November 08, 2022

Is Your Phone Screen Causing Wrinkles? Effects of Blue Light on the Skin

You might be pretty shocked to find out that you’re surrounded by something that can cause wrinkles, decrease collagen in the skin, and even kick-start hyperpigmentation. It’s even more shocking to realise that this something is also emitted from our favourite devices - smartphones, tablets, and computer screens.

We’re talking about blue light.

In studies, blue light has been shown to harm the skin in the same way that UV rays can. What steps can we take to protect our skin from excessive blue light exposure?

Dermalogica Biolumin-C Gel Moisturizer

This antioxidant-rich moisturiser from Dermalogica is ideal for defending skin against blue light damage.

What is Blue Light?

So, what is blue light in the first place? Is it just light that’s… blue? Blue light refers to a certain wavelength of light from both the sun and technology screens. This wavelength is actually what’s responsible for making the sky appear blue. In normal, natural circumstances, the amount of blue light exposure the average person gets from daylight isn’t a problem.

However, what makes blue light a problem for our skin is that we now have so many unnatural sources of blue light that we spend hours and hours looking at every day.

iKOU Phyto + Antioxidant Day Creme

Enriched with antioxidants and niacinamide, this day cream from iKOU is ideal for strengthening skin against the effects of blue light on the skin.

This includes the computers we work at, the TVs we watch, and worst of all, the blue light-emitting devices that live right in our pockets: our phones.

Think about how long you spend endlessly scrolling on your phone. If you have a smartphone, chances are it will tell you exactly how many hours you spend on your device - and all the worse if those hours continue late into the night. Here’s why you’re going to regret all that late-night binge-watching!

Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30

Formulated with Zinc, this sunscreen from Dermalogica is ideal for shielding your skin from both UV rays and harmful blue light wavelengths.

How Does Blue Light Affect Skin?

Studies have found that blue light causes negative changes in skin cells, causing premature signs of ageing. Specifically, high-energy, high-wavelength blue light is associated with DNA damage, skin barrier damage, and photoaging (the fancy word for skin ageing caused by light exposure).

The thing is, photoaging is normally associated with excessive UV light exposure. Fortunately, blue light doesn’t have the same potential for skin damage that results in cancer as UV light does. However, the effects of premature wrinkles and hyperpigmentation caused by blue light are still concerning. Studies have found that such hyperpigmentation takes much longer to fade than dark spots caused by UV light.

Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Specially formulated to lighten dark spots and fade imperfections, this serum from Murad is a must-have for tackling and preventing the effects of blue light on the skin.

There’s one more way blue light could indirectly affect your skin, too. Blue light exposure disrupts your natural sleep and wake rhythm. By staying up late watching movies or on your phone, you’re not only exposing your skin to the harmful effects of blue light.

Your disrupted sleep cycle could cause other skin issues. Lack of sleep is linked to skin issues such as thinner skin, more sensitive skin, and dryer skin. So, stop using your phone until the wee hours of the night - your skin will thank you!

Dermalogica PowerBright Moisturizer SPF50

Formulated with Niacinamide and sunscreen filters, this moisturising product helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots - caused by sun damage, blue light, and breakouts.

How Can I Protect My Skin from Blue Light?

Protecting skin from blue light exposure is a combination of prevention and protection. Sunscreen and antioxidants are the best way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of blue light.

Specifically, sunscreen that has organic filters, such as zinc, titanium, or iron oxide. These natural sunscreens are ideal for reflecting blue light away from the skin, protecting it from long-term damage.

Grown Alchemist Invisible Natural Protection SPF30

This zinc-based natural sunscreen from Grown Alchemist reflects light - including blue light - away from skin, making sure it stays radiant and even-toned.

Antioxidants can also help to mitigate the effects of blue light on the skin, up to a point. A study found that combining seaweed-based antioxidants and niacinamide could lighten dark spots from blue light.

Protecting your skin from blue light also starts with looking at your screen time habits. Long hours spent looking at your phone could be harming your skin. If you can, take a break from all screens from time to time to reduce the impact of blue light on your skin!

Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Brightening Night Capsules

Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Brightening Night Capsules With Advanced MI˟ Concentrate™ brightens dark spots thanks to a clinically proven formula. Illuminate skin from within with a blend of skin-perfecting ingredients like you’ve never used before.

Or, if you're still at the stage of trying to create a skincare routine, try our skin analysis. You'll get tips tailored to your skin type, plus a free mini routine to try!

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Alexis Adrienne

Alexis Adrienne is a passionate beauty writer with over 10 years of experience. She’s incredibly keen on all things skincare, makeup and cosmetics, with a fingertip on the pulse of the latest global beauty trends at all times.