Every time you FaceTime your friends, watch your favourite shows on Netflix [1], or turn on your computer to do work, you're exposed to blue light. Blue light is a visible light wave (yes, it's actually blue!), and has more energy per photon of light than other colours in the visible spectrum. This is important to know because at high enough doses, blue light is more likely to cause damage when various cells in our body absorb it [2] — and it can also make your eyes feel more irritated or tired than usual.
Because blue light has high energy, it can pass through the cornea and lens of your eyes, reaching the retina and causing diseases [3] such as dry eye, cataract, and macular degeneration, a 2018 study in the International Journal of Ophthalmology explained. Research has also found that skin exposed to light rays emitted from electronic devices — for as short as an hour! — can damage the skin and potentially accelerate ageing of the skin [4]. Additionally, blue light stimulates your brain and inhibits melatonin secretion which can negatively affect the quality of your sleep.
As more things become digital — like your workouts — you'll be spending more time looking at screens, so you've got to make sure you're protecting your eyes and your skin. We've rounded up some of the best products that will help protect you from blue light rays, check them out ahead.
The Art Of Snore Blue Light Glasses
Chances are you're constantly looking at a screen — your phone, your TV, or your laptop — which means you've got to protect your eyes from blue light. We recommend a stylish pair of glasses like the The Art Of Snore Blue Light Glasses [6] ($40).
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Not only is blue light bad for your eyes, it's also bad for your skin. Even if you don't go outside, you should be wearing sunscreen to protect and maintain the health of your skin. We like Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 [7] ($34) because it's made with red algae which protects against blue light emitted from electronics. Additionally, it's made for all skin types, is weightless, scentless, and also acts as a makeup primer!
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops
Another product that will help protect your skin from blue light is the Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops [8] ($145). This is a lightweight serum that you can use daily to shield against pollution and blue light generated from screens. A little goes a long way, and it's definitely worth the investment.
EyeJust Blue Light Screen Protector
We spend a lot of time on our phones which is why we love the EyeJust Blue Light Screen Protector [9] ($38).
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
If you want to protect your skin and have a glow, we highly recommend the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation [10] ($46). This skin tint is created with a mineral sunscreen that will protect your skin from UVA, UVB, and UVC, infrared, and blue light rays.
EyeJust Blue Light Blocking Computer Screen
Regardless of what you're watching or working on on your laptop, make sure you protect your eyes and skin with the Eyejust Blue Light Blocking Computer Screen [11] ($56).
One Ocean Beauty Colorless Blue Light Protection and Hydration Mist
Keep your skin moisturised and refreshed with the One Ocean Beauty Colorless Blue Light Protection and Hydration Mist [12] ($58).
TIJN Blue Light Blocking Round Rim Frame Glasses
Switch up your look (and protect your eyes) with the TIJN Blue Light Blocking Round Rim Frame Glasses [13] ($18).
Ren Clean Screen Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF 30
If you prefer matte products for your skin, try the Ren Clean Screen Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF 30 [14] ($38). The non-nano zinc oxide helps block and reflect UVA, UVB, and blue light rays while preventing ageing and sun pigmentation.
Derma E Blue Light Shield Spray
Revive your skin throughout the day with the Derma E Blue Light Shield Spray [15] ($17).
Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40
Another Supergoop! option we're loving for a dewy and glowing look is the Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 [16] ($36).