The effects of screens on the skin
The effects of screens on the eyes are becoming well known: visual fatigue, headaches, dry eyes, a feeling of tiredness, blurred vision… But what about our skin?
What is blue light?
A brief reminder of what blue light is necessary.
To fully understand, it is necessary to revisit the electromagnetic spectrum, which breaks down electromagnetic radiation by frequency and wavelength, measured in nanometers.
In short, among this electromagnetic spectrum, we distinguish visible light which is the only one perceptible by the human eye (between 400 and 700 nanometers).
This blue light has shorter wavelengths than those of other colors, which gives it more energy. (It is between 380 and 450 nanometers)
It is also referred to as HEV light or HEV light.
They are divided into two types:
- Turquoise light: which regulates the biological clock (circadian cycle and thus sleep cycle). It is present in the natural light of the sun.
- Purple/blue light: it is the closest to UV rays, therefore the most energetic; it shines more than the others, which requires more effort from our eyes and creates visual fatigue. It is mainly found in screens and LED lamps.
Blue/purple light can have negative effects on vision (up to AMD) as well as on the skin.
How can blue light have an effect on the skin then?
Already because blue lights have a radiation similar to that of UV, and therefore, in high doses, can have negative effects equivalent to: dark pigmentation and loss of collagen, symptoms of photo-aging of the skin. Moreover, this can promote the appearance of dark circles.
The indirect effects of screens on the skin
- Frequently looking at one's smartphone while lowering the head creates skin laxity in the neck area; this syndrome has been nicknamed 'tech neck syndrome'.
- The recurring creases around the eyes can accentuate fine lines at the crow's feet (the area around the eyes).
How to limit these effects?
- By wearing an effective sunscreen against UVA and UVB that contains a non-chemical sunscreen (titanium dioxide).
- Test the sunscreen Simildiet 50+
- To limit fine lines around the crow's feet, it is essential to apply an eye contour cream.
- We can offer you the Circle Contour from MCCM.
- You can also add a special light filter to your computer screen and adjust the screen settings.
- Of course, equipping oneself with special blue light glasses and sunglasses can be very helpful.
- It is also recommended to regularly clean your phone and keyboard to avoid transferring bacteria to your face.
It goes without saying that what would be most effective would be to limit screen time, but it seems obvious that this can be complicated for many of us!
