Digital Aging - Premature skin aging due to blue light

Whether diligently in the home office, during an extensive online shopping session or binge-watching the new favorite series, we spend hours every day with our faces in front of our smartphones, Ipads or laptops. Not only can this take a toll on our psyche, but it can also lead to premature skin aging. But what does technology have to do with our facial skin? We explain the effects of blue light on our skin and how you can effectively protect your skin from it

What is Blue Light?

Blue Light is an artificial and highly energetic light that is emitted by digital screens. These rays, also called HEV rays, have a wavelength of about 380 to 500 nanometers. They penetrate into the deeper layers of our skin, even deeper than UVA and UVB rays. HEV rays are nowhere near as dangerous as UV rays, but they are also quite treacherous because we don't see or feel them. In addition, they do not produce immediately visible damage, but only gradually the skin reacts to the blue light. 

What are the consequences of blue light for our skin?

Even though the effects of HEV light or blue light on our health have not yet been fully researched, one thing is already clear: blue light damages our skin and sets the premature aging process in motion. But why is this so? Now it becomes a bit biological, but still easy to understand: In our upper skin layer there are opsins that react to light or rays with a certain wavelength. When blue light shines on the skin, these opsins become active and secrete a protein that is necessary for skin regeneration. The opsins are overstimulated by the fact that we glance briefly at our cell phones every second we have free time, that we constantly sit in front of the screen in the home office, and that we then watch 34 episodes of the latest super series. The overstimulation causes free radicals to develop. And this creates oxidative stress, which is bad for our cells and for the collagen framework of our skin. The skin's protective barrier is weakened, inflammation, irritation and hyperpigmentation can occur. 

How do we protect our skin from digital aging?

Meanwhile, there are great reading glasses with blue light filters for our eyes, nutrition experts recommend eating a balanced diet and point to dietary supplements with zinc, selenium or omega3. But what else can we do? How about a digital break or a digital detox? In other words, completely giving up smartphones and the like? That probably won't work in the long run and is therefore not a solution. But how can we protect our skin from digital aging? The skin has a protective mechanism and can protect itself to some extent from blue light. However, we should support this process with the right skin care. Here we should just make sure that the active ingredients of the beauty products act as antioxidants and eliminate the free radicals. In addition, the products must strengthen the protective barrier, moisturize and best of all contain the typical anti-aging power active ingredients. 

We have some cosmetic products in the store that effectively protect your skin from Blue Light effects:

1. Let's start with cleansing and Epigen Pollution Detox Cleansing Gel by QMS Medicosmetics. The ultra-mild cleansing gel deeply cleanses the skin of impurities and residues such as make-up. It refreshes, hydrates and leaves the skin feeling pleasant. 

2. then we care for the eye area. The anti-aging eye cream protects against blue light and reduces expression lines and wrinkles. The cooling massage attachment in combination with the light texture has a refreshing effect and reduces puffiness. 

3. The next step is to apply the day cream. The Invisible Physical Defense from Dermalogica or Le Visage Creme de Jour Jeunesse No. 02 from the Swiss company Rivoli are ideal. The 2-in-1 day cream protects the skin from UV rays, ozone, blue light, pollutants and their effects and visibly reduces lines and wrinkles.

4. For extra protection, simply apply the moisturizing and antioxidant spray Recharging Mist from Skin Regimen. You can also use the spray over makeup and use several times a day.