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Did you know that the blue light emitted from your phone and laptop can have an impact on your skin? Here’s how to prevent your tech from taking its toll.
There’s no denying that technology has changed our lives, both for better and for worse. It has led to many innovations in the dermatological field, such as laser treatments and Mohs surgery. While we have known that screen time can have a negative effect on our eyes over time. It is now believed that our tech also causes damage to our skin.
Here’s why you might want to re-evaluate your relationship with your phone. And what you can do to keep your skin protected.
Screens and your skin
There is no doubt that living in a digital world glued to our gadgets has its consequences as well as perks. And this doesn’t just apply to our eyes and brains, but our skin as well. This is because of the blue light that is emitted from our screens. But what is it and what does it do?
Blue light, also known as High Energy Visible or HEV light, is found in both sunlight and common tech appliances, such as phone and computer screens. While not associated with the development of skin cancer. It is thought to be able to penetrate deeper into the skin than UVA and UVB rays where it breaks down collagen and elastin. Prolonged exposure can lead to premature signs of aging, such as a lack of firmness, hyperpigmentation, and a dull, lackluster complexion.
Another way in which blue light can impact your skin is by disrupting our sleep cycles when looking at screens at night. This is because it affects the release of the sleep hormone, melatonin. Not getting enough good-quality sleep can also take its toll on your mind, body, and skin.
Stay blue light safe
We rely on our tech daily so it’s unlikely that you can avoid being exposed to blue light. But you can take precautions. Other than keeping your screen time to a minimum, using an antioxidant serum and wearing – and regularly reapplying – a broad-spectrum SPF can keep your skin as protected as possible from its rays.