Did you know blue light is more damaging to the skin than UV?
Blue Light counts for 25-30% of sunlight while UV only makes up 5% yet we are trained to protect our skin from UV and not blue light.
We live in a world that is always talking about SPF but we need to change the conversation because blue light and its effects are causing serious damage to our skin health.
Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and is a colour that the human eye can see. Some types of blue light can be very beneficial for the skin, helping to heal acne and even boosting our mood and regulate our circadian rhythm, However, the most damaging blue light comes from the sun and this is causing issues visible on our skin.
Lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, inflammation and redness are all causes of over exposure to blue light generated from the sun but we are exposed to this on a daily basis and it is something almost impossible to control.
The short rapid wavelengths of blue light go deeper into our skin and often reach right down to our dermis, the factory of our skin where we make collagen and elastin.
We know UV is very harmful to our skin and can cause accelerated ageing but damaging blue light has a direct impact on our skin at a cellular level and kills off these precious cells leading to many issues including wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
It can cause oxidative stress, which is when you have an imbalance of free radicals (unstable molecules) and antioxidants in turn this can cause inflammation and redness on our skin. This happens because the skin barrier is impaired allowing bacteria and pollutants to enter.
We all know UV can also stimulate pigmentation, but so can blue light. It activates our melanin production, the cells that give us our colour and this can often lead to darkened patches and skin conditions like melasma.
Evidence has even shown that blue light can be damaging to our eyes!! Blue light can pass straight through the cornea and lens, through to the retina causing vision problems over time.
So what can we do to help?
Protect the skin with a rich supply of skin-loving antioxidants to help boost the skin's defence system. It's really that simple.
Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables of all colours contains healthy antioxidants. Berries, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, peppers, oranges.........the list is never-ending.
Advanced Nutrition Programmes Skin Blue Filter is a great way to add additional protection on a daily basis. Containing a supply of antioxidants to boost our skin's defence, along with anti-inflammatory ingredients we could be protecting our skin from blue light impact by up to 60%.
Using antioxidant and mineral-rich SPF is also key. ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide work like a physical barrier between the skin and the sun for protection. Along with vitamins C, E and Beta-carotene which will help to reduce the sensitivity that the sun can cause.
High-chemical sunscreens can become degraded by the sun when it's exposed so antioxidant and mineral formulas will provide longer-lasting protection.
Environ created the first SPF in the world to contain antioxidants, this is a physical SPF which is better protection, especially for sensitive skin.
The main message is protection from blue light, internally and topically to help with the maintenance of normal skin. By treating this way you can be sure to prevent future damage and sensitivity from the sun.
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