Blue light (AKA high energy visible light – HEVL) is all around us. These days, with everyone working from home, online college classes and online schooling, we use our computers for everything and even more than before! It is in addition to our normal usage we are adding an extra 40 hours a week. Add that to the normal +/- 30 hours a week we spend on them and it’s a whopping 70 hours!  If we aren’t on our computer, we’re catching up on our favorite TV shows or scrolling through endless streams of social media content to keep up with friends, family, and our favorite celebs. 

There have been many reports, news articles, and opinion pieces regarding how screen time affects our eyes, attention span, brain development, sleep quality, emotional health, and more. But what about how this type of light affects our skin? 

Several studies have suggested that prolonged exposure to blue light can increase hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin, also called sun spots) as well as wrinkles and fine lines. 

While the research regarding blue light and skin isn’t overwhelming, it’s worth paying attention to, especially considering the dozens of other negative side effects of too much screen time. Do your skin (and body) a favor by following these tips to reduce blue light in your life:

1. Less screen time. This is a no-brainer. If you want to reduce your blue light exposure, spend considerably less time on devices that emit blue light. If that means use an app-blocking app on your phone to limit your most addictive apps, go for it.
   
2. Enable “blue light shield” mode. This mode (also called “comfort mode,” “reading mode,” or “night mode”) comes standard on most new phones, laptops, and tablets. Find it in your settings, turn it on, and forget about it. 
   
3. Buy a blue light filter. Many companies make physical blue light filters for your plethora of devices. They aren’t very expensive, so it’s a worthy investment.
   
4. Wear Blue light glasses when using a screen to protect the eyes and brain.

A constant barrage of blue light may be causing long-term damage to your skin. Play it safe and limit exposure early to keep your skin at its best! Use a great anti-oxidant serum twice daily to help give your skin that extra protection.