It is common, and indeed logical, to associate the use of sunscreen with being outdoors. However, while social isolation is keeping us at home, we mustn’t lower our guard, particularly since we are spending more time in front of a screen.

Where formerly we averaged nearly 11 hours on the computer or watching TV, the figure has climbed now that we are home all day. TV viewing and internet use are at record levels, and while experts have weighed in with warnings on eye health and mental exhaustion, what about our skin?

The artificial blue light emitted by digital devices like computers, smartphones, TV sets and tablets penetrates to the deepest levels of the skin, causing skin cell damage and speeding up photo-ageing. The only way to combat these harmful effects is to tackle radiation by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.

One in-vitro study showed the efficacy of Fernblock©, the exclusive extract of Polypodium leucotomos and the base ingredient in Heliocare sunscreen capsules and creams from the Cantabria Labs laboratory, in preventing blue light-induced skin damage.

• Prevents the cell death of fibroblasts (cells essential for prevention of skin ageing).
• Prevents oxidative stress (which induces ageing and other damage to the skin).
• Prevents alterations in the morphology of mitochondria (the main source of cell energy).
• Significantly reduces melanin production (prevents dark spots caused by artificial light).

AND WHAT ABOUT VISIBLE LIGHT?

Screens aren’t the only enemy of our skin while we are at home. We also need to protect our skin when work from home or even when we read close to a window. 

Ultraviolet radiation type A can penetrate through glass.  UVA along with visible light, that allows us to see, which is not only emitted by the sun comes not only from solar radiation but from light bulbs and lamps, too.

A recent clinical study determining the efficacy of ,Fernblock© ,,capsules in protecting us from visible light is important. Specifically, it analysed the skin of seven volunteers, comparing three samples: one without treatment; a second one exposed to a direct dose of visible and infrared radiation; and a third sample where the skin was exposed to radiation but after taking Fernblock© capsules for 21 days.

The results showed that this naturally derived technology can reduce the formation of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-1 (collagen-destroying enzymes) induced by visible and infrared light.

In conclusion, both Heliocare topical sunscreen and capsules from Cantabria Labs protect the skin from all forms of solar radiation to which it can be exposed both inside the home and outside.

All of the Heliocare products are available at DermaStore online.

Heliocare 360º range is available at selected Aesthetic Medical Practitioners and medi-spas and Heliocare Original Advanced range is available at Sorbet and selected beauty salons nationwide.

Contact Elvee Consultancy for more info on Heliocare.