Blue Light : How Does a Smartphone’s Light Affect You Health?

There’s no escaping technology, no matter how much you try! Technology has percolated our lives deeply, making it much easier for us. However, there’s no denying the fact that it comes with downsides too. According to some studies, the blue light emitted by our phones and computers has detrimental effects on our eyes and skin. Computer and laptop screens, televisions, tablets, smartphones all use LED technologies with high amounts of blue light. This light tends to interact with our skin, leading to health complications. Some studies suggest that this can also lead to age spots and hyper pigmentation on the skin causing uneven patches. Blue light promotes stressors in the skin that causes photo-aging; that is, aging from exposure to light. Exposure to the blue light emitted from screens – phones, and computers – can cause eye strain, fatigue and dry eyes. 

To add to that, phones are also causing problems like ‘Tech Neck’- the formation of premature wrinkles and lines on the neck due to constant tilting and bending to look at the phone. 

How Can You Protect Yourself Better?

1. Nowadays, various blue light covers are abundantly available in the market. It’s a screen shield that filters out the light from the devices, reducing the light’s impact. You easily order one on Amazon.
2. Another way to protect yourself would be to change your phone’s setting to ‘Night mode’. This mode replaces the blue lights with warmer tones which are gentler on the eyes and skin. Not to mention the improvement of your sleep cycle and schedule. 
3. Bluetooth can be another solution to limit your screen time while helping you get some of your work done. 
4. Smartphones are also carriers of germs and infections. It would be a good idea to frequently clean your phone with disinfectant wipes to avoid welcoming that sudden acne on your face. 
5. Make it a point to give your skin a good dose of antioxidant protection, this can prevent further damage and lead to revival. You can look for products with ingredients like vitamins C, E, and niacin. Always apply an antioxidant-loaded SPF (minimum 30 to keep skin shielded from the most concentrated portions of UV and blue light.
6. This is a given, but try to reduce your screen time as much as possible. To put it simply, technology is a great asset but use it wisely. You can opt for a regular digital detox to give your eyes and skin some time to rejuvenate. Make it a habit to put reminders on your phone to track your screen-time. 
   
7. Avoid looking at bright screens beginning two to three hours before bed.
8. Using Blue-light blocking glasses that block or absorb blue light to keep screen time comfortable or installing an app that filters the blue/green wavelength at night.

Did You Know? A child’s retina is 100% more sensitive to blue light than an adult’s.