Screentime and Skin Aging Link REVEALED
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 21, 2024
By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard that the blue light from electronic devices, like your smartphone, can mess with your circadian rhythm, disturb your sleep, and trigger a number of health problems.
But what if I told you that same glow could be keeping you from putting your best face forward?
A new wave of research sheds light on how our constant screen time could accelerate skin aging.
And let me warn you, it’s NOT a pretty picture.
Let’s dive into the illuminating details…
Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and is NOT inherently bad. In fact, getting a healthy dose of it from sunshine during the day helps SET our circadian rhythms.
The trouble is that we’re overexposing ourselves (and our skin) at the worst possible times.
You see, our beloved electronics, including smartphones, laptops, and TVs, also emit blue light.
Since we spend so much time glued to these screens, scientists are curious (and frankly, worried) about how overexposure impacts our health.
We already know blue light can affect our eyes and sleep patterns. Now, we’re learning it might also damage our skin.
Here’s what the research has revealed about blue light so far:
- It increases pigmentation: Studies suggest excess blue light exposure can stimulate melanin production, the natural pigment that gives our skin its color. This means too much blue light could worsen hyperpigmentation or dark spots, especially in people with darker skin tones.
- It triggers wrinkles: Some research indicates blue light could damage collagen, an essential protein for plump and youthful-looking skin. One lab study found that holding a device just one centimeter from your skin for an hour could accelerate wrinkle formation.
- It disrupts sleep: Sleep problems caused by blue light exposure can lead to dull, dark, puffy skin around your eyes.
Blue light is particularly good at suppressing melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. So, exposure in the hours before bed can lead to poor sleep quality, indirectly affecting your skin’s appearance and fast-forwarding skin aging.
The following are some simple steps that can help protect you (and your skin) from overexposure to blue light:
- Use the “night mode” setting on your devices or install a blue light filter app. Minimize screen time before bed and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Hold your phone or device further away from your skin to reduce exposure.
- If you spend hours out in the sun, apply some sunscreen after getting a healthy dose. Sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and iron oxides have fewer chemicals and offer broad protection, including from blue light.
Remember, while this research is intriguing, it’s not a reason to toss your phone out the window and swear off your favorite TV forever. The levels of blue light from electronic devices are FAR lower than what you would get from the sun.
However, cutting back on your screen time and taking steps to protect your skin could help keep your skin looking fresh and youthful for years to come… no filter required.
P.S. Do you REALLY need All those skincare products?
Source:
Arjmandi, N., Mortazavi, G., Zarei, S., Faraz, M., & Mortazavi, A. R. (2018). Can Light Emitted from Smartphone Screens and Taking Selfies Cause Premature Aging and Wrinkles? Journal of Biomedical Physics & Engineering, 8(4), 447-452.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...