As we all know, blue light from cellphones and computer screens causes eye strains, but does it also cause harm to your skin and complexion?
If you’re someone who eats, nights of sleep and breaths your phone as if your life depends on it completely, you should reconsider you’re overusing ways. If you live with your phone in your hand, there’s a chance the blue light may be affecting your skin complexion.
In the past, most worries about premature aging and skin cancer stemmed from the damaging UVA and UVB rays from the sun. But over the last decade, studies have shown that these may not be the only rays of visible light people need to be concerned with. Blue light — emitted by both the sun and digital devices — could be wreaking havoc on skin health.
In this day and age of advanced technology, the trend of blue-light blocking in skincare, and wellness in general, is increasing because we are all exposed to blue light more now with the use of smartphones, computers, and tablets.
What is Blue Light in the first place?
Blue light is a portion of the visible light spectrum (380 to 500 nanometers) that is contained in sunlight, but it is also given off by indoor lighting [and] common electronic devices, like tablets, computer screens, and smartphones.
Considering the average person spends more than 11 hours per day interacting on digital media, people are exposed to significantly more blue light than previous generations — which is why it’s becoming more of a concern.
A comprehensive study suggests people with darker skin who were exposed to visible blue light had more swelling, redness, and pigment changes than people with lighter skin who were exposed to similar levels of UVA rays.
According to some skin experts, the penetration of visible blue light through the skin can cause reactive oxygen species, which then can lead to DNA damage and breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. Skin changes like pigmentation, swelling, early wrinkling, and redness can all be signs of damage from blue light.
The best way to prevent potential blue light damage is by cutting down your screen time. It is quite important to be proactive by reducing the screen brightness on your phone or wearing headphones so the phone can be in your pocket and not directly against your cheek and face. If you aren’t already slathering a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your face every day, start now.
At this time, there isn’t enough conclusive research to determine how damaging blue light from cellphones and electronic gadgets is to the skin. However, blue light from the sun — and all of the sun’s rays, for that matter — remain a known cause for concern.
That’s why it is essential for you to take care of your skin and protect it from blue light and harmful UV rays. Call our Patient Care Lines (+632) 7-368 5238 | (+63) 917 862 7454 | (+63) 921 217 0517 to book a FREE derma consultation to know the best care for your skin.
