Is Your Phone Ageing Your Skin? Find Out The Fix Here

In this day and age of technology, our phone is almost like an extension to our hand. From morning scrolls in bed to late evening video calls, screens take over our lives. But did you ever consider how much this behavior impacts our skin? In fact, research also indicates that blue light from phones and other devices can speed up skin ageing, leading to lines, spots, and dullness. 

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Pravin Banodkar, MBBS, DNB, DD (UK), FIDP Dermatology, Co-Founder and Lead Dermatologist of Skin Beyond Borders, Mumbai, explained that with proper care and attention, we can safeguard our skin without compromising your screen time. Here is everything he shared with us.

How Your Phone Might Be Ageing Your Skin Without You Even Realising

“Our skin is exposed to natural environmental stressors such as sunlight and pollution, but phones introduce an additional level of injury: High-Energy Visible (HEV) light or blue light. In contrast to UV rays, which are emitted by the sun, blue light is produced by digital devices,” Dr Banodkar noted. Research indicates that ongoing exposure can induce oxidative stress in cells, resulting in collagen degradation and accelerated ageing.

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Visible Signs Ageing to Watch Out For

If your complexion is beginning to exhibit these signs, your phone could be the culprit. Here re a few obvious signs:

• Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots, particularly on the cheeks and forehead.
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Initial signs of collagen degradation.
• Dullness and Dryness: Skin appears fatigued despite good sleep.
• Increased Sensitivity: Redness, irritation, and uneven skin color.

Why Blue Light Matters

Blue light penetrates more deeply than UVA and UVB rays, into the dermis, which is the layer of skin where elastin and collagen reside. Prolonged exposure compromises this base, accelerating the ageing of skin. While damage from the sun develops slowly, blue light effects may be less obvious but longer term, so it's a silent perpetrator of digital ageing.

Easy Solutions to Safeguard Your Skin

Here are a few expert-approved ways to safeguard your skin from ageing due to prolonged exposure of the blue light:

1. Apply a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Indoors as Well

Most contemporary sunscreens are designed to filter HEV light alongside UV radiation. Ensure sunscreen application daily, even if you remain indoors.

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2. Use Blue Light Screen Protectors

“There are special filters and tempered glasses that reduce harmful emissions from your devices,” shared Dr Banodkar. Make sure you use them to protect your skin.

3. Use Antioxidant Skincare

Vitamin C, niacinamide, and green tea extracts combat oxidative stress and restore compromised skin.

4. Establish Digital Boundaries

Restrict excess screen usage by planning for breaks and utilising features such as digital well-being to monitor usage.

5. Modify Device Settings

Turn on night mode or blue light filters on your phone to minimise exposure during extended hours.

Bottomline

Your phone is not the enemy, but unregulated screen habits can silently age your skin. By making subtle yet strong adjustments such as applying sunscreen, taking up antioxidants, and cutting down on gratuitous screen time, you can indulge in the digital world without compromising your skin health. Think of it like digital skincare hygiene: just as brushing your teeth every day becomes a habit, shielding your skin from your devices should be one too.