As more of us are working from home these days, and socializing through video chat is on the rise, our total screen time is way, way up. Being plugged in has its perks (hello, cute animal videos!) but it can also cause problems for your skin. That’s because your devices emit blue light, which may age the complexion. Read on to learn more about this type of light and what you can do to save face.

Blue light is a type of light with a longer wavelength than UV light, so it delves more deeply into skin. It’s produced by electronic devices with screens, like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 

You’re exposed whenever you use your electronic devices, and the closer your face is to the screen, the more exposure you’re getting.

Though blue light isn’t thought to cause cancer, like UV light is, it may contribute to skin aging: think fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. That’s because blue light creates free radicals in the skin, which damages it from within.

Thankfully, defending your skin is pretty simple and doesn’t require a whole new routine. Mineral sunscreen reflects the light away from the skin, while protective, antioxidant-packed serums help repair any existing damage. For sunscreens, we recommend ISDIN’s Eryfotona Favorites Set, two lightweight formulas with youth-boosting benefits, and EltaMD’s UV Clear Facial Sunscreen, a calming formula with moisturizing vitamin E. For serums, SkinMedica’s LUMIVIVE® System offers daytime and nighttime protection, and SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic serum delivers potent antioxidants.

These past 12 months may have gotten us all glued to our screens, but hopefully, it’s also prompted us to think more about our health—including our skin health. Use the steps above to protect your complexion, if you haven’t already. Have any questions? Give us a call today or schedule your appointment!