Blue Light: How Screen Time Affects Your Hormones and Skin Health
Nowadays, we all know screen time can profoundly impact our health, but what exactly does it affect?
Well, among other things, it can disrupt your hormonal cycle and your skin health, which are two areas most people would like to get under control. While some jobs require us to be in front of a screen for hours at a time, it doesn’t mean we should let it hurt us.
Let’s dive in!
Blue light, hormones and skin
Blue light is a high-energy light that is naturally present in sunlight. During the day, it’s essential for regulating our sleep-wake cycles. Some people recommend spending ten minutes in the sun as soon as you wake up, to help your body feel more alert.
However, artificial light sources such as phone screens, LED lights and computer monitors, can emit blue light at high levels, messing up our lives without us realizing it.
Interrupting sleep and melatonin production
Blue light has a direct impact on our quality of sleep. Our bodies need melatonin (a hormone that regulates sleep cycles).
Blue light can disrupt its release through the body since it sends signals to our brain to stay awake. You can find that it takes you longer to fall and stay asleep after spending several hours in front of a screen.
Impact on hormones related to skin
When cortisol rises, our skin health pays the price. Increased cortisol can happen because of poor sleep, and this is directly related to skin issues, like premature ageing and acne.
Besides, a high cortisol level promotes inflammation, which affects collagen and causes fine lines, sagging skin, and wrinkles.
Early ageing signs
Aside from affecting hormones, blue light can impact the skin in a negative way. It goes into the skin even more than UV light, and it causes oxidative stress, which in turn leads to cell damage.
Over time, the skin can show signs of discolouration, dark spots and early signs of ageing.
While UV light is immediately visible (think of a sunburn), blue light’s damage isn’t like that. It shows over time, slowly, and people who mind their appearance and wellness might factor this in if they want youthful-looking skin.
Hyperpigmentation
Unfortunately, experts have linked blue light to hyperpigmentation problems, particularly for those with darker skin tones. Since it can stimulate melanin production, some people might notice dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Consider the impact blue light has if you want clear skin!
Protecting your skin and hormones from blue light
Suppose you want to take measures right now to protect yourself from blue light – worry not! These tips can help.
Reduce screen time as much as possible.
Not all of us can be completely free of blue light exposure, since we use our computers for work and our phones for a lot of things in our lives. However, we can always reduce it!
Unfortunately, about 1 in 4 teenagers have around 4 or more hours of daily screen time. This amount of time in front of a screen has been linked to higher rates of anxiety or depression symptoms.
You could create screen-free zones in your home, like the bedroom, for example, or even a meditation area to support relaxation and a good night’s rest.
Use blue light-blocking glasses
Investing in blue-light-blocking glasses is perfect for protecting your vision. Especially important if you work in front of a screen!
Reduce the harm while not compromising your career. And while you’re managing how much time you spend in front of a screen, don’t forget to stay safe on the web as well.
Find out how to download a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and protect your data, especially when using public Wi-Fi. You’re in charge of your online experience, so keep it healthy and balanced, as much as you’re able to.
To sum up
Blue light is part of our lives, but when you understand what the risks are, you are able to manage them effectively. Wear glasses, reduce your exposure to it, create screen-free areas in your house and invest in the right antioxidants as well!