During the workday, you know how common it is to lose track of time. One minute, you’re starting your day by brewing a cup of coffee and checking emails, then seemingly in the blink of an eye, it’s dark out and you haven’t emerged from your office, let alone your cocoon of devices—you might be on your computer, smartphone, and (admit it!) TV all at the same time, and you’re not alone. According to a study by The Vision Council, nearly 60 percent of Americans use digital devices for five or more hours a day, and 70 percent of Americans are using two or more devices simultaneously.
All this screen time isn’t just negatively affecting our sleep, but also taking a toll on our skin quality by increasing our exposure to HEV (high-energy visible) or blue light. “Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and carries more energy than colors like red or yellow—it penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB rays,” warns board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anetta Reszko. While your typical SPF can block UVA and UVB light, it can’t block HEV, so it makes sense that “blue light sunscreen,” formulas to block this damaging form of light, are surging in popularity.
Vogue’s Favorite Blue-Light Sunscreens:
“A lot of the popularity can come from interest outside of beauty, from health and wellness to the awareness of blue light damage to eyes,” says cosmetic chemist Victoria Fu of the blue light beauty trend, who notes that it makes sense that SPF is getting the blue light treatment. Thanks to heightened awareness of sun protection, sunscreen has rightfully shifted from a seasonal pickup to a year-round staple. “New claims extending to blue light are being made to [help SPF] stand out in a crowded arena,” she explains.
But blue light claims are not easily quantified, says Fu. “Blue light protection isn’t a gimmick, but it also isn’t as well studied, understood, or regulated in comparison to UV light,” she explains. Blue light protection is a vague and generalized assertion; to make this product claim, skin-care manufacturers can take a broad range of formulation approaches.
One of the most common strategies for creating blue light sunscreen is to use pigmented titanium dioxide and iron oxides, the only ingredients that can help block blue light, says Fu. These ingredients are commonly found in tinted mineral sunscreens. Another approach is by using antioxidants like cocoa seed extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, or niacinamide. Studies show that HEV can cause free radical damage, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, premature skin aging, and a weakened skin barrier, and these ingredients can help address oxidative damage, fade dark spots, soothe and calm skin, promote collagen production, and boost hydration levels, among other benefits. The best formulas will combine mineral SPFs with antioxidants. “Together, these ingredients support skin repair and help maintain a brighter, more even complexion,” Dr. Reszko explains.
