Digital aging and how you can prevent screens from damaging your skin

Almost all of us spend many hours in front of screens, whether working or enjoying our free time. The Internet, social networks, and video calls have increased our exposure to electronic devices. Although the most serious consequence of this overexposure (there are people who spend more than 10-12 hours) is reflected in eye strain, red eyes, or blurred vision, the skin also suffers. Screens emit blue light , also known as high-energy visible light (HEV), which can accelerate skin aging .

80% of skin ageing is associated with what scientists have called the exposome , that is, the external and internal factors that contribute to skin ageing, beyond genetics. The exposome includes solar radiation, pollution, diet, sleep and stress, among others. The sun is, as explained by Dr. Carolina Beltrá from Enea Clinic , one of the main causes of ageing. “Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays is one of the main causes of premature skin ageing, with the appearance of dark spots, loss of elasticity and wrinkles. It also increases the risk of skin cancer.” Traditionally, there was talk of damage from two types of rays: UVA and UVB. However, in recent years it has been discovered that blue light is also harmful . And not only the light emitted by the sun , but also that of the screens of electronic devices , from smartphones to laptops, tablets and televisions, and also LED light.

According to Ana Torrens , pharmacist and scientific manager of HD Cosmetic Efficiency, “it has been proven that exposure to blue light can have negative effects on the skin, such as the formation of spots and wrinkles , loss of firmness and elasticity , as well as the acceleration of digital aging. This radiation can even damage skin cells.”

Raquel Gonzalez , cosmetologist and technical director at Perricone MD, says that “continued and excessive exposure to blue light produces spots and substantially accelerates aging and promotes the appearance of signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, while causing uneven skin tone and damaging the lipid layer that protects hydration.” The oxidative stress caused by blue light accelerates the degradation of collagen and elastin, key proteins in skin firmness, as well as in the formation of wrinkles.

On the other hand, it has been proven that light interferes with nighttime rest . “If we expose ourselves to blue light when we prepare to sleep, we block the secretion of melatonin , the so-called sleep hormone. Lack of sleep can contribute to premature skin aging, since it is during sleep that cell repair and renewal processes occur,” explains Uriage.

The first step to prevent the aging caused by screens would be to limit their use. However, this is somewhat complicated, especially for people who work at a computer. So the option is to protect yourself with a sunscreen that includes specific filters against sunlight . Although traditionally sunscreens only included protection against UVA and UVB rays, there are increasingly more that also serve to prevent damage from sunlight, something that must be indicated on the packaging .

Cosmetologist Raquel González advises, "using powerful sun protection, enriched with antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E or ferulic acid ."

We offer you a selection of products to protect your skin from digital aging.

Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect

Hydrates, softens and protects the skin. With SPF 30 and UVA 5 protection*, this lightweight formula defends against UV rays, blue light, pollution, infrared and glycation. Reduces fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, leaving an invisible, non-greasy finish. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, Moringa extract, carnosine, and theobroma cacao to combat blue light. Price: 77 euros.

HD Blumoist Aqua Gel by HD Cosmetic Efficiency

Moisturising gel cream with a protective effect against HEV radiation or blue light. Suitable for all skin types, even young skin with a tendency to be oily. Its formula includes BLS (Blue Light Shield) technology that protects against the signs of ageing caused by exposure to HEV radiation (blue light) from digital devices. Price: 35.90 euros.

Uriage Age Lift Anti-Wrinkle Protective Cream SPF30

This firming and protective cream acts simultaneously on wrinkles, firmness and everyday aggressions on the skin: blue light, UV rays, pollution, stress, fatigue. It protects the skin from pollution and blue light thanks to the Blue Light Barrier technology, and is also enriched with glycerin to maintain hydration and with Uriage Thermal Water, which softens and soothes all skin types. Price: 40 euros.

Heath Moisturizer Moisturizing Cream

Fast-absorbing protective moisturising cream with a matte finish, containing Hyaluronic Acid and a new generation active ingredient, Soliberine® NAT. Designed to hydrate the skin and protect it from daily exposure to the blue light of digital devices. Heath is a British men's cosmetics brand that recently arrived in Spain. Price: 26 euros.

Lico Blue Light Detox Facial Mist

Formulated with active ingredients that synchronize the skin's circadian rhythms, acting as a shield against external factors that alter them. The result is brighter, more hydrated and protected skin, thanks to a combination of ingredients such as lespedeza and chebula extracts. Price: 37.90 euros.

Blue K-Night Cream by Usu Cosmetics

Nourishes, regenerates and improves the appearance of signs of aging. In addition, it provides an antioxidant effect and its formula with syncronight protects the skin from the effects of blue light after all day exposure to screens. Price: 39.64 euros.