By now, it’s common knowledge that technology can positively and negatively impact your daily life and health. What you perhaps haven’t considered is technology’s effect on your skin. The extra damage from blue light, the impact of changed daily habits, and even the way you sit when scrolling can all take a toll on your skin. Rather than ditching the tech entirely, make sure to adjust your skincare routine to keep up with the changing demands of modern society.
Skincare Concerns from Technology
Advances in technology offer many benefits, but we also know they have downsides. You may have considered technology’s impact on your mental health, eyesight, and exercise patterns, but it can also damage your skin. The direct and indirect skincare concerns from technology will only increase with time, so it’s best to understand the risks now.
Blue Light
You’ve likely heard about the negative effects of blue light on your eyes, but there is some evidence that blue light also damages your skin over time. These wavelengths don’t cause the same surface-level damage as UVA and UVB rays, but increased exposure might activate spots of hyperpigmentation or premature aging. The collagen in your skin could break down faster with increased blue light exposure.
Lack of Sleep
A side effect of increased screen time and blue light exposure is a change in our natural sleep rhythms. Experts suggest severely limiting screen time to two hours before bed to maximize sleep hygiene. Unfortunately, many of us still scroll our devices right before falling asleep. If you’re not getting adequate sleep at the right times, your skin might show negative effects. Dark under-eye circles, dehydrated skin, and puffy eyes are all skin-related symptoms of inadequate rest.
Craning Necks
In addition to the negative effects from blue light and changed sleep patterns, increased technology use has impacted our postures. The hours a day you spend craning your neck over a phone can cause premature wrinkles and fine lines in the delicate skin on your neck. This area is already one of the first to show signs of aging, so the added wrinkles from device use are unwelcome at best.
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Skincare Routines to Combat Tech Concerns
Despite these skincare problems that come with the increased use of technology, there are many easy ways to adjust your skincare routine to combat the issues.
Be Vigilant with Sunscreen
The mineral-based sunscreens that you use to protect against UVA and UVB rays can also help block blue light. It’s important to note that chemical sunscreens won’t have this same effect. Buying a daily moisturizer with sunscreen is a simple way to make sure you’re consistently protected.
Increase Your Hydration
Staying hydrated, both inside and out, is one of the best ways to support healthy skin. Increase your water intake to ensure you reach the recommended ounces per day (approximately one ounce per kilogram of weight). Proper hydration makes it easier for your cells to regenerate and move toxins out of your system. On your skin’s surface, prioritize hydration, especially around your eyes. Eye creams with retinol, caffeine, and peptides can make a difference with consistent use.
Try Face Yoga and Massage
Face and neck massage aren’t new techniques, but the trend of face yoga has been gaining popularity in recent years. This style of massage is part relaxation technique and part skincare routine. Done right, a face massage helps drain excess fluid and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Massaging down onto your neck can help combat the added wrinkles from a craned neck.
Use Pollution-Defending Serums
Initially formulated to combat exposure to polluted environments (like crowded cities), these serums and creams can create barriers on your skin that might also shield your face from blue light. Look for products that contain things like cocoa seed extract and high protein marine extracts that create these barriers.
Ultimately, the best solution is to balance your technology needs with a realistic skincare routine that will keep you productive and healthy for years to come.