insiderblmScreens: 3 beauty tips to protect yourself from blue light
Screens, are they friend or foe of the skin? A recent in vitro study demonstrates the harmful effects of artificial blue light on cells. Discover the advice of a dermatologist to keep you safe from it.
What about the skin? An in vitro study, published by the Journal of Dermatological Science in May 2018, revealed that exposure to this artificial light causes molecular damage at the mitochondria, cell energy center. This induces oxidative stress and, therefore, brings about an acceleration of skin aging. The research was done on cells grown in the lab and not on humans, and prevention remains better than cure. Discover three ways to protect yourself from artificial blue light.
1 / Choose a mineral sunscreen
According to dermatologist Marie-Estelle Roux, the recommendations are the same as those to guard against the blue light of the sun; starting with a sunscreen. “We often think of choosing a sun cream anti-UVA-UVB but not with a blue light filter. This light is just as dangerous as it penetrates deeply. We must protect ourselves on a daily basis” claims Marie-Estelle Roux. The dermatologist recommends mineral sunscreens, containing zinc dioxide or titanium dioxide, that act as reflectors. Thus, they block the rays but also the blue light.
2 / Use foundation
The foundation is an ally of good mines but also an effective defender against blue light. “All that blocks the view will block the blue light, (pigments are one of them)” explains the dermatologist. “Choose preferably a well-covering and opaque foundation; especially phototypes III and more (pale skin and dark eyes). “If they do not protect themselves from the blue light, they may have spots on the skin, like melasma or pregnancy mask,” warns Dr. Marie-Estelle Roux.
3 / Control your screen time
In order to monitor the time spent in front of your screens, Apple has put a Screen Time function on the latest iOS 12 version of the iPhone. The same process exists also in its competitor Android. On average, specialists recommend between two and three hours of screen per day. What is more, if you’re working on a computer, tablet or smartphone the whole day, try equipping your device with a blue light filter.
