By now most of us are aware of the damaging effects the sun has on our skin. However, did you know blue light (HEV rays) emitted from our screens can be just as ageing to our complexion. Editor Trudi Brewer shares a new skincare line that protects and corrects.
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Soaring levels of pollution have almost depleted our protective ozone layer, meaning UV radiation is circulating and ready to damage our skin even on cloudy days. Now there is a new threat - blue light. Known as HEV rays, while we talk on our phones, sit at our screens or work on a laptop, these rays are whipping around us damaging our skin. This new range of skincare may address this potential damage.
Murad City Skin Age Defence Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $105.
What is it?
A mineral, antioxidant-rich sunscreen with a built-in subtle skin tint.
What's in it?
Mineral screens such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, reflect UVA and UVB rays, while a marigold extract named lutein and vitamin C promotes clarity. Finally, the barely-there mineral tint made from colour correcting particles helps create an even, flawless complexion.
How does it work?
This antioxidant-rich sunscreen protects against the five main culprits (free radicals) that cause ageing. Pollution, smog and car fumes, UVA (ageing rays) and UVB (burning rays), infrared radiation from microwave ovens and HEV rays or blue light. Most of us don't worry about the HEV rays emitted from indoor fluorescent lights, smartphones, screens, and laptops. However, these are very close to UV light on the electromagnetic spectrum and just as damaging to the skin as the UVA and UVB rays pumped out by the sun. Once applied this ultra-light formula creates a polymer matrix, like an invisible barrier over the skin to protect against those free radicals. While you won't get burnt after a day sitting in front of your laptop, the HEV rays do cause invisible damage, adding to that uneven pigmentation and fine lines you see on your complexion.
How to use it?
A facial sunscreen, applied over your day cream, before your foundation and makeup application.
Murad City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturiser, $139.
What is it?
An antioxidant-rich, hydrating overnight moisturiser.
What's in it?
Plant extracts are the saviour of skincare formulators for their ability to protect skin from environmental damage. This cream boasts some hero herbs such as marrubium (a flowering herb from the mint family), sunflower cucumber and barely extracts. In fact, a recent Harvard research team believe the high-energy herb marrubium has the potential to act as a preventative agent against UVB (the burning rays) that cause skin cancer and skin damage, who knew.
How does it work?
This helpful herb along with other plant extracts and a concentrated version of vitamin C hydrate will heal damaged skin. These ingredients help to reverse pollution related UV and HEV light damage while your skin is undergoing its natural repair process overnight.
How to use it?
This replaces your normal night cream, one press of the airless pump is enough cream to treat the face and neck.