CosBeauty Magazine #90

FEATURE
WHAT CAN BE
DONE?
Since blue light penetrates deep into the
skin, sunscreen will not keep it from damaging
the complexion. With this in mind, a slew of
brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Murad, Ilia,
Coola and BareMinerals have become
focused on developing products that include
HEV Light protection. The secret to existing
blue light resistant products is their antioxidant
ingredients, which help shield the complexion
from environmental nasties and limit the extent
to which blue light can penetrate
the skin.
Blue light filters are also available for phone
and laptop screens. Switching your devices to
night mode can limit their blue light emissions
by counteracting HEV Light with a yellow filter.
Keeping your phone away from you face by using
headphones when chatting is a simple way to
minimise blue light exposure. Or, of course,
ditching your device altogether and creating a
bit of digital distance could do the trick.
BECOME BODY
AWARE
Unfortunately, blue light isn’t the only issue
at play when it comes to screen-related skin
ageing. While postural problems and shoulder
pain are among tech neck’s most frequently
discussed symptoms, constantly looking down
at your screen also creates the perfect
environment for neck wrinkle formation.
As New York dermatologist Dr Jeanette Graf
told Elle: ‘The horizontal creases on the neck
have a lot to do with positioning. The more
movement, the more you’re going to reinforce
the way those lines are falling. If you’re going to
always be on your phone, it’s best to bring it eye
level, rather than looking downward.’
Stress is another factor that can be linked to
both phone use and skin health. According to
the American Psychological Association’s 2017
Stress in America survey, almost 20 per cent of
Americans cite the use of technology as a ‘very
or somewhat significant source of stress’. Just as
constantly furrowing your brow can create future
lines, ‘smartphone scowl’ could lead to facial
tension and premature ageing. CBM