We all know that spending hours in front of the computer can wreck havoc on our health but did you know some medical experts believe that computer screens age your skin? Computer screens, including smartphone screens, emit blue light, the short-wavelength color of the spectrum that can be seen by the naked eye. Because it is a short wavelength light, blue light also produces a high amount of energy.
Originally, the only source of blue light was the sun. But now, with the advent of technology, every person who uses computers, tablets, smartphones, and TVs are exposed to blue light. Fluorescent lighting, LED, and other electronic devices also emit blue light.
Should You Be Worried?
Blue light is also known as HEV or high-energy visible light. In the past, medical experts worried about its effects on sleep, memory, and eyesight. In fact, electronic device users continue to purchase and use monitor and screen shields for protection. That type of protection, it seems, must extend to our skin.
In 2014, a study published in the Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research journal showed that blue light caused more pronounced hyperpigmentation than UVB rays and that effect lasted for as long as three months. On the upside, blue light did not seem to promote cancer growth, which means that whether it promotes skin cancer remains unproven.
How the Beauty Industry is Responding
In 2015, the first cosmetic that was especially formulated to protect against HEV light was launched. Called Moonlight Primer from Make, it purports to shield the skin against blue light from electronic devices. Other popular beauty brands such as Lancome, Skinstitut, and Soap & Glory began to follow suit.
Are You at Risk?
Skin ageing due to exposure to blue light might just have an official name - "screen face". According to medical professionals, those who are at high risk of exposure are adults and children who use electronic devices for long hours. To put things in perspective, over 40% of adults work in a job that requires them to sit or stand in front of a computer or tablet and over 74% of young children aged 12-17 years use electronic devices. People with darker skin tones can also experience worsening hyperpigmentation after being exposed to visible light, leading to melasma.
How to Protect Yourself From HEV/Blue Light
If you are one of millions of people who spend hours of face time with a computer screen, you might want to consider increasing your skin protection. Cosmetic surgeon Jean-Louis Sebagh believes that we should consider using a product to protect our skin from UVA and UVB, as well as HEV. He cites a 2013 study that says that HEV can result to the same damage as UVA and UVB, increasing the risk of premature ageing and uneven pigmentation.
While the jury is still out on the severe health issues that exposure to blue light can cause, it is prudent that we use precautionary measures as preventative action now. Medical experts recommend using moisturizers with SPF protection or a sunscreen even when working indoors. If you work extended hours, consider reapplying sunscreen or a product that protects against HEV. Wearing protective eyeglasses that have a blue light filter is also helpful not just to preserve the eyes but also protect the skin around them. For more skincare tips, visit our website at Novabelle.