Is your smart phone damaging your skin?

By Kristie Furniss

As skincare experts with over 65 years’ experience in the professional beauty industry, we are always asked our advice, we love to share our knowledge and experience with you all.

We all know a little about the damage that UV rays from the sun can cause on our skin and we are learning more about the harmful effects of pollution on our skin, but did you know that the evolution of technology means there is a new, not so silent skin aggressor which may be just as damaging to our skin as UV and pollution?

Now it’s the turn of our computers, smart phones and other smart devices (including television) to come under scrutiny, as the blue light (HEVL) which they emit is recognised for the damage that it causes to our skin.

What is Blue Light?

Blue Light or HEVL (High Energy Violet Light) refers to the blue/violet band of visible light which may pose a significant threat to our complexions. HEVL is not associated with sunburn, however studies have shown that it may accelerate skin ageing and even contribute to the development of patchy pigmentation marks on our skin.

Exposure to HEVL (or Blue Light as it is more commonly known) leads to reactive oxidative stress within our skin. This can contribute to the degradation of the lower levels of your skin and your skins youth mechanisms and proteins such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Where is Blue Light found?

HEVL is present in day light and also visible as the glare from our electronic devices; televisions, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

The Katherine Daniels Solution

Introducing the Daily DNA Defence SPF30. Designed to give you daily protection against environmental ageing in one effortless step.

Not only does it offer an SPF30 protection against UVA and UVB sun rays, but our weightless, non-greasy skin veil is formulated to help protect your skin against damages caused by Blue Light and pollution.

We have formulated it to be fragrance free and non-comodogenic, ideal for even the most sensitive of skin. Incorporating the latest technology available in skincare, we have worked tirelessly with our team of skin scientists to develop and include our DNA Defence Enzymes. These enzymes work to defend and repair your cell’s DNA during and after exposure to UV, Blue Light and pollution.

This means from the brightest beach to the murkiest city, you’re protected!

So in the workplace, on holiday and even at home in front of your TV or scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, the Daily DNA Defence SPF30 has you covered - literally.

How does it work?

Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB protection – UVA are the skin ageing sun rays, also responsible for the formation of sun-related dark, patchy, pigmentation marks. UVB are the rays which burn our skin. Our invisible skin armour will give high protection from both UVA and UVB as well as protecting our skin from pollution particles (urban and rural) and from blue light.

Daily Defence Enzymes - Defend your skin cells DNA during UV, Blue Light and pollution exposure and form another level of protection for your skin against the formation of pigmentation marks which over-exposure to all of these may stimulate.

After Exposure – Our Daily DNA Defence Enzymes then go on to repair your cells DNA and start to eradicate scavenging free radicals thanks to the anti-oxidants within our formulation.

Calming Chamomile – Soothes redness caused by UV radiation and pollution.

Vitamin E – Brings more anti-oxidant properties to keep those scavenging free radicals under control.

As the cold months roll in it's easy to think SPF can take a backseat in your skincare routine. But Daily DNA Defence SPF30 is much more than just a sunscreen, it’s your final coat of skin armour, it’s weather protection for your skin.

Our award-winning, broad-spectrum SPF protects your skin from more than just UV rays. It guards against environmental pollutants and blue light
emitted from your screens. Meanwhile, winter’s cold air, winds and rain can damage your skin barrier.

During and after exposure to the elements, Daily DNA Defence protects and repairs your cells DNA.

And more than this, it’s the best make-up primer. Talk about a multi-tasking product! Its lightweight formula sits comfortably under your foundation, ensuring your make-up stays fresh and stays ‘put’ all day.

Keep reading as we deep dive into the benefits of Daily DNA Defence SPF30 and why it’s an essential part of your winter skincare regime.

Broad-spectrum, photostable protection with Daily DNA Defence SPF30

Not all SPF products are created equal, Daily DNA Defence SPF30 offers broad-spectrum protection. This means that it shields your skin from both UVA rays (the ones that age your skin) and UVB rays (the ones that burn your skin). If your moisturiser or foundation contains an SPF it’s worth checking, make sure you’re covered for both UVA and UVB. Many of those products only protect against UVB, leaving your skin vulnerable to the long-term damage caused by UVA rays.

I’m guessing that you follow your daily skincare regime to promote skin health and to keep your skin looking great for your age? Using Daily DNA Defence SPF30 will help you avoid undoing all that effort by providing the UVA protection your skin truly needs.

And here's the bonus: our SPF is photostable, meaning it won’t break down or lose effectiveness in the sun. However, if you're by the pool make sure to reapply every two hours as water, sweat and towel drying can remove it, leaving your skin vulnerable.

Blue light and pollution protection

In today’s world, your skin is up against more than just the sun. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 also shields your skin from two often overlooked threats: blue light and pollution.

Blue light, mainly from our smart devices and pollution in the atmosphere. Blue light and pollution trigger changes in your skin cells, even leading to cell death. Unprotected exposure to these will lead to hyperpigmentation and can damage your skin’s health. Most blue light comes from smart technology, which is used daily by most of us. Pollution is all around; levels are higher in towns and cities all year.

DNA Defence and Repair: protecting your skin at the cellular level

When your skin is exposed to radiation it faces more than just surface damage, your cells DNA is at risk. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 acts like a "virtual parasol," shielding your cells during exposure to harmful rays. But the protection doesn’t stop there. After exposure, your body naturally works to repair DNA damage. Your cells naturally produce an enzyme which kickstarts the repair process of your DNA. Thanks to the powerful repairing ingredients in our formula this process is accelerated up to 100 times, meaning your skin recovers faster, stays healthier and sustains less long term damage.

In summary, wear Daily DNA Defence SPF30 as your final coat of skin armour each day in all seasons and you can rest assured you’re doing your best to protect your skin.

Magical make-up priming

We know that finding the perfect daily SPF texture is a challenge. We’ve been there too. Most SPFs feel like a layer too many, leaving skin feeling greasy, heavy or cause foundation to slide off by midday. This is why we made our product for you. A super light veil, which is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. With no oily or white residue, it’s non-pore blocking and
dries over your moisturiser to become the best make-up primer you’ll ever use, keeping your foundation perfectly in place all day or all night long.

No make-up, no problem

For our men and/or non make-up wearers, our handy pocket size product gives you the same invisible veil and matt skin finish. Skiers, golfers and cyclists will love that it slips easily into a pocket, bag or pouch.

Where else should you be applying your SPF?

Your SPF isn’t just for your face, use all the way down to your décollete and up to your hairline. Not forgetting areas like the tops of your lips, ears, nose and the backs of your hands. These are often overlooked spots that are equally exposed to the sun, whether you’re lounging by the pool or simply driving. The backs of your hands are quick to show signs of ageing, so it’s vital to keep them protected. And if you’re grabbing some winter sun make sure to apply it to the tops of your feet.

How much SPF should you use?

Aim for about the size of a 5 pence piece for each application. However, this should come after Step 2 – Skin Boost and Step 3 – Skin Defence Cream in your skincare routine. If you're planning to sunbathe, apply Daily DNA Defence SPF30 at least 15 minutes before heading outside. Once you're in the sun reapply after 15 minutes for the ultimate protection, then continue every two hours.

And remember, swimming, sweating or towel drying can remove your SPF, so be sure to reapply regularly to keep your skin fully protected.