Screentime and Skin Aging Link REVEALED
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
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...
Science Reveals Late-Night Anxiety is REAL (Here’s the Fix)
Ever notice how your problems seem WORSE at 3 AM? It turns out those middle-of-the-night anxiety-filled thoughts aren’t just in your head. Research reveals that your brain actually functions differently after midnight. In fact, what goes on during those dark hours could be sabotage your sleep and your decisions. But before you reach for a...
Normal Blood Pressure In 4 Weeks WITHOUT Drugs
High blood pressure affects millions of us. And these hypertension (high blood pressure) medications work, but they often come with unwanted side effects. However, we might have another option. A new study confirms that an often-overlooked root vegetable can help normalize blood pressure FAST… Research conducted by scientists at Queen Mary University of London revealed...
Spice Slashes Age-Related Vision Loss Risk
As you get older, the more likely you are to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In fact, one in seven people over 50 already have some evidence of this vision-robbing disease. That works out to about 1.5 million people. But you don’t have to be one of them. A small change you make starting today...
Four Medicine Cabinet Culprits Making You Fat
Picture this. You’re doing everything “right.” You’re trying to manage your weight by watching portion sizes, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. But the numbers on the scale won’t go down. Even worse, you realize they’ve been slowly CLIMBING. If this sounds familiar, the culprit could be hiding in your medicine cabinet. Keep reading to...
Why Age STEALS Your Sleep—And How to Take It Back
As we journey through life, we may find ourselves becoming unwilling members of the “tossing and turning” club. If you’ve noticed that restful nights are slipping further away with each passing year, you’re not alone. But why does this happen? Let’s shed some light on the causes of age-related sleep changes and explore how you...
Dodge Dementia with this Two Step Back-to-Basics Plan
You know the saying, “Everything old is new again,” right? Well, it turns out for dementia prevention, it’s spot on. In fact, new research supports two “old-school” solutions for protecting brain health. If you thought shielding yourself against dementia would be complicated, let me show you how simple it can be… When I counsel my...
Mailbag: Naturally Target Cholesterol
“I’m being treated for breast cancer. However, I was also recently diagnosed with atherosclerosis. My cholesterol is 249, and I was prescribed Lipitor. I’m on a plant-based diet and sometimes eat wild-caught salmon two to three times a week. What are the best natural ways to lower cholesterol?” -Naturally Cutting Cholesterol Hi Naturally, Your proactive...
Surprising Link Between Balance and Weight REVEALED
Think balance exercises are just for preventing falls? If so, think again. This often-overlooked aspect of fitness could also be the missing piece in your weight loss puzzle—especially as you age. Recent research suggests that improving your balance could be a game-changer for maintaining a healthy weight AND staying steady on your feet. And these...
These Common Kitchen Tools Could Triple Your Cancer Risk
Could you do me a favor? Take a look in your kitchen drawers. Do you spot any black plastic spatulas or spoons? If so, please keep reading… Because researchers have just discovered something about these common kitchen tools, you can’t afford to miss. They could literally be making you sick. Here’s why… A shocking study...