It’s become an unfortunate habit - one that you probably recognize. You’re getting into bed after a long day, sliding into the sheets, and… scrolling through your phone on social media until your eyes go blurry. While this is a common occurrence for many people, and an activity you might find relaxing, it’s scientifically not good for the health of your eyes.
To make matters worse, research is revealing that the blue UV light is also bad for your skin, too.
Here’s why Noelle Cesario, LifeScape’s aesthetician and laser technician, recommends you need both blue light blocking glasses AND preventative skin care, stat. The digital age might have brought us the joys of online shopping, but it’s aging us faster than we know. Let’s break it down.
What the Heck Is Blue Light and Why Is It Evil?
Okay, evil might be overstating it a bit. But it IS doing some damage to your precious eyesight and skin.
On the far end of the visible light spectrum, there are blue light rays with the shortest wavelengths (and highest energy). These are sometimes called blue-violet or violet light, i.e. UV rays. UV rays have higher energy than visible light rays. This makes them capable of producing changes in the skin that create a suntan (yikes!) These rays can also cause sunburned eyes if exposure is severe enough.
So, this blue light is everywhere. It’s created by the sun, which is why it’s important to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats outside (always), but there are also a lot of man-made sources as well. Such as our trusty mobile phones, laptops, and televisions.
These man-made sources only emit a very small amount of UV rays. However, because of prolonged exposure during the day at work, Neflixing at night, and scrolling social media in bed, these small amounts can start to cause big problems. To be more specific, the average adult in the U.S. spends close to 11 hours looking at a screen per day and checks their phone every 10 minutes. That’s quite a bit of UV exposure, even in small amounts!
But there’s no need to panic. We’re not suggesting that you quit your job and go off the grid in order to maintain your eyesight and youthful appearance (although to be honest, that does sound rejuvenating). But we are suggesting that you take some precautionary measures when it comes to blocking harmful blue light.
How to Protect Yourself Against the Blue Light Foe
Minimize screen time when you can.
Not only does blue light negatively affect your skin and eyes, but it also affects how well you sleep at night. Instead of watching a favorite show or checking out your social media before bed, use that time to meditate, or read a good book instead. It might even be a good idea to put your phone on airplane mode so that the sound of notifications doesn’t tempt you to take a peek.
Get yourself some sweet blue light blocking glasses.
We know, blue blockers don’t exactly have the best reputation for being cool. What IS cool, however, is protecting your eyes and having clearer, less watery vision at the end of the day. Plus, there are now fashionable glasses you can wear that don’t give you the dork vibe. This company makes quality UV ray blocking glasses that also complement your wardrobe.
Use a moisturizer with SPF (even indoors).
This is something you should be doing even if you aren’t working on a laptop or phone all day. Wearing a light moisturizer with SPF (at least 30 SPF) under your makeup daily is the best way to prevent UV damage and signs of aging.
Add anti-aging skin care treatments to your routine.
Adding in a regular skin care treatment, such as our Anti-Aging Rejuvenation Facial, can help heal existing damage and prevent future damage caused by UV rays and sun exposure. During this facial antioxidants are infused into the skin diminishing the surface signs of aging. The skin is then treated with a mask to hydrate, firm and improve skin tone. Suitable for all skin types, this facial will leave the skin both nourished and luminous!
While you can’t escape UV rays completely (there’s always sun and WiFi somewhere), you can take some precautionary measures to prevent damage to your skin and eyes. Try them today! You’ll thank yourself 10 years from now.
Looking to enhance your skin and protect it against aging and UV light - or worried that you’ve already done some damage? Book a Complimentary Consultation with Lifescape Premier today!
Resources:
https://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/blue-light.htm
https://www.thesleepdoctor.com/2017/11/06/latest-blue-light-sleep/
https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/g27540/sunscreen-under-makeup/
https://shopfelixgray.com/welcome?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8Pysud_c3QIVKrftCh1P_A6OEAAYAyAAEgKhjvD_BwE
