The Effects of Screen Time on Skin Health

Screen Time and Skin Health | Dermatologist in Chembur

Spending hours upon hours staring at screens-from your laptop for all that work you need to get done to social media on your smartphone to binge-watching TV shows-is unavoidable in today's digital age. Though screen time is part of modern life, it is important to think about how long-term exposure to screens might impact your skin. In this blog, Dr Vedant Ghuse- a leading skin doctor in Chembur explains in detail about how screen time may be affecting your skin.

1. Blue Light and Skin Ageing

The primary factor that has emerged in the dispute over screen time and skin is blue light. All screens from mobile phones to tablets, laptops, and even TVs- emit blue light. It is one of the growing concerns most dermatologists have today. People know about the harmful sun rays that damage skin, but early skin ageing is also caused by blue light as well.

It has been proven by several studies that blue light penetrates more into the skin compared to UV rays, and it might reach the dermis where it can adversely affect the elastin and collagen fibres. The damage caused by them results in signs of ageing- rather, wrinkles, along with fine lines and sagging skin. Moreover, increasing periods of constant blue light exposure may cause pigmentation, which can eventually lead to dark spots and hyperpigmentation formation.

2. The Risk of Breakout is Significantly Increased

Overuse of the screen also causes various conditions of the skin, such as acne. Although it is reported that most cases of acne are caused by blue light, the physical aspect of holding a phone or resting your chin on your hand when using a laptop can also cause acne. This has been termed as acne mechanica which is one of the forms of breakouts resulting from pressure, friction, and heat from prolonged friction with the skin.

Also, the frequent touching of gadgets in the course of the day can easily transfer bacteria, dirt, and oils from your hands to your face. The elements clog pores and cause acne.

3. Dry Skin and Dehydration

Long hours spent in front of a screen can also cause digital dehydration. Since we tend to blink less while concentrating on the screens, there will also be lower moisture levels within the eyes and skin. It causes dryness and irritation and makes for a dull, tired-looking complexion.

Secondly, screen light causes dehydration in a person as it disrupts the skin's moisture-retaining ability. The skin may be flaky, rougher, and more sensitive.

4. Sleep Disturbances and Its Effects on Skin

Interference with the sleep pattern is another direct impact of screen time on the skin. The blue light prevents people from producing melatonin, which regulates sleep at night, once it gets past midnight.

Without getting proper sleep, the body increases its production of cortisol, which is the stress hormone. This leads to inflammation, hence further exacerbating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Other causes of lack of sleep results in dullness, puffy eyes, and dark circles under the eyes due to the loss of self-healing properties of the skin.

5. How to Protect Your Skin from Screen Time Damage

There are ways, though, to reduce the impact of screen time on your skin.

  • Use Blue Light Protection: Most skincare products now include blue light-protecting ingredients such as antioxidants (vitamin C and niacinamide). Some people also use blue light-blocking glasses or screen protectors for their devices.
  • Take Breaks From Your Screen: The physical toll on your skin can be alleviated by taking regular breaks from devices. Make use of - the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  • Clean Your Devices: Be sure to clean your phone, your tablet, and even your computer screens regularly using disinfecting wipes, which can get rid of all the bacteria and oils that might cause you to break out.
  • Hydrate and Moisturise: Drink as much water throughout the day as you can, and hydrating moisturisers can be used to counterbalance dryness from computer and phone screen exposure. Dr Vedant Ghuse- a trusted skin specialist in Ghatkopar recommends purchasing products with hyaluronic acid that helps lock in moisture.
  • Use Sunscreen: You may not even have to go outside to damage your skin with light from computers and phones. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when you use the computer extensively.

While screen time is unavoidable, it is good to be careful about how much of it will affect your skin. Overexposure leads one to risk having blue light damage, acne breakouts, dryness, and even sleep disruption. However, Dr Vedant Ghuse- the best dermatologist in Chembur suggests that actions like protecting your skin from blue light, drinking plenty of water, and cleaning your devices, can help minimise the damage and make your skin appear healthy and glowing. After all, your skin needs the same amount of care and attention as does your digital life.