Most employees have become accustomed to the work-from-home setup. While sun exposure is limited indoors, this doesn’t mean your skin is protected from toxins and other environmental aggressors.
In a 2020 NBC News discussion with five dermatologists, the skin experts emphasized that we should wear sunscreen indoors. Although the advice was given three years ago, it remains relevant today.
When working at home, you use electronic devices longer than usual. These devices—smartphones, laptops, and computers—emit blue light that may damage your skin. Thus, besides ultraviolet A and B rays, wearing sunscreen indoors helps protect your skin from blue light exposure.
However, sunscreen isn’t the only product that can shield your skin from blue light—you can add other types of blue-light skincare products to your routine.
Do all kinds of blue light damage the skin?
Sunlight is the natural blue light source regulating the body’s circadian rhythm. It helps boost alertness, brain function, and the natural wake and sleep cycle. On the other hand, artificial sources include LED lights, fluorescent lights, and electronic devices.
While natural blue light can damage the skin, there’s no definitive research about the harmfulness of artificial blue light. However, high blue light exposure, also called high-energy visible light (HEV), has links to DNA damage, skin discoloration, digital eye strain, and skin aging.
This is why dermatologists underscore the importance of wearing sunscreen indoors. Moreover, using other blue-light skincare products helps maximize skin protection from heavy indoor HEV exposure.
The Best Blue-Light Skincare Products for Work-From-Home Employees
Choosing the right blue-light skincare products can take time. You should determine which products are compatible with your skin type—whether it’s dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination. You should also consider allergies and other potential adverse skin reactions.
To help you, we listed the best blue-light skincare products to protect your skin while working from home below.
1. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica is a mineral-based sunscreen with high-quality ingredients at an affordable price. It is also compatible with all skin types.
This sunscreen contains vitamin E for environmental protection and SPF 50+ sun protection. Moreover, it contains zinc oxide that can reflect and block blue light, reducing HEV light exposure and damage to your skin.
Many reviews have highlighted that ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica is lightweight, blends well with the skin, and leaves no white cast. It also doesn’t pill on top of your moisturizer. However, blending this sunscreen on deeper skin tones may require extra effort.
2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a dermatologist-favorite vitamin C serum that helps make your skin glow.
Generally known as an antioxidant, vitamin C helps fight toxins and minimize blue light damage.
This serum can also provide environmental protection that helps improve fine lines and wrinkles, tighten sagging skin, and brighten your complexion.
Many have been using this serum for years, and they noted it helped fade their age spots and wrinkles. However, this product is expensive for some, so consider your budget before purchasing.
3. Coola Full-Spectrum 360° Mineral Sun Silk Moisturizer
The Coola Full Spectrum 360° Mineral Sun Silk Moisturizer is a priming cream that provides mineral protection and moisturizes the skin.
This moisturizer helps mitigate blue light and environmental damage through its patented Bluescreen Digital De-Stress Technology. It is also ideal for those who want to skip a step in their morning routines.
The cream seamlessly melts into your skin. However, some users expressed disappointment with its thickness and the presence of a white cast. The jar packaging can also be messier and less hygienic than a tube.
4. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
The bareMinerals Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream is another moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid that helps hydrate your skin. It is also a mineral-based sunscreen that can protect your skin from UVA, UVB rays, and blue light.
This gel cream is comfortable and not greasy. One user loved it for having a physical SPF rather than a chemical one.
If you prefer a full-coverage finish, this product is not for you, as it only offers sheer coverage. One review said it might work on dry skin types, not oily ones. So, if your skin is oily, it may increase oiliness.
5. La Roche-Posay Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
La Roche-Posay tinted sunscreen is a mineral face sunscreen with broad UVA/UVB spectrum protection. It is water-resistant, non-greasy, and leaves no white cast.
This tinted sunscreen is handy if you wear makeup while working at home, as it substitutes a foundation. You can also find this product across department stores easily.
One review highlighted that this product works well for their sensitive skin, which is worth trying if you’re the same. However, some users found the sunscreen to feel heavy and not blend well with their skin tone. Others even got acne breakouts, so be wary.
6. Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection Face Shield SPF
Colorescience’s face shield is a sunscreen with EnviroScreen Technology.
EnviroScreen Technology is a Colorescience patented formula that helps protect your skin from UVA, UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation.
This sunscreen is lightweight and blends into the skin seamlessly. It has iron oxide that helps decrease the white cast and provide coverage against blue light. Additionally, it has niacinamide, which helps with hyperpigmentation and skin texture.
Before using this product, perform a patch test on your neck or forearm to check for adverse reactions. Some users noted allergic reactions to niacinamide and other ingredients like the silver ear mushroom extract.
7. Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Tinte is another tinted sunscreen that helps mitigate blue light damage. This product provides SPF 30 and skin hydration through glycerin. It also contains raspberry seed oil, an antioxidant that can minimize skin aging from oxidative stress.
This sunscreen is lightweight and has a smooth application. Many users find it compatible with their skin tones.
Although it can make your skin glow, some users noted greasiness from this product. Since it’s tinted, it may appear dark on pale skin. One user said they had itchy and bumpy hives after using it once.
8. Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
The Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30% is a vitamin C cream that can make your skin glow, youthful, and even. It has a patented MelaPATH® technology, offering the next-generation vitamin C to reduce existing damage and protect the skin from future environmental aggressors.
This serum might work for you if you struggle with acne scars and sun spots. Although expensive, many users think the product is a valuable investment.
However, this Revision serum contains ingredients that may cause adverse skin reactions in high concentrations. Your skin may develop bumps, swell, and be inflamed, so do a patch test before buying.
9. Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen
Bliss Block Star Sunscreen is a tinted, mineral-based sunscreen with a non-greasy and invisible finish. It contains zinc oxide, antioxidants, and titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in mineral sunscreens because it helps block UV rays and blue light radiation.
This daily sunscreen provides light and sheer coverage and dries matte on oily skin. If you prefer a water-resistant formula, this product is not for you. Moreover, some users didn’t like its fragrance.
10. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen is an oil-free, lightweight sunscreen containing zinc oxide. This product also has niacinamide that helps with discoloration, rosacea, and acne.
Some reviews said this sunscreen is easy to apply, non-greasy, and not tacky on hands. However, like other niacinamide products, you should perform a patch test to check your skin’s reaction. If your skin is sensitive, you may experience itchy and burning rashes or hives from this product.
11. Brush on Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen
Brush on Block Mineral Sunscreen is a powder sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It has an easy twist-open container that ensures you get the right amount of powder. Many users use this as an alternative to greasy cream-based sunscreens. You can also use this to set your cream-based makeup.
While the brush makes the application more manageable, the packaging might cause issues. The cap may unscrew easily despite being careful, resulting in a messy spill. At the same time, you shouldn’t use powder sunscreens like this as your primary sunscreen, as they are ideal for reapplications on top of cream sunscreens.
12. Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Our eyes absorb as much blue light as the skin, causing digital eye strain. In addition to wearing blue-light glasses and using a blue-light screen protector, you should apply the Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel within the perimeters of your eyes.
This eye gel is lightweight and helps protect the skin around your eyes and minimize puffiness, dark circles, and crow’s feet. Note that eye gels may cause minor irritation, burning, or stinging, so perform a patch test first.
13. Neutrogena Purescreen+ Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Another tinted mineral sunscreen to consider is Neutrogena Purescreen+. It has zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide. It also contains vitamin E, which helps protect the skin from blue light exposure and other environmental aggressors.
Users with dry and sensitive skin love this product. It has four shades that suit most skin tones.
The downsides of this sunscreen include its greasiness, coverage, and texture.
Protect Your Skin Indoors
Blue-light skincare products help shield your skin from blue-light exposure and other environmental aggressors. However, it’s essential to remember that these products aren’t one-size-fits-all. Skincare involves trial and error to find the most suitable product that delivers lasting skin protection.
Since you’re working from home, creating a comfortable workspace while doing your skincare is also crucial. For instance, using the best recliner chair with massage features complements your skincare routine by minimizing stress and tension. The less stress you have, the better your skin can be.
