Is the light from your computer ageing your skin?

Is the light from your computer ageing your skin? I remember over five years ago a make-up artist warning me against the potentially damaging “blue light” (referred to as (high energy visible or HEV light) emitted from our screens. How many of us spend many hours a day in front of our computer screens, either for work or pleasure. I certainly do as part of my job. I surf for information and products, not to mention watching movies in the evening. I won’t go into other areas that computers might be affecting our lives such as disrupting our sleep patterns I will keep this post confined to protecting our skin from the possible ageing affect of our devices.

1. Paula’s choice  resist super antioxidant  // 2. SkinCeuticals physical UV defence (US link) (UK link) // 3.  Murad city skin defence  4. Make moonlight primer // 5.  Prevage city smart broad spectrum shield

New research suggests that this “blue light” could be harming our skins. I use an SPF50 sunscreen under my make-up everyday and have done for the last few years. However I need to reassess the ones that I have been using. Apparently the best products for all round protection are ones with a physical block. Look for zinc oxide, titanic dioxide and iron oxide in the ingredients list of your SPF. A serum supercharged with antioxidant options will also help to keep free radicals at bay.

Many brands are beginning to introduce HEV-blocking ingredients into their products to protect us against this damaging light. HEV is likely to become a buzzword on packaging in the near future.