Don’t let selfies – or in my case- netflix binge-watching in bed- take a toll on your skin. It’s not only the sun that can prematurely age your skin – coming indoors and having screentime isn’t doing you any favours, either. I know, you can’t win, right?!
Screentime is not great for your face time
A big new trend in skincare has arisen in response to global research consistently proving that Blue Light is harmful and a contributing cause of premature ageing. Therefore, shielding our skin from Blue Light aggressors emitted naturally by the sun and artificially by our electronic devices is now, more so than ever, a vital part of the modern woman’s daily beauty regime.
The Blue Light Disco that’s not harmless fun
We really need to give skin protection both outdoors and indoors protecting skin from Blue Light damage from phones, TV, and computer screens. Protection against blue rays is on everyone’s lips as recent research shows it leads to premature ageing more pronounced than UVB and similar to UVA. Blue light rays penetrate more deeply into skin than UV rays do.
Digital Rays and Blue Light Skincare Protection – what can we do?
In a recent article on blue light, Harper’s Bazaar states that millennials are checking their phones an average of 150 times a day, and a 2016 report finding US adults clock up more than 10 hours of screen time daily, we’re getting significantly more Blue Light exposure than we used to from the sun alone.
Here’s a few products available in New Zealand for complexion protection both outdoors and indoors. Interestingly, they’re all natural brands, which seem to be leading the market in this area. I’m sure that the grocery brands will release products in due course as the trend reaches more awareness in the marketplace.
First up, COOLA.
COOLA Organic SPF 30 Full Spectrum 360° Sun Silk Drops is an organic skincare breakthrough serum for digital and environmental protection for everywhere from the beach to the office.
Who: Any person who uses a cell phone, computer, or TV—in other words, everyone who’s not living in a cabin in the woods.
What: Your daily Full Spectrum 360° drops help protect from the damaging effects of sun and digital overexposure.
When: Drops are perfect to use everyday either by itself or blended into your day cream.
Where: For your face, neck, and décolleté.
How Much: RRP $85 September launch – on sale now. www.coolasuncare.co.nz
The Herb Farm
The Herb Farm Protecting Skin Defence Mist
Who: Aimed at anyone who wants maximum protection for their skin for long-term skin health, particularly those who travel, work in an office, an area with pollution, work outdoors, or experience stress.
What: Protection against pollution, UV radiation, heating and aircon, stress and fatigue, hot and cold weather, and electronic equipment. Hero ingredients are elderberry extract – an extremely high antioxidant with anti-ageing and free-radical fighting properties; Xantham Gum – to form a light protective shield on your skin; Black Spruce Essential Oil – steam distilled from pine needles of Black Spruce to aid immunity defence and uplift tired skin and mind.
When: Available now
How Much: RRP $34.90 at www.herbfarm.co.nz
Antipodes
Antipodes WORSHIP Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum
Who: Anyone concerned with skin damage and ageing. Suitable for vegans.
What: Protects skin from free-radical damage with powerful anti-oxidants in New Zealand-grown superfruits: boysenberry, blackcurrant and kiwifruit, plus revolutionary antioxidant Vinanza Grape.
When: Available now.
How Much: RRP $59 at www.antipodesnature.com
ALPHA H
ALPHA H Daily Essential Vitamin Mist
Who: For those on flights, after sun exposure, Blue Light exposure.
What: An invisible shield against blue light and urban ageing in a weightless facial mist forming a breathable barrier to protect the skin from premature ageing caused by urban pollution, blue light radiation and environmental aggressors. Hero ingredients are two advanced antipollution ingredients—natural peptide Moringa Seed Extract and Pollushield™ as well as powerful Vitamin A, B, C, D, E complex to top up vital antioxidant levels throughout the day. This breakthrough in daily age prevention comes in the form of a moisturising spritz that instantly plumps, hydrates and refreshes with an uplifting blend of Rose Flower, Rose Geranium and Orange essential oils.
When: Available now.
How Much: RRP $59.95 at www.tvsn.com
Jessica Gomes EQUAL BEAUTY
Jessica Gomez EQUAL BEAUTY Super Mist Polluscreen Moisturelock.
Who: Those exposed to environmental pollution who need to stay hydrated.
What: Formulated with Moisture-lock technology that effectively enhances the skins own natural moisturising capability. Unique and patented Polluscreen acts as a defense shield from environmental pollution. Hold 10-12 inches from face. With eyes and mouth closed, mist over face before exposure to pollutants. After spraying, the mist can be blended over entire face with the hands.
When: Available now. I got this in Australia, so I’m not sure if this one is available as yet in New Zealand.
How Much: RRP $AU79.95 at equalbeauty.com
Trilogy
Trilogy is releasing two new SPF products in October – both with a breakthrough new technology that protects against blue light: Trilogy Age-Proof Multi-Defence Moisturiser SPF15 and Trilogy Rosehip Multi-Shield Moisturiser SPF15.
Who: For customers using the AgeProof and the regular skincare ranges.
What: Improved SPF moisturisers packed with breakthrough Blue Light defence super-ingredient PEPHA®-AGE, designed to deliver everyday hydration, with the added benefit of shielding all skin types from light aggressors inside and out. Naturally derived from freshwater Algae, PEPHA®-AGE is rich in Vitamin B3, zinc and amino acids which work at both the epidermal and dermal layer of the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to improve the skin’s overall appearance.
When: Available from October-November 2018 www.trilogyproducts.com
How Much: RRP $tbc
Words and photos, Megan Robinson
30 September 2018