A guide to stopping your phone from messing with your skin
There’s no denying it, we’re all on our phones more than ever before. From scrolling through Instagram to browsing all of the latest beauty drops at Oz Hair and Beauty (obvs), smartphones mean we have the world at our fingertips. 🤳
And while we know there’s a number of health issues related to all of that tapping, scrolling and swiping, did you know that too much phone time can also cause problems with your skin?
Yep, unfortunately it’s not just harsh UV and UVA rays from the sun that we have to worry about; the blue light which comes from digital devices and the sun, is another factor causing concern in the beauty world.
Okay, so tell me more about blue light?
Blue light is a high-energy, short wavelength light which is part of the visible light spectrum. And while the sun emits blue light, so does our computer and phone screens.
Most people’s screen time has seriously increased this year thanks to COVID-19, meaning our exposure to blue light is significantly higher.
Firstly, blue light (also known as High Energy Visible or HEV light) does have positive factors. It regulates our body’s circadian rhythm - which is our natural sleep-wake cycle - while it’s also known to lift our mood, as well as helping our brain’s memory and cognitive functions.
But, too much blue light can be a problem. A high dosage of blue light at night can actually disrupt our sleeping pattern. It’s also been linked to contributing eye strain and eye-related diseases - which is why frequent screen breaks is a must.
Now, dermatologists believe that too much blue light can also cause skin problems.
What’s the damage?
Research is still being carried out, but some studies have shown that blue light can induce oxidative stress in skin - this can prematurely age the skin and cause the pesky signs of ageing that we all hate.
A 2010 study exposed the same person to equal amounts of UVA rays and blue light emitted from the sun. The results found that when the skin was exposed to the blue light, it caused greater pigmentation, redness and swelling, than the UVA rays did.
There’s still a way to go until experts can clarify how much time on digital devices really can impact our skin. But, there are dermatologists who say they’ve witnessed skin damage from blue light. Hyperpigmentation, loss of firmness and visible lines are all the main symptoms.
How can I protect my skin?
Recently, more skincare brands have expanded their lines with products that can protect skin from blue light , and Priori is one that’s been leading the way.
Renowned for cutting-edge skincare, they use advanced technology to respond to everything that can affect our skin, from genetics to environmental aggressors including - you’ve guessed it - blue light.
We’re obsessed with their DNA Intense Recovery Créme, a multi-tasking cream that’s packed with an array of nourishing ingredients.
Enriched with the likes of retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, this hydrating number will give your skin some major TLC. But, the real showstopper ingredients are DNA repair enzymes and butterfly bush extract, which protect against environmental damage, including blue light.
Fancy amping up the protection even more? Then you need to get your hands on the DNA Eye Recovery Créme. Formulated with the same skin-loving ingredients as the face cream, its lightweight texture is perfect for hydrating your peepers, minimising fine lines and protecting against blue light.
And if that’s not satisfied your skin needs, we have a handy number that’s ideal for keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Priori’s LCA fx21 Skin Renewal Créme is a retexturing treatment designed to target wrinkles.
It contains 16% LCA Complex, which is a powerful combo of lactic acid, vitamins A, C, and E, and pro vitamin A. This hard-working product not only protects your complexion against environmental damage, but it also encourages skin renewal, resulting in skin that’s smoother - winner!
Is your skin in desperate need from protection from the screen? Click here to shop these skin-saving heroes!
