Cecilia Wong, 5th & Glow — 28th April 2025
Is Blue Light Aging Your Skin Faster Than the Sun?
What screen time is doing to your glow—and how to protect it
We Know the Sun Damages Skin...
But What About Your Phone? You’ve heard it before: Too much sun = wrinkles, dark spots, and aging.
But guess what? Your phone, computer, and even LED lights may be doing the same thing — just slower and sneakier. Let’s talk about blue light, also called HEV light (high-energy visible light). It’s the light that glows from your screens…
And it may be messing with your skin every single day.
What Is Blue Light, Anyway?
Blue light is a type of light that comes from the sun, screens, and LED lights. It’s not all bad — it helps wake us up in the morning and boosts alertness.
But here’s the thing: Too much blue light, especially from screens, may damage your skin. Why?
- Because blue light:
- Penetrates deep into the skin
- Generates free radicals (which break down collagen)
- Generates free radicals (which break down collagen)
- Triggers inflammation
- May lead to hyperpigmentation (aka dark spots)
And the scariest part? Some studies show that blue light can go even deeper than UV rays.
What Happens to Your Skin?
- If you’re staring at screens all day, you might notice:
- Dullness
- Uneven skin tone
- Fine lines showing up faster
- Skin feeling dry or tight
- More visible pores or sagging
It’s not instant — but over time, your skin starts to show signs of digital aging. (Yes, that’s a real term now.)
But I Don’t Tan From My Laptop…
True! You won’t burn from your phone. But just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
Think of blue light like invisible stress for your skin. It sneaks in, wears down your collagen, and leaves your face looking older — even if you’ve never skipped sunscreen.
How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?
Most of us are on screens for 7–10 hours a day. That’s a lot of exposure!
- If you’re:
- Working at a computer
- Scrolling your phone
- Watching Netflix
- Sitting under LED lights
…your skin is getting hit with blue light. Good news: there are simple ways to protect your glow.
5 Easy Ways to Defend Your Face From Blue Light
💻 1. Use a Blue Light Filter
Install a screen protector or app that reduces blue light on your phone and computer. Most devices have a “night mode” or “warm tone” setting — turn it on!
😎 2. Wear SPF Indoors
Yes, really. Choose a sunscreen that protects against HEV light, not just UVA/UVB. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or iron oxide.
🧴 3. Use Antioxidants on Your Skin
Vitamin C, niacinamide, and green tea extract help neutralize the damage from light and pollution. Think of them as armor for your skin cells.
💡 4. Take “Screen Breaks”
Step away from your screens every 30–60 minutes. Your eyes (and your face) will thank you.
🥗 5. Eat Skin-Protective Foods
Load up on colorful fruits and veggies. The antioxidants inside help repair your skin from the inside out.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Fear Your Phone…
…but your screen time does deserve a skincare plan. The world isn’t going screen-free anytime soon — and that’s okay.
With a few smart moves, you can protect your collagen, keep your glow, and scroll without stress. Because your skin deserves to shine — no matter what!
