In lockdown, although we are apart, we are staying more connected than ever - via our devices of course. We are constantly (ok not constantly, but pretty close!) looking at our computer screen or phone. Whether this is at work (ie - your kitchen table), or scrolling through social media watching banana bread live cooking classes, our devices are always within arms length.

On average, 50% of our clients are spending at least 8 hours behind their screens. Yep, you read that right, 8 HOURS! Personally, I go beyond 10 hours between managing our social account, working on my laptop, and doing yoga classes via zoom (and Netflix, obviously). We all know that it has a huge impact on our sleep, but what is the real impact on our skin?

Well first off, if your screen is impacting your sleep, then it already is impacting your skin! Sleep is critical when it comes to the healing capacity of the skin, reducing inflammation, and keeping the barrier of your skin healthy. Lack of sleep, especially over long periods of time, can heighten or trigger skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis to name a few. Sleep we know is critical to all aspects of our health and wellbeing, and the skin is no exception.

There is not enough evidence yet, but rest assured it is coming, on the long term impacts of the visible light emitted from our devices and free radical damage, collagen degradation, and other factors that can lead to premature skin aging (fine lines/wrinkles/etc.). At this point, you might as yourself if blue light therapy is actually degrading your skin. Rest assured, there is a difference between short-term and long-term exposure. In fact, some forms of LED light can actually be beneficial for the skin. LED light therapy (phototherapy) using different wavelengths and frequencies of amber and blue light, can actually help with conditions like rosacea and acne.

Does this mean that we are going to exit the lockdown with extra wrinkles and lines? Nope. Due to the lack of evidence and science behind this subject, brands that are pushing products that ‘block’ and ‘protect’ against damaging visible light don’t have much of a leg to stand on….yet. But if you want to take the ‘better safe than sorry’ standpoint, we don’t blame you.

HOWEVER, don’t forget that your screens and keyboards are D-I-R-T-Y, so please clean them thoroughly and often. The bacteria from your screen can lead to unwanted breakouts! That’s a fact!

Want to learn what’s right for your unique skin? Click below to book your Holistic Skin Session now.