Are you spending too much time checking out your smartphone? Well, you are not alone.

Most people spend a lot of time or have a significant "screen time" gluing to their cell phones without even knowing the health hazards it may cause. 

The US edition of "Global Mobile Consumer Survey" by Deloitte a couple of years back revealed that, on average, American consumers check their smartphones 52 times a day!

You may have heard that spending too much time on your phone can affect your health in many ways, such as attention span, brain function, and sleep patterns. There are several studies to back up this claim.

Besides affecting the overall well-being, the HEV light, or the "blue light" that emits from your smartphone can mess with your skin. This post will revolve around this topic.

Read also: How an Esthetician Can Save Your Skin from Blackheads 

How HEV Light Affects Your Skin

First, HEV stands for "high-energy visible light" or "blue light," which has a wavelength ranging from 380 nanometers (nm) to 500 nm.

HEV light rays exist nearly everywhere. They turn the sky to appear blue when they meet air and water molecules in our atmosphere.

Some of the things that emit HEV lights are:

• Sunlight

• Smartphones

• Computers

• TV

• Fluorescent bulbs

• Tablets

• Light devices for acne treatment

The sun emits the maximum blue light, and digital devices emit only a fraction of HEV in comparison. However, all digital devices, such as TVs, computers, and phones, add up over a period. 

Various ongoing dermatological studies are trying to figure out the relation between HEV light and its effects on the skin. However, the current findings have already confirmed that HEV light is hazardous for our skin. 

In 2010, a study by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that skin exposure to UV rays may cause more redness, pigment, and swelling than the same blue light level.

Another study by the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity stated that skin's exposure to HEV light might trigger the free radicals production in the skin, which may result in premature aging.

It is important to remember that free radicals exist in our environment and can cause inflammation, DNA damage, and collagen and elastin loss.

The bottom line is, this array of studies reveal that HEV light has a damaging effect on your skin and may lead to the following visible changes:

• Wrinkles and fine lines

• Hyperpigmentation

• Dark spots

• Inflammation

• Melasma

• Thinness in skin

The same study also concluded that spending more time on digital devices worsens the skin condition. One promising approach to skincare is to stop the signs of aging before they become more visible. 

Again, HEV affects our body's natural sleep and wake cycle (circadian rhythm). Since HEV light is stimulating, too much exposure at night can make getting to sleep difficult. 

A good night's sleep critical for your overall health and well-being because it is at night when your skin repairs itself.

Some Simple Steps to Stay Away from HEV Light

Besides taking care of your skin through proper facial and moisturization, you can avoid the damaging effects of HEV light by taking some simple steps. 

• Adjust the light settings on your digital devices at night and lower the brightness level. 

• Various smartphones and computers come with a "night mode" option. You can use that filter to adjust the light. 

• While stepping out on a sunny day, you can use sunglasses or blue light glasses to prevent eyestrain. 

• Take frequent breaks and limit your screen time.

Particularly regarding the last point above, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests practicing the "20-20-20" rule. It means to look away from your digital devices' screen every 20 minutes and look at a far off object for a minimum of 20 seconds. The same study also recommends staying away from digital devices for 2-3 hours before going to sleep.

Read also: 7 Habits that May Accelerate Your Skin Aging 

Closing Words

Although researchers are still studying the effects of HEV light on the human skin, their current opinions confirm this light's hazardous impacts over a long period. 

Besides taking precautions while using your digital devices, if you notice signs of aging or dull skin, undergoing medical aesthetic skin treatments can turn the clock back. There are various non-surgical skin treatments such as anti-wrinkle fillers, facial rejuvenation, facelift, and skin tightening, which can make your skin smooth and glowing.

For an appointment, call us at 408-294-2399 or write to info@RaniMD.com, and we will be happy to help you.

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