STYLE

Beauty

Is your smartphone secretly sabotaging your skin?

Thanks to the pandemic, teens report now spending over nine (!!) hours a day in front of a screen. And while we're not asking you to give up bingeing a constant stream of TikTok dances, it's important to know how the blue light emitted from your devices is messing with you—and how you can stop it.

WE'RE WILLING TO WAGER THAT THIS MAGAZINE IS PROBABLY THE FIRST THING YOU'VE READ ALL DAY THAT WASN'T ON A SCREEN, and while digital everything certainly has its upside, there's also a huge downside: You care constantly being barraged by blue light.

What's blue light—and why is it a bad thing? "It's a color in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by human eyes," explains Jeniece Trizzino, VP of product development at skincare brand Goodhabit. "And its short wavelength means it produces high amounts of energy, which damage skin."

Blue light used to only come from the sun, But now, we get it from our phones, laptop, TV, LED lights...and almost any form of tech. Of course, that doesn't;t mean you're going to get a sunburn from watching videos, but it does mean that the rays are secretly sabotaging your skin. Here's how you can dim blue-light damage—and revive your natural glow.

THE DAMAGE: DULLNESS

Like UV rays, blue light may promote the formation of free radicals that "can break down collagen and cause inflammation, leading to redness, dark spots and, eventually, wrinkles," warns dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson. And unlike UV rays, blue light can reach down into deeper layers of your face, dulling your complexion.

THE FIX: THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

Spending less time in front of a screen is ideal, of course, but it's not always realistic. (Hello, hours of homework!) So wearing sunscreen is super important. Look for everyday-use products with mineral blockers like iron oxide and zinc oxide, making sure to reapply several times a day. Damage-reversing serums with antioxidants like vitamin C, which fights off those free radicals and repairs skin, are key, too.

THE DAMAGE: DARK CIRCLES AND TIRED EYES

Ever notice that after you binge a show all day, you can't fall asleep at night? That's because blue light wreaks havoc on your hormones and confuse your brain. How? According to the National Sleep Foundation, blue light delays the release of sleep-inducing melatonin and resets your body's internal clock, making you feel alert when you should be headed for bed. And, the less sleep you get, the more likely you are to develop dark circles or puffy, tired eyes. No thanks.

Exposure to blue light at night also can trick your skin into thinking it;s still daytime after the sun goes down. "Just like your body has a waking and sleeping cycle, so does your skin," says Dr. Mraz Robinson. And nighttime is when your skin does its best repair work—proof that beauty sleep really is a thing!

THE FIX: POWERING DOWN

Winding down and going screen-free can help you transition into bedtime, "Try to stop using anything with a screen about 30 minutes to an hour before tucking in," suggests Trizzino. Can't sleep without watching a few ASMR videos in bed to destress? Pick up a pair of blue-light glasses and consider switching your bedroom light bulbs to blue light-free versions.

As for boosting your skin? Look for skincare with added melatonin. It'll help kick-start your skin's repair cycle, clear up damage from UV rays and pollution and fight free radicals.

THE DAMAGE: STRESS-INDUCED ACNE AND IRRITATION

Does scrolling through social media give you anxiety? Studies show yes. Even if you're doing your best to block blue light, you still can't slow your body's production of the stress hormone cortisol when your feed makes you feel funky—and that low-key stress leads to acne and irritation

THE FIX: A MOOD-BOOSTING FEED

Scientists at Australia's University of Queensland found that quitting social media for just five days can produce a dramatic drop in cortisol levels. But just because the chances of any of us quitting Instagram or TikTok cold turkey are zero, just try to limit your follows to feel-good accounts that boost your mood (and your skin!), instead of the ones that drag you down.

YOUR TECH FACE TOOLKIT

THE SUPERCHARGED SERUM 
Not only does the vitamin C in this serum expertly banish free radicals, it also brightens your complexion for the most gorgeous glow.


Pixi Vitamin-C Serum, $24, pixibeauty.com

THE BLUE-LIGHT BLOCKER
Thanks to a special marine extract that creates a protective film over your skin, this cleanser clears your skin and shields you from blue light.


Goodhabit Rescue Me Clean Scene Micellar Gel, $38, goodhabitskin.com

THE SCREEN-SAFE SUNSCREEN
This SPF is uber lightweight *and* it stops blue light from getting to your skin. Win-win. 


Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40, $36, supergoop.com

THE CLEAN-UP CREAM
This nighttime hydrator has the damage-reversing antioxidant melatonin and a scent that will help you drift off to sleep.


Asutra Melatonin Lotion with Magnesium, $32, asutra.com 

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our August/September 2020 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

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by Holly Fisher; edited for digital by Erin Sargent | 8/21/2020
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