2 minute read
Beauty
WHAT'S IN THE AIR?
Do you have a cell phone, computer, TV? Have you ever given a thought as to what rays are given off from these devices? It is blue light—part of the spectrum of light that gives us white light. No, you are not going to see specific blue light rays zooming towards you, but they are there!
When you think back to just five years ago, we are generally using our cell phones more for everything. Who has a land line now? (Okay we do!). Our cellphones house our diary, camera and notes. Our TVs have gotten larger, and we may even have a movie room. We work with not just one screen but maybe three in an environment that has fluorescent light. Did I mention air conditioning that is on in summer and winter creating a drier environment? Blue light, also referred to as high energy visible light, penetrates the skin deeper than UV light, passing through the subcutaneous layer, affecting our collagen and elastin and thus the firmness and structure of our skin. This then will affect our skin with an increase of skin cell shrinkage and death, leading to an increase in aging and pigmentation. The acid mantle is our protective layer, and if impaired in any form can result in itchy, swelling, flaky skin or to more extreme eczema, rosacea and pigmentation changes. Remember, this is only pollutants from lighting and devices. I haven’t even got to other issues, including outdoor pollutants like fumes, gases and chemicals. This is an increasing challenge, so what can we do to help ourselves? We are aware of protecting against UV A and B (sun rays) with sun protection. What do we do to protect against blue light? Blue light at night will disrupt our natural skin cell repair and maintenance (not to mention our sleep rhythm). Let’s get to some protection and repairing, maybe even avoid your cellphone in the evening. (I hear my son saying something about this). An alternative could be a protective layer that can be spritzed onto the skin that has bio-actives which defend against blue light, damaged cells, oxidative stress and other environmental pollutants. I like Environ Focus Care Comfort + Anti-Pollution Spritz. This helps cellular function improve the acid mantle, the protective barrier of your skin, reduces inflammation, improves enhanced cellular proliferation, skin health and protection. Of course, we always include Vitamin A and C. Exposure to pollutants is going to be unavoidable, so what’s left is being proactive and avoid where we are able and protect when necessary. Please call us or come in so we can help you understand further the options for your needs.
Sue
Sue from Tranquillo Beauty in Tauranga has great advice each season to keep your skin beautiful and healthy.
