The importance of protecting your skin against UVA and UVB rays is a well-documented fact, but what about HEV light? The acronym stands for High-Energy Visible Light is something you are exposed to not just from the sun, but also from everyday digital devices like your smartphone, tablet or computer screen.
What is HEV light?
Also known as blue light, it may actually be as harmful to your skin as UVA and UVB light combined. The sun’s UV rays can cause your skin to turn red and burn leading to other long-term skin issues whilst HEV light does not necessarily cause immediate, visible damage but this doesn’t make them any less harmful. Instead, continued exposure to this light can be the root of a pretty long list skin problems. It can cause:
- dryness
- sensitivity
- inflammation
- redness
- wrinkles
- fine lines
- sagging skin
- uneven pigmentation
- blotchy skin
- brown spots
- uneven tone and texture
Dr. Simon Zokaie “HEV damage was also the reason why my breakouts were taking longer than usual to settle. My skin was slowly losing its ability to heal because of the inflammation HEV light was causing. These wavelengths of light can cause free radical damage to the skin, leading to premature skin ageing and brown spots as well.”
So what can you do?
We all know by now that wearing sunscreen year-round is a must, so just be sure to pick out a product that also works to block HEV light. For example, the Oclipse® Sunscreen + Primer SPF30 does double-duty by protecting your skin from all harmful rays, including UVA, UVB and HEV. What’s more, it’s formulated to help smooth the skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines. (It’s also a fantastic primer base for your makeup!)