Digital Ageing: Are Digital Devices Harming Your Skin?
In today’s modern world, technology is evolving at a rapid pace and almost everyone owns a smart device, from smartphones to laptops and smart home devices such as smart TVs. Thanks to these digital devices, our skin is aging faster than it should.
So what is digital ageing? Long-term or excessive exposure to these digital devices can cause our skin to age fast. It has now become a real skincare concern among many people as the use of digital devices increases. Let’s dive deeper into digital aging.
What Causes Digital Ageing?
So what exactly causes digital ageing? It is caused by the High Energy Visible light (HEV) which is also known as blue light, that is emitted from the screens of our mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and TVs. These HEV lights can penetrate deep into the skin, as far as our dermis layer, the second layer of our skin.
The blue light emitted by the screen can penetrate our skin and generate harmful free radicals which then lead to oxidative stress and premature ageing. Constant and excessive exposure to blue light may contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in our skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles.
All three of these types of lights can impact our skin when exposed excessively. Let’s take a look at how the three of them differ from each other.
UVA rays have longer wavelengths compared to UVB rays and can penetrate deeper into our skin compared to UVB rays. UVA rays are usually present throughout the day and can penetrate through clouds as well as windows. UVB rays on the other hand affect the outer layer of skin and they are most intense, especially during the middle of the day and these rays can cause sunburn.
UVA rays exposure contributes to premature skin ageing. This includes wrinkles, fine lines and age spots, whereas UVB exposure is a significant contributor to the development of skin cancer. UVA rays can also suppress the immune system while UVB rays play a role in Vitamin D synthesis. However, prolonged exposure to UVB rays can cause sunburn and DNA damage.
Blue light happens to be a part of the visible light spectrum but with shorter wavelengths and higher energy compared to UVA and UVB rays. Blue light exposure can penetrate our skin and reach even deeper layers which contribute to skin ageing and skin damage. It is emitted by digital devices such as our smartphones, laptops, LED screens and the natural sunlight too.
How to Prevent Digital Ageing?
There are several ways you can prevent digital ageing. Here are some of them:
Reduce exposure to digital devices
While we know it can be difficult to reduce exposure to digital devices and some use them for work. However, you can try taking regular breaks from the screen. By taking screen breaks regularly, you will not only protect your eyes but your skin will thank you too!
Use blue light-blocking products
Skincare products that are formulated with ingredients that can help block or reduce the effects of blue light on the skin. Consider using antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and other ingredients like niacinamide. Blue light-blocking ingredients like iron oxides and mineral sunscreen.
Use indoor sunscreens that can block blue light
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 or higher that can block blue light from the screen. As mentioned before, sunscreens that contain iron oxide can help protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light to shield your skin from sun damage and premature ageing.
Protect Your Skin Against Blue Light with
WonderDewi Cica Sunscreen and Pre-Aging Ageless Tone-Up Sunscreen!
With the availability of many sunscreen products in Malaysia, it may be difficult to choose the perfect sunscreen for your skin. If you're looking for sunscreen that can block both UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light, we definitely recommend you go for the WonderDewi Cica Sunscreen that comes with SPF50 and is suitable for all skin types!
It is a 3-in-1 formula that moisturizes, protects, and calms the skin. This sunscreen protects your skin against blue light as well as UVA/UVB rays, keeping you safe from both environmental stresses as well as infrared damage.
The WonderLab Pre-Aging Tone Up Sunscreen on the other hand offers a lightweight texture that also comes with SPF50+ PA++++ protection to shield your skin against harmful UV rays and external aggressors. It also evens out your skin tone with a natural glow.
Add these sunscreens to your skincare routine for ultimate protection against UVA/UVB rays and blue light! Reduce your risk of digital ageing today with these essential sunscreens!