Is your phone aging you?
Are you worried about aging? Do you think that you are doing everything you can to prevent it? Let's dive in to see if you know about HEV light (AKA Blue light)?
What is HEV?
High-energy visible light (HEV), also known as blue light, falls right between UV and infrared rays in the middle of the light spectrum. Unlike UVA and UVB rays, we can see blue light from the sun and our:
- Smartphones
- TVs
- Computers
- Tablets
- Fluorescent light bulbs
Blue light penetrates the skin more deeply than UV rays and damages collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin.
While sunlight is the primary source of blue light exposure, our devices only emit a small amount of radiation in comparison. However, our phones are much closer to us than the sun. These days, people are working from home and not applying any sunscreen when indoors. If you are a Millennial, you are most likely checking your phone approximately one hundred fifty times a day. Compared to older adults, who check their phones only about thirty times a day. Not to mention watching TV, working on your laptop, and being under fluorescent lights daily. Millennials get much more blue light exposure.
There is speculation that our digital devices could be releasing free radicals that can cause premature aging. Free radicals strip the skin of barrier lipids, which help retain moisture and keep out impurities. Losing this protection can result in skin damage, premature aging, increased sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation. The best approach is to protect your skin. While you don't have to worry about blue light causing cancer, you should be aware of the signs of aging. There are all types of again.
These can show up in the form of:
- Dark spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine lines/wrinkles
- Inflammation
- Thinner/weaker skin
Unfortunately, even if you wear sunscreen daily, many formulas don't protect against HEV. The key sunscreen ingredient required for HEV protection is a vegetable-derived form of melanin (the pigment that makes skin tan). This is showing up in new products designed specifically for tech rays, such as ZO Skin Health's Daily Power Defense and Lumavive day and night by Skin Medica and all of Zo Skin Health SPF.
So, what can you do to protect your skin? If you're concerned about your blue light exposure, use products with the following ingredients.
Vitamin C - found in many Zo products
- Boosts collagen production
- Fights signs of aging
- Repairs skin by encouraging cell turnover and regeneration
- Brightens dark spots
Green Tea - found in our Glo Skin Beauty makeup and contained in Zo Skin Health and Skin Medica products
- Reduces acne and treats rosacea
- Prevents premature aging due to polyphenols
- Combats excess oil production
- Fights undereye circles and swelling due to caffeine
Vitamin E – Found in Daily Power Defence
- Moisturizes
- Keeps skin healthy
- Brightens dark spots
- Fights signs of aging
Retinol - Some have a love-hate relationship with retinol, but it's a gold standard to help prevent aging.
- Smooths wrinkles
- Creates even skin tone
- Clears up acne
- Promotes collagen
- Reduces pores
- Helps with texture
If you've been following me for a while, you know I'm a huge fan of medical skincare and its benefits. I would suggest incorporating products to help fight against HEV and all the rays and environmental damage.
