![\"blue](\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2021\/04\/AW20B-VictoriaBeckham-035.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
After what feels like too many to count weeks either working from or spending more time at home, it\u2019s clear one thing\u2019s soaring thanks to lockdown: screen time. According to the Screen Time app, my time spent scrolling Instagram, Facebook and checking WhatsApp shot up 139% in just that first week of working from home \u2013 and it\u2019s been on the rise ever since.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not alone. In the UK, we now spend more time on our devices in 24 hours than we do sleeping, according to Ofcom research. And, while this is currently keeping us connected with friends and family as well as providing some much-needed escapism \u2013 it could also be having a detrimental effect on our skin<\/a>, because of all the blue light emitted from screens.<\/p>\n Face Time<\/p>\n “Blue light, otherwise known as high-energy visible light (HEVL), is on the natural visible light spectrum, close to UV light, and is emitted by technology devices,” explains dermatologist and founder of Decree Skincare, Dr Anita Sturnham. “It has a short, high-energy wavelength that can deeply penetrate the skin, even more so than UV rays, as we\u2019re so close to the source,” explains Dr Howard Murad, dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare. Research has found that excessive exposure to blue light can cause skin damage, including pigmentation, inflammation and weakening of the skin\u2019s barrier functions. “Our skin is photosensitive,” says Debbie Thomas, laser expert and founder of D Thomas Clinic, “which means light triggers reactions \u2013 and one of those reactions believed to be triggered by blue light is oxidative stress \u2013 which we know promotes extrinsic skin ageing.” As well as ageing, studies have shown that regular blue light exposure activates melanocytes, the cells responsible for making pigmentation, leading to patches of discolouration and uneven skin tone. “I\u2019ve noticed in recent years that many younger clients are experiencing skin conditions normally associated with older clients, such as pigmentation and fine lines,” reveals Murad, “which isn\u2019t that surprising for a generation constantly plugged in.”<\/p>\n Tech Neck<\/p>\n Blue light isn\u2019t the only culprit here. Our phone addiction is also having an impact on our facial muscles. “If you find yourself squinting or furrowing your eyebrows when staring at your screen, this movement is produced by contraction of the muscles, which makes the skin wrinkle,” explains Sturnham. “These wrinkles aren\u2019t permanent, but if you repeat the same facial movements frequently, the muscles become bigger and stronger, and over time those movement wrinkles will become more pronounced.” The same goes for our necks when we repeatedly look down to get our social fix.<\/p>\n Night Light<\/p>\n If you need more convincing to put down your phone, a bad night\u2019s sleep can also result from blue light. “It disrupts our sleep-wake cycle and is one of the first things I look at when a patient presents to me with insomnia,” says Sturnham. “Our circadian rhythm is directly linked to light exposure, and our eyes send the message to our brain to increase the sleep hormone melatonin when the lights are dimmed,” explains Murad, “which is why it\u2019s so important to remove any light source from the bedroom at night.” But 55% of us still use our phones in bed. Interestingly, research has found blue light suppresses the production of melatonin more than any other type of light. Thomas suggests avoiding your devices for at least two (yes, two) hours before you go to bed.<\/p>\n Beat The Blues<\/p>\n Of course, it\u2019s unlikely that we\u2019re going to undergo a digital detox right now. But try to limit your screen time (even just a little) as prevention is always better than cure. But if you can\u2019t, don\u2019t panic, there are myriad lotions and potions and other options to help prevent HEVL skin damage. First up, you can buy screens that filter out blue light or light-filtering glasses that will protect your eyes and sleep cycle. Also, turn down the brightness of your screen \u2013 “If it\u2019s not as bright, the light won\u2019t be as strong and neither will the resulting damage,” says Thomas. In skincare, there are two main products to search out \u2013 antioxidant-rich formulas and broad-spectrum sunscreen. “Antioxidants neutralise the free-radical damage and melanocyte activation caused by blue light,” says Sturnham. Try a multi- tasking product, such as\u00a0Decree Day Shield SPF 30,\u00a0Dhs340<\/strong>\u00a0at Harvey Nichols,<\/a>\u00a0which contains mineral UV blockers as well as a powerhouse of antioxidants, including green tea, white tea and red tea extract, or\u00a0Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defence SPF30,\u00a0Dhs282<\/strong>\u00a0at Ounass<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 a weightless, sheer cream that protects against UVA\/UVB and blue light, and sits comfortably under make-up.<\/p>\n To protect and treat your skin, shop Grazia’s beauty recommendations:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Screen Space<\/strong> Set Limits<\/u> Listen to a podcast<\/u> Get lost in a good book<\/u> Spend time outside<\/u> Main image: Victoria Beckham AW20\n\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2021\/04\/Grazia-UK_074_778_2020_Press-Office-_3376322.jpeg\")
<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2021\/04\/Grazia-UK_076_778_2020_Press-Office-_3376326.jpeg\")
<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2021\/04\/Grazia-UK_076_778_2020_Press-Office-_3376325.jpeg\")
<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2021\/04\/Grazia-UK_076_778_2020_Press-Office-_3376328.jpeg\")
<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2021\/04\/Grazia-UK_076_778_2020_Press-Office-_3376330.jpeg\")
<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2021\/04\/Grazia-UK_076_778_2020_Press-Office-_3376331.jpeg\")
<\/div>![\"blue](\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2021\/04\/Skinceuticals-C-E-Ferulic.jpeg\")
<\/div>
\nTo separate from your screens, follow these tips:<\/p>\n
\nThanks to the Screen Time app, not only can you see the hours spent scrolling Instagram creep up, but you can also set daily limits. The daily recommended time to spend on your phone is no more than two hours.<\/p>\n
\nOccasionally, swap out Netlix for a good podcast to give tired or strained eyes a rest. We\u2019re currently enjoying Happier With Gretchen Rubin, Fortunately, Shameless and The Fake Heiress.<\/p>\n
\nThis one might be an obvious option, but one study by the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of reading reduced stress levels by more than two thirds, making it the perfect bedtime activity.<\/p>\n
\nAnd not just for another blossom pic on the \u2019gram. Enjoy your daily exercise and immerse yourself in nature. Research has revealed that looking at trees reduces blood pressure and stress-related hormones.<\/p>\n
\nPhotos: Jason Lloyd-Evans and supplied\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28889,"featured_media":315,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[47,35],"yoast_head":"\n