At the end of the day, it's hard to resist a last glance at your Instagram feed or email inbox. Besides robbing you of hours of sweet dreams, have you ever wondered what all that screen time is doing to your skin?
Phones, computers, Tablets , televisions… Electronic devices are part of everyday life in the 21st century, and while avoiding them is mission impossible, we can try to limit the time they use us and the damage they can cause to our skin. Two key words in all of this: blue light.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum—UVB and UVA rays are the invisible ones—closer to ultraviolet light. Blue light can be emitted by sources natural either artificial . The sun is the main natural source of blue light and is considered beneficial. However, screens of electronic devices emit blue-violet light considered harmful due to the frequency of use and the short distance in front of the device.
Today, it's estimated that an adult can spend more than 10 hours a day in front of a screen, which is five times the recommended 2 hours. To put this into context, 8 hours of screen time is equivalent to 20 minutes of unprotected sunbathing at midday.
What are the effects of your exposure?
While blue light from the sun has positive effects – it stimulates the cognitive system and even improves mood – Continued exposure to blue-violet light has potential short- and long-term harmful effects that should not be underestimated.
- Sleep disturbance : Blue-violet light directly affects circadian rhythms and reduces melatonin synthesis, making it more difficult to fall asleep. When you're exposed to this light at night, your cells receive the message that it's still daytime, thus impairing their renewal process.
- Eye damage : Blue-violet light has been shown to cause eye fatigue, irritation, and stress, which can lead to more serious long-term problems.
- Effects on the skin : premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and weakening of the skin barrier are some of the skin phenomena associated with continued exposure to blue-violet light.
Looking at the glass half full, blue-violet light also has positive effects, such as specifically treating acne breakouts.
How does it work on the skin?
Blue-violet light penetrates the skin, reaching the deepest layers—even deeper than UVA and UVB rays—degrading collagen and elastin, accelerating the appearance of wrinkles and the loss of skin elasticity. At the same time, it promotes the formation of free radicals, which are responsible for skin oxidation, the appearance of dark spots, and weakening the skin barrier.
What products protect against blue light?
They have become essential in modern life. In addition to activating night mode on your phone and installing an anti-blue light screen protector, surround your skin with antioxidant-rich formulas to prevent premature aging. Susanne Kaufmann Blue Light Defense & Mosturizing Mist . It's a light spray mist that specifically protects against blue light and also hydrates and soothes the skin. For the jcApotecari staff, it's become a staple in the office.
Other sunscreens such as Sepai City Shield SPF 50 or PAI British Summer Time Sensitive Skin SPF 30 They already include some protection against blue-violet light. Finally, all products rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, help combat oxidation and therefore prevent aging and other damage. Tata Harper Bio-Barrier Serum , Le Prunier Plum Oil either MARA Sea Serum Vitamin C are products rich in antioxidant components.
Other ways to prevent and reduce its impact
Avoid night exposure: It is recommended not to expose yourself to blue-violet light at least two hours before your planned bedtime. Instead, reading a good book is much more beneficial—in every way.
20-20-20 Rule: For every 20 minutes you spend in front of a screen, redirect your gaze to an object 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds or more, thus relaxing your eye muscles.
Use protective glasses: During screen time, always try to wear glasses with specific lenses that block blue-violet light.