Considering how dependent our world is on technology, especially in modern times, it is not surprising to know that we are now spending more and more of our lives online. At this point, most of us feel guilty after receiving reports of extremely high screen time on weekends (as if Sunday is not scary enough).
But we must not forget the impact of too much time in front of the screen on our physical and mental health. Unplugging possesses the power to improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, improve our ability to concentrate, and yes, even benefit our skin health!
Here is how our mobile phones, computers and other screens affect our skin, and how to deal with it.
Blue Light Damage
From a scientific point of view, blue light is more likely to damage cells because it has more energy than other colors in the visible spectrum. As a result, after staring at the screen for a long time, many people experience eye strain and dryness, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Also, staring at the screen for hours at a time destroys the skin's collagen supply, which can lead to early signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging skin and wrinkles. Yikes!
Countermeasure: In addition to staying away from the screen, always apply mineral sunscreen every day to protect your skin from blue light. Unlike chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens (formulated with ingredients like zinc oxide) reflect visible light, including HEV.
Acne Flare Up
If your acne is increasing, consider the last time you cleaned your electronic devices (especially your cell phone). Studies have shown that mobile phones are 10 times dirtier than toilet seats. Gross! Knowing how often we touch the screen, it is no wonder that our devices can cause breakouts.
Countermeasure: However, there will be breakouts anyway. A good rule of thumb is investing in skincare that is especially formulated for acne-prone skin. Our Acne & Oil Control Range does just that! Depending on the severity of the acne, you can usually control it with a good cleansing regimen, and using products that include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Tech Neck
Only a few years ago, the word "tech-neck" became a buzzword, referring to the discomfort caused by constant staring at the phone. In fact, you are probably reading this article while looking down at the screen. Although it will not have a serious impact on your health, it can cause neck strain, back pain and potentially affect your posture. Considering how many hours of the day we stare at laptop screens, mobile phones and tablets, "technical neck" wrinkles may appear prematurely. These fine lines are classified as dynamic wrinkles, a type of wrinkle that appears due to repetitive muscle movements, such as smile lines and crow's feet.
Countermeasure: The most obvious resolution to this is to reduce the time you look at the screen. Invest in a standing desk (or just put your laptop on some books), take breaks during screen-time, get up and move around, and limit the time you spend scrolling through mindlessly. However, using screens is inevitable, just make sure to include the neck and chest in your daily skin care routine, especially when moisturizing. Our Revitalizing Skin Care Pack includes Revitalizing Cream that effectively addresses wrinkles and the Revitalizing Lifting Mask that is formulated to give you toned, firm skin.
Moving Forward
Blue light emitted from the screens of our devices is harmful for the skin, especially when used daily for prolonged periods. While it's not possible to get rid of screens altogether, be sure to do your skin a favor and get yourself targeted skincare essentials that aim to pamper and revitalize the skin in the most gentle way possible.
Arvelon aims to bring highest-quality skincare products to you that protect the skin and keep it healthy. Browse through our online store to get your stash or read through a wealth of skincare resources on the Arvelon Blog for all things skincare!
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