm causes skin pigmentation.

Another study in 2018 concluded that short-term exposure to light emitted from electronic devices like our iPhones and iPads from the manufacturer’s recommended reading distances and at 1 cm on human skin cells increases the generation of reactive oxygen species, which are linked to skin-ageing.

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With how innovative the beauty industry is getting, blue light protection products are now available in multiple forms. From sunscreens, serums, to even foundation. Here are our picks:

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/beauty-and-health/the-best-anti-blue-light-skincare-you-need-to-protect-your-skin-from-pigmentation-and-premature-skin-ageing/
What Do Blue Light-Protection Products Do Exactly, and Do You Need Them?
IDS Non-Tinted Sunscreen (with Extra Blue Light Protection), $73.83 (50 ml)
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This sunscreen is reformulated with additional blue light protection to protect the skin from HEV rays from screens. The broad spectrum 50 protects the skin from 99 per cent of UV radiation, while its formula delivers antioxidant and anti-pollution properties to ensure protection from UV damage on the skin. To top it all off, its ultra-lightweight and sweat-resistant formula makes for a perfect base underneath face masks. Especially considering Singapore’s humidity.

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Supergoop! Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Primer SPF 40 PA+++, $55 (50 ml)
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If you’re looking for a glowing finish, the Glow Screen from Supergoop! doubles as a makeup-gripping primer and sunscreen all in one. With SPF 40 and blue light protection, this hydrating formula is great for dry skin or for those who want that dewy finish. As a hack, it also works as a highlighter wherever you want extra shine.

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ést.lab SunShield SPF 50 , $96 (50 ml)
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Containing a powerful plant active that’s able to absorb blue light, the new ést.lab’s SunShield SPF 50 can also help reduce the effects of oxidative stress. It’s formulated with encapsulated pigments which gives it a slight tint, so you can use it as a makeup base, or even alone if you only require light coverage for the day.

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10 Myths About Sun Protection And Sunscreen You Need To Stop Believing

Chantecaille Bio Lifting Serum +
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The Bio Lifting Serum + is a silky serum boosted with lifting cocoa peptides and raspberry plant cells. The two come together to help tackle the ageing effects derived from exposure to UV rays, pollution, and blue light-emitting gadgets.

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Crystal Tomato Beyond Sun Protection SPF 75+ PA+++, $78.80 (50 ml)
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While providing an excellent defense against UV rays, the Crystal Tomato Beyond Sun Protection also blocks out 54.1 per cent of blue light. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving any white cast or stickiness, perfect for use under makeup.

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Skin Inc Serum UV Moisturizer SPF 50+ PA+++, $75 (35 ml)
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Serum, sunscreen, and moisturiser, this three in one lightweight product is for those who are looking to minimalise their skincare routine. Formulated with ingredients like Licorice, Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, and Adenosine, it helps to protect the skin from harmful UV exposures as well as power it with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

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LANEIGE Neo Cushion Matte SPF 42+ PA++, $62 (15g*2)
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First of its kind, this BB cushion has blue light protection and is packed in a sleek cube-like casing. Powered by a Humid Defense technology, the BB cushion also has a 24-hour sweat-resistant formula that controls excessive sebum to keep the makeup lasting longer. You can also easily layer up throughout the day without getting a cakey finish, its buildable coverage instantly covers pores and imperfections with a light tap.

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Read Next

11 Lightweight Foundations That Are Breathable – Even Under Masks

This Is Why Your Foundation Is Pilling & How You Can Stop It

Milani Screen Queen Foundation 270 Nude Sand, $27.80 (30 ml)
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The Screen Queen foundation is formulated with a Digital Bluelight Filter technology to help protect the skin, all while fighting dullness, discolouration, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of damage. Easily buildable and versatile, this vegan and cruelty-free foundation can be blended in with any tool of your choosing.

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Alpha-H Essential Skin Perfecting Moisturiser SPF 15, $65 (50 ml)
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Providing essential hydration to the skin, this lightweight moisturiser is formulated with peptides and potent antioxidants to strengthen the skin against the ravages of pollution and blue light. Plus, it also has SPF 15 to shield against UV rays as well.

Shop Now

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Jennifer Aniston’s Colourist Shares Tips For Maintaining Your Hair Colour Between Visits

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10 Best Chicken Recipes For Hearty Weeknight Dinners

Text: Arissa Ha, Additional reporting: Farisia Thang

This post was first published on November 17, 2019, and updated on September 24, 2020. 

We hope you like the products that we’ve curated! Just FYI, we may earn a commission from the links on this page. All prices are accurate and items in stock as of the time of publication.

  • TAGS:
  • anti-blue light
  • anti-blue light skincare
  • blue light
  • blue light foundation
  • blue light protection
  • blue light skin
  • blue light sunscreen
  • est.lab
  • ids skincare
  • pigmentation
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