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When tiny pollutant particles known as particulate matter first became the buzzword in skincare, they first raised concerns in respiratory health. Due to their extremely tiny size, scientists and doctors were worried about how easily they could enter our respiratory tract and cause serious health implications.
This was followed by worries on their hazardous effects on skin health, as the incidence of skin rashes and allergic flare-ups started to rise. And it wasn’t long before their role in accelerating skin ageing came under the microscope, as big beauty brands caught on this growing concern, with one dishing out one new anti-pollution skincare range after another.
Since then, anti-pollution skincare has become commonplace, as beauty brands offer up antioxidants-loaded formulas promising to fend off free radical assaults that pollution particles bring about. But just when you think you’re doing enough for your skin, the industry throws you another curveball, this time about the potential damage that’s caused to your skin from the long hours that we are exposed to digital devices, and more specifically the blue light it emits. But is it really worth investing in?
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For starters, what exactly is blue light? Also known as High Energy Visible Light, or HEV Light, it has a wavelength range of 380 to 500nm, compared to UV rays’ wavelength range of 280nm to 400nm. What this essentially means is that HEV Light is able to penetrate deeper into skin tissue than UV rays to reach the dermis and disrupt collagen production.
And while there have been scientific studies to prove that blue light exposure can be linked to an increase in skin sensitivity and pigmentation, these studies did not involve blue light specifically from digital devices. More importantly, the main source of blue light is still the sun. Light bulbs and electronic devices such as television, tablets, computers and our smartphones are just different sources of blue light.
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While it remains inconclusive as to how harmful blue light from digital devices are, there have also been concerns raised as a result of how frequent we are exposed to it. If you’re an iPhone user, a quick look at Screen Time tells you how much time you’re spending on your digital device. Factor in the amount of time you spend looking at your computer during work hours and you can a sense of how often your skin is actually exposed to blue light. Besides, these devices are positioned very closely to our skin, which means that intensity of the exposure is much higher than say, watching television.
So what does this all mean? While more research is required to directly link blue light emitted from digital devices to the cause of skin sensitivity and the acceleration of pigmentation, it couldn’t hurt to err on the safe side. And if you choose to take extra steps to protect your skin just in case, here are the latest products you can get your hands on as a shield against the glare of your digital devices:
https://www.herworld.com/beauty/skin/blue-light-protection-anti-ageing-pigmentation-pollution/
Time to up your #anti-pollution beauty game with this new way of fighting pollution
IDS Skincare DermaShield Serum, $99 for 30ml
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Touted as a screen protector for your skin, this protective serum contains marigold extract, a powerful antioxidant which also filters out blue light. A blend of specially chosen ingredients also help to prevent pollution particles from adhering onto skin, soothe cellular inflammation and shield the skin against Infrared and UV rays. Layer this under your regular serum for added protection and always finish with sunscreen before heading out during the day.
Allies of Skin 1A All-Day Pollution Repair Mask, $145 for 30ml
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With an impressive roster of active ingredients, this leave-on day mask forms an invisible protective barrier over skin to fend off environmental aggressors including pollution particles and HEV Light. With powerful antioxidants such as Glutathione and vitamin C, free radicals are neutralised to maintain skin health. At the same time, peptides help stimulate collagen production for optimal cellular rejuvenation.
The smart barrier auto-adapts, keeping pollutants out while enabling active ingredients to penetrate. Fatty acids also help rebuild skin’s lipid layer to improve its ability to retain moisture.
Amly Botanicals Silver Rich Face Mist Digital Detox, about $80 for 100ml
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Developed with digitally-savvy urbanites in mind, this face mist is packed with antioxidant-rich botanicals to strengthen the skin against free radical assault from environmental pollution such as toxic particles, UV rays and blue light emitted from mobile devices. The formula is also rich in minerals and vitamins to help purify and detox the skin while precious essential oils are used to provide an uplifting effect.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops, about $195 for 30ml
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As its name suggests, this serum is formulated to combat the hazardous effects of pollution, and it does so with its high concentration of powerful antioxidants. The combination of marine algae extract and purslane extract strengthens skin’s defences against pollution (including tiny particulate matter and blue light) and neutralises the toxic effects of airborne heavy metals. In addition, skin is also nourished as hyaluronic acid and cocoa seed extract delivers hydration and locks in moisture.
Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-free SPF 50
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Formulated with the brand’s patented Fernblock FC, a powerful antioxidant that’s been extensively researched, it protects skin cells against UV rays, HEV light and Infrared radiation. That’s not all, it is also equipped with antibacterial, anti-microbial and sebum-regulating technology, making it perfect for even those with sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Its quick-dry, non-greasy texture is also well-suited for those living in hot and humid climates.
And while we’re on the topic of anti-pollution, you might want to give these products that won the Her World stamp of approval at the Her World Beauty Awards 2019:
https://www.herworld.com/beauty/skin/blue-light-protection-anti-ageing-pigmentation-pollution/
Her World Beauty Awards 2019 Winners: Anti-pollution Skincare
Face the city
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Your typical skincare routine may seem to address every skin concern possible, but even the strictest of us fail to address the biggest irritant we face daily: pollution.
Not only does hopping on your commute taint your complexion faster than you cleanse it, pollution particles can also speed up the ageing process of your skin by penetrating to the epidermis and accelerating cellular deterioration and cause hyperpigmentation.
In fact, according to dermatology studies published over the past few years, a combination of UV rays, particulate matter, grime, and smog are responsible for 80 per cent of visible facial ageing signs, including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and loss of skin elasticity.
Here are the best anti-pollution products (out of the hundreds of products) we tried out for the Her World Beauty Awards 2019 that will start building your skin barrier against pollution.
For more on Her World Beauty Awards, click here.
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Anti-pollution foaming wash (Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice) – Chanel La Mousse, $64
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Anti-pollution skincare mist (Editors’ Choice) - Cremorlab T.E.N. Mineral Water Mist, $9.50-$56
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Anti-pollution skincare mist (Readers’ Choice) - Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Repair Mist, $79
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Anti-pollution moisturiser with blue light protection (Editors’ Choice) - Chantecaille Anti-pollution Mattifying Cream, $166
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Moisturiser with blue light protection (Readers’ Choice) - Sunday Riley C.E.O. Antioxidant Protect + Repair Moisturizer, $32-$92
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Sunscreen with anti-pollution protection (Editors’ Choice) - SK-II Atmosphere Airy Light UV Emulsion SPF30/PA+++, $99
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Sunscreen (Readers’ Choice) - Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50/PA++++ Anti-pollution, $56
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Anti-pollution cleansing oil (Editors’ Choice) - Dermalogica Precleanse Balm, $85
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Anti-pollution cleansing oil (Readers’ Choice) - Chanel L’Huile, $64
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Anti-pollution moisturiser (Editors’ Choice & Readers’ Choice) - Allies of Skin 1A All-day Pollution Repair Mask, $139
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