Increased exposure to the blue light emitted from various smart devices like LED TVs, tablets and smartphones can be harmful to skin, as per experts.
Harmful radiation from smartphones, computers, tablets, and laptops, particularly blue light can cause burning, allergic reactions, redness, and faster skin ageing.
A study reveals that Indians spend more time looking at digital screens than Americans and Chinese. The global average of seven hours has roughly increased by about 50 minutes per day since 2013.
Blue light can penetrate deeper into the skin. As per some global studies, skin-related health issues can happen even if people are exposed to blue light for an hour.
That explains the reason behind an exponential rise in skin-related health issues worldwide, particularly in India, according to dermatologists.
"Exposure to blue light can cause premature ageing and wrinkling of the skin, sagging due to breaking down of collagen, hyperpigmentation, freckling, tanning and other issues," Dr Koushik Lahiri, Senior Consultant Dermatologist and Vice President, Indian Society of Dermatology, told a news source.
"Blue light is the factor behind oxidative damage, a chain reaction when unstable oxygen molecules steal from nearby cells to stabilise themselves. In the process, they create more unstable molecules," added Dr Janaki K. Yalamanchili, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist and Trichologist associated with KIMS Hospitals, Hyderabad.
"This will lead to programmed cell death," Dr Yalamanchili noted, discouraging prolonged exposure to blue light, which only hastens the breakdown of skin's scaffolding proteins, responsible for firm, youthful skin.
Lahiri advised to reduce the screen time as cutting off screen time may be not possible.
"Use these devices intermittently. Continuous use could be harmful."
In addition, the experts also advised using a sunscreen that offers dual protection since it does away with the hassles of wearing one outdoors and another indoors.
"Skin is very sensitive, and you can use sunscreen to protect yourself from blue light. However, looking for a sunscreen that protects against blue light would be best. Normal sunscreen usually acts on UVA and UVB rays, but some specifically protect against blue light," Dr Ramanjit Singh, Visiting Consultant, Dermatology, Medanta Gurugram, told the news source.
