Is all your extra screen time damaging your skin?

by Jurlique Online October 30, 2020

Woman holding smart phone and looking at screen

Zoom calls, emails, endless scrolling through social media and news updates…it’s no secret that a lot of us spend far too much time in front of a screen – and now more than ever. Personal preferences of whether you’re a digital native or a technophobe aside, this extra screen time could be having damaging effects on the skin…and actually lead to premature ageing, all because of the blue light that emanates from digital devices.

What is blue light?

Blue light is a range of the visible light spectrum, defined as having a wavelength between 400−525 nanometers. It accounts for 50% of the sunlight spectrum and is the only part of light that is visible to the naked eye. Most of our blue light exposure comes from the sun, but it also emanates from your smartphone, computers and TV screens. We’re all aware of the damaging effects of UV rays and the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin but exposure to blue light can also be harmful – especially given our close proximity to smartphones and laptops.

How blue light affects skin

Blue light promotes stressors in skin that can cause photo-ageing; that is, ageing from exposure to light. Long-term blue light exposure can cause skin damage, including discolouration, inflammation, and weakening of the skin’s surface.

Bottle of Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist next to pink roses

How to protect your skin from harmful blue light

As with most things health-related in life, protecting your skin from harmful blue light starts from within, with a diet rich in antioxidants (blueberries, strawberries, kale and artichokes are all good sources) and fatty acids to reduce and protect against inflammation. Topically, you can also add skin care products into your ritual that contain antioxidants, to prevent harmful free radicals and inflammation generated by light pollution. Our Rosewater Balancing Mist is not only hydrating for the skin, but it contains our exclusive Jurlique Rose extract which is a powerful antioxidant.

Our iconic Herbal Recovery range is packed full of antioxidants, containing extracts of Viola Tricolor, Nasturtium, and Yarrow, that help to hydrate your skin naturally, leaving you with skin that is soft, smooth, and revitalised.