How blue light from gadgets affects our skin, says dermatologist Michael Freeman
5 August 2024 10:58
It’s hard to imagine the life of a modern person without the use of gadgets. For some people, checking messengers and social media is a mandatory morning ritual, while others can’t fall asleep without scrolling through their favourite social media feeds. There’s no doubt that gadgets play a significant role in our lives. However, have you ever thought that these daily habits can be harmful to your skin?
The fact is that gadgets emit so-called “blue light”, which can have a negative impact on our eyes, sleep, and skin quality. What is blue light from gadgets and how to protect your skin from it – read the article by Komersant ukrainskyi
What is blue light?
Blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum ranging from red to violet. The strongest source of it is sunlight, but our electronic devices, such as phones, laptops and televisions, also emit it, albeit 100-1000 times less.
Due to the fact that we spend most of our time in front of these gadgets, scientists have raised some concerns about the effects of blue light on our health and well-being.
The effects of blue light on our skin
Michael Freeman, an associate professor of dermatology at Bond University, assures us that there is not yet sufficient evidence that blue light emitted by gadgets has a significant impact on our skin. Nevertheless, he shared his conclusions on the research.
- Blue light can increase skin pigmentation
According to scientists, exposure to blue light can stimulate the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin colour. Thus, its excessive exposure to the skin can lead to hyperpigmentation, i.e. excessive production of melanin and, as a result, the appearance of dark spots on the skin.
- Blue light can lead to wrinkles
Other research suggests that blue light can damage collagen, accelerating the aging process and the formation of wrinkles. Laboratory tests have shown that this can happen if you hold the device one centimetre away from your skin for an hour.
At the same time, holding the device at least 10 cm away from the skin reduces the negative impact on skin tone by 100 times. Therefore, the link between blue light exposure and skin aging is minimal, as most people keep their gadgets away from their face.
- Blue light can affect your sleep quality by affecting your skin
Blue light is also well known for its ability to suppress the production of melatonin, a natural hormone that signals the body to go to sleep. Disruptions in melatonin production lead to difficulty falling asleep and poor sleep quality, which affects your overall health and appearance.
It is also worth considering the stimulating effect of the content viewed on screens. In particular, social media feeds, news, video games, and work emails activate the brain, preventing the brain from switching to a state of rest.
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Chronic sleep deprivation caused by exposure to blue light can worsen pre-existing skin problems such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. Insufficient sleep increases the level of cortisol, a stress hormone that breaks down collagen, which is responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. In addition, sleep deprivation weakens the skin’s natural barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental damage and dryness.
Thus, reducing exposure to blue light before bedtime can help improve sleep quality and, as a result, skin condition. Experts advise limiting the use of electronic devices in the evening to maintain a balance in the body’s natural processes and maintain healthy skin. You should also not pick up gadgets immediately after waking up.
How can you protect your skin from the negative effects of blue light?
Michael Freeman provides several options that can help reduce the negative effects of blue light:
- Applying sunscreens or some cosmetics. As mentioned above, the main source of blue light is the sun’s rays, so to protect yourself from their effects, you need to apply mineral and physical sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and iron oxides. You can also use foundations that have a good level of coverage. It is believed that if you cannot see your skin under a layer of such products, they will be effective. At the same time, the protective properties of “opaque” skin products have not yet been proven due to a lack of testing outside of laboratory conditions, which makes their effectiveness quite controversial.
- Use the “night mode” on your electronic devices. Some gadgets can be set to automatically switch on “night mode” at a set time or switch it on whenever it’s convenient for you. If your device does not have a night mode, use special apps with a blue light filter to reduce its impact in the evening.
- Reduce the time you use gadgets before bed. Minimising blue light at night will allow your body to adjust to the rest period more quickly and help you avoid problems falling asleep. A good night’s sleep will help your body to rest and avoid exacerbations of existing skin problems.
- Keep a distance between electronic devices and your skin. Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause wrinkles, so it’s important to keep your devices at least 10cm away from your skin, as this will help you reduce the negative effects of blue light by up to 100 times.
Thus, blue light, including that emitted by gadgets, can lead to a number of skin problems, as well as impair your eyesight and sleep quality. The tips above will help you minimise its negative effects and avoid unwanted health and skin problems.
Author: Olya Yushko
