Is your screen time making you look older?
Screens are an inevitable part of our daily lives, enabling us to stock the fridge, go to work, unwind at the end of the day, and everything in-between. We’ve all heard about the potential harms of blue light, like suppressing melatonin and leading to sleep problems. But screen time may also be secretly contributing to premature aging, making it critical to understand its effects and protect yourself from potential harm.
Below, our Reading, PA skin experts delves into the science behind blue light and its impact on our skin, plus the treatments available to prevent and reverse skin damage.
The science of blue light and skin
Blue light, or high-energy visible (HEV) light, is part of the visible light spectrum. This means that unlike ultraviolet light (UV) from the sun, you can see it: it’s the cool, blue-ish light emitted by digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, computer screens, and TVs. (It also accounts for about 25% of sunlight, too!)
Blue light can penetrate the skin and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as free radicals. These can cause oxidative stress and damage the cells that keep our skin firm and smooth, ultimately leading to premature aging—like wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, loss of firmness, and sagging skin.
Blue light can penetrate the skin and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as free radicals.
Blue light is especially concerning for skin of color because darker skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation, or areas of skin that darken, and blue light is more likely to exacerbate hyperpigmentation.
While we do not have any evidence that suggests that blue light is nearly as harmful as UVA or UVB rays from the sun (which cause skin aging and cancer), prolonged exposure can still cause aging or discoloration, so you know should mitigate screen time where possible and know your options for protecting and treating skin.
Indirect effects of screen time on your appearance
Aside from the direct impact of blue light, screen time can also indirectly contribute to premature aging since staring at screens often results in poor posture. Long periods of leaning over may cause horizontal wrinkles and fine lines to form in the neck, a.k.a “tech neck.” The delicate, thin skin of the neck is especially prone to showing premature aging. Moreover, constant squinting and frowning while using electronic devices can lead to the development of the 11-shaped expression lines (frown lines) between the eyebrows and crow’s feet at the edges of the eyes.
How to prevent & treat device-related signs of aging
While the impact of screen time on our skin is undeniable, there are several treatments available to help. By understanding the science behind blue light and incorporating the appropriate skincare and treatments, you can keep your skin looking healthy and youthful despite a screen-heavy lifestyle!
Medical-grade skincare
To combat blue light-induced skin damage, it’s essential to invest in medical-grade skincare products containing antioxidants like vitamin C and ferulic acid. These ingredients neutralize the free radicals that are caused by blue light (among other environmental stressors), reducing the visible signs of aging.
In addition to using antioxidants, consider adding a tinted SPF to your regimen for better blue light protection. Tinted sunscreens are made with iron oxides, which research shows can increase your sunscreen’s protection to include more of the visible light spectrum—including blue light. Sunscreen with a tint to it may be especially helpful for melanin-rich skin that’s prone to hyperpigmentation.
Remember this cardinal rule of anti-aging skincare: apply skincare products not just on your face, but on your neck and décolletage, too!
Professional facials
Regular professional facials like chemical peels can help remove dead skin cells, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin texture. Certain facials, like the Hydrafacial, even incorporate antioxidant-rich and blue light-fighting ingredients to alleviate the negative effects of screen time on the skin. Depending on your concerns and goals for your skin, our experienced aesthetic team can help you determine the right facial treatment for your needs.
Neuromodulators and dermal fillers
Injectables are incredibly powerful tools in the hands of an experienced injector! Neuromodulators like Botox® and Daxxify® can address the expression lines caused by squinting and frowning while using digital devices; by temporarily relaxing the targeted muscles, these treatments can smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Long-lasting dermal fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® can be used to replace lost volume and restore a youthful appearance in the lips, cheeks, and in the deeper facial folds and lines.
Laser skin treatments and microneedling
A step above a spa facial, the skin treatments laser skin resurfacing and microneedling can improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation, and stimulate collagen production for stellar results. By targeting the skin’s deeper layers, these procedures can help repair the damage caused by blue light exposure and revitalize your skin’s texture and tone, making them options for both pigmentation frustrations and wrinkles.
Laser resurfacing and microneedling can help repair the damage caused by blue light exposure and revitalize your skin’s texture and tone.
Facelift surgery
In cases where non-surgical treatments aren’t enough, facelift surgery can provide a long-lasting solution to sagging skin, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. By repositioning facial tissues and tightening the skin in the midface, jowls, and neck, a facelift can restore a more youthful appearance that looks totally natural and totally you. Facelifts are often customized to include an eyelid lift or a brow lift, too, depending on your needs and goals.
Tips for healthy screen use
Healthy screen use is also good skincare! To minimize the effects of blue light exposure and its impact on your skin, it’s crucial to establish healthy habits that reduce your screen time. Here are some practical tips to help you stay mindful of your device usage:
Set screen time limits
Use the built-in features on your phone or third-party apps to set daily screen time limits. Allocate specific times for work, leisure, and breaks, and stick to these schedules to avoid excessive device use. Most experts agree that 2 hours of screen time is the maximum amount for adults, teens, and kids over age 2.
Prioritize screen-free activities
Engage in leisure time with hobbies and activities that don’t involve screens, such as reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors (with sunscreen and a hat, of course!). Plus, by living a less sedentary lifestyle and increasing your physical activity, you’ll experience many more benefits to your mental and physical health.
Implement a digital bedtime routine
Establish a screen-free wind-down routine before bedtime to replace video games or Netflix. This could include activities like reading a book, meditating, or practicing relaxation techniques. Aim to stop using screens at least one hour before bed to minimize the impact of blue light on your sleep.
Use the 20-20-20 rule
While working or engaging in long periods of screen time, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This practice can help reduce eye strain and encourage you to take regular breaks from screens.
Adjust your device settings
Lower the brightness of your screens and enable night mode or blue light filters, especially during evening hours. This can reduce the amount of blue light emitted by your devices and alleviate its impact on your skin and sleep.
Create screen-free zones
Work with your family or roommates to designate specific areas of your home as screen-free, social media-free zones, such as your bedroom or dining area. This can encourage mindfulness and help you build healthier habits around device usage.
Treat your skin right at Berks Plastic Surgery & medical spa in Reading, PA
Led by Reading board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Reedy, our skilled and experienced medical spa team is here to help you protect your skin and keep it looking its best year-round! Our aestheticians and nurse injectors are happy to meet with you whether you are simply looking for skin care advice, or are ready to schedule treatments like laser or facials to achieve your goals. And our plastic surgeons offer free consultations if you are interested in more comprehensive rejuvenation with surgical procedures!
Call 610-320-0200 or contact us online today to make your appointment. We can’t wait to help you look and feel your best!
