Over the past few years there’s been a new buzzword on the beauty scene: digital pollution. Whilst we’re all too familiar with the effects of UV and every day, atmospheric pollution – we’re talking smoke, fumes, sun, and grimy city air – digital pollution has been a lesser-known evil. Until now.

The past 12 months have seen a 90 per cent increase in anti-pollution skincare queries (according to Google) and the beauty industry is paying attention with a whole host of products designed to protect the skin – from physical barriers to deep cleansers that promise to rid the skin of any impurities. Top of our list? The brand-new Digital Shield day cream created by skincare expert Sarah Chapman.

From what digital pollution actually is to the effects it has on the skin and how best to tackle it, this is your digital pollution 101 with Sarah Chapman herself.

Think of the glow that emits from all your digital devices – smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs – and you’re on the right track. “Digital pollution is exposure to high-energy visible light (known as HEV light or blue light) and electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by digital devices,” explains Sarah Chapman. Now think of the amount of time you spend on those devices, especially when you’re barefaced, first thing in the morning…. Yeah, us too. And you’re not alone. “Modern ways of life and work can see us sitting indoors, going from our phones to our laptops, and back to our phones, exposing our skin almost constantly to digital attack,” agrees Chapman.

When it comes to definitive research, it’s still early days, but there are more and more studies landing that indicate prolonged exposure to blue light and EMR can trigger oxidative stress in your skin – aka, like UV rays or atmospheric pollution does.

“Oxidation occurs when free radicals cause stress in your skin cells, damaging DNA, disrupting your skin barrier, accelerating collagen loss and visible signs of skin ageing like fine lines, sagging and wrinkles,” explains Chapman.

And while we all know the effect that blue light can have on our sleep, it’s worth thinking about how this lack of sleep will also affect your skin. A bad night’s shut eye can leave skin looking and feeling puffy, dull and grey.

“Exposure to blue light at night can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm – our innate 24-hour wellbeing clock – which has a knock-on effect on your skin’s own natural cycles of renewal and repair,” agrees Chapman. “This can lead to a dull, fatigued and weakened complexion that’s more susceptible to damage.”

It’s called beauty sleep for a reason.

First up, Sarah Chapman’s latest innovations: Digital ShieldTM day cream and Digital RestTM night recovery cream.

“I formulated my Digital ShieldTM day cream and Digital RestTM night recovery cream to provide 24-hour fortification against the effects of digital pollution, with a blend of free radical-fighting antioxidants and specialist actives B-Circadin™ and CobioDefender EMR to protect against the effects of digital blue light and EMR.”

Beyond applying products, Chapman is a big believer in tackling all areas of your lifestyle. “As always, I recommend taking a holistic approach when protecting your skin,” she says. “Invest in blue light glasses and filtering screens for your phone and laptop and try to limit the time spent using your tech wherever possible – I make an effort to put my devices away at least two hours before bed.”

A blend of super antioxidants and scientifically advanced, next-gen ingredients work to future-proof the complexion. As Chapman mentions above, it features anti-pollution actives that work to form an invisible shield. B-Circadin™ and CobioDefender EMR, which strengthens the skin against the effects of digital blue light and electromagnetic radiation. And PhytoSpherix™ which energises the skin at a cellular level.

When it comes to tackling sleep deprivation, anti-fatigue actives work to counteract the signs of a bad night’s sleep (think a dull complexion and dark circles), while optical diffusers neutralise yellow tones and dullness.

And that’s not all… astaxanthin, an antioxidant powerhouse ingredient, further protects against oxidative stress and boosts the skin’s radiance. And luminescine (an ingredient inspired by plant photoluminescence, when plants emit the light they absorb) transforms radiation into a source of light that radiates directly from the skin. Smart.

The result? Skin that looks instantly refreshed and luminous.

Smooth over the face, neck and chest every morning after applying serum and follow with an SPF, like Sarah Chapman’s Skin Insurance SPF50 Invisible. At night, go for the Digital RestTM night recovery cream to complete the 24-hour cycle of skin protection and restoration.