Much like UVA rays, HEV rays penetrate through your skin’s layers and therefore a pollution-blocking SPF will prevent blue light from damaging cells beneath the surface. In terms of what SPFs to choose, we recommend you opt for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide as this mineral sits on your skin’s surface and helps to prevent blue light rays from getting through. Shiseido’s Expert Sun Protector Face & Body Lotion SPF 50+ is formulated with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to work as a protective barrier against the sun’s rays and is also hypoallergenic, so is even recommended for those with hypersensitive skin. You can also look to Biossance’s Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, which is hydrating enough to use as a replacement for moisturiser. Plus, it’s infused with water lily which has antioxidant and soothing properties to protect against free radicals and help to calm your complexion.

This is your reminder that it’s always important to deep clean skin at the end of the day. Product build-up and make-up aren’t the only impurities that sit on your skin – tiny pollution particles from blue light can strip your skin of of its barrier lipids (the topmost layer of your skin, which helps to lock in moisture while blocking out any impurities).  If the barrier is affected, skin can feel more sensitive and uncomfortable, therefore introducing a thorough cleanse is essential for removing any pesky particles. Giving your complexion a good cleanse will remove any pesky particles that have stuck to your skin. To cleanse your skin, use an antioxidant-infused cleanser such as the exclusive Natura Bissé Diamond Cocoon Daily Cleanser that promises to wipe away environmental and indoor pollution as well as blue light particles. If your skin feels sensitive, try Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm, it’s made with organic English Rose Hydrolat (a floral water) to soothe and hydrate your skin. Plus, the rich texture emulsifies when it mixes with water, and will gently pull away impurities.  

Here’s the thing – blue light encourages oxidative stress which affects collagen production and can prevent skin cells from regenerating, meaning skin looks and feels less plump and firm. Plus, sunscreen alone won’t protect skin, it needs neutralisers to reduce the impact of damage and antioxidants are brilliant, naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals to defend against blue-light pollution. Ingredients such as vitamin C, ferulic acid and phloretin are top examples of antioxidants that protect from free radicals and unwanted pigmentation. Beauty editors around the globe rave about Lancôme‘s Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum, as the potent blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide and ferulic acid deeply hydrates skin all the while reducing oxidation. Another antioxidant-packed product to look to is the Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster – made with vitamin E, ferulic acid and peptides, it protects against free radicals to perk up your skin. It gets better, a special blend of hexapeptide-5, lipids and polyglutamic acid will strengthen the skin’s barrier. 

Improving your skin barrier will help prevent blue-light pollution particles from getting through to your skin. And ingredients such as niacinamide are protein-builders that’ll effectively do the job. They help your skin cells produce vital ceramides that then strengthen your barrier and protect against allergens and external aggressors.  You’ll find the acid in the exclusive Dr Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum, which is also made with amino acids to improve pigmentation and marine plankton to strengthen.  Another barrier-bolstering ingredient? Hyaluronic acid, which is found in  Paula Choice’s Hyaluronic Acid Booster. Hyaluronic acid regenerates the lipids in your skin’s barrier to to retain moisture and protect skin from free radicals.

As well as physical sunscreens and antioxidants, make-up products containing light-reflecting pigments can act as a barrier against harmful HEV rays. It’s worth using skincare-make-up hybrids such as BB creams and tinted moisturisers, which offer luminous skin and (partial) blue light protection. Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector has an SPF30 and is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and E, to protect skin from environmental aggressors. There’s also the Nudestix Nudescreen Daily Mineral Veil SPF 30, which is approved and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective UV protectant, and is made with passionflower to aid in shielding skin from blue light pollutants. To get the most coverage use a dense brush to apply the product over the top of your mineral sunscreen for an all-over glow.