Technology and your skin

Metro takes a look at how blue light emitted from electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops could be affecting your skin.

With screen usage being an essential part of daily life, Metro asks leading skin experts what sort of harm it could be doing. The article is entitled:

“Is blue light from technology bad for your skin and should we be worried?”

Dr Ross Perry was asked to explain what blue light is and why it is a concern. He told Metro.co.uk:

“Blue light, part of the spectrum of visible light, is a high-energy, short-wavelength light (not to be confused with UVA or UVB rays).

“The main source of the blue light we’re exposed to is the sun, however, we also get a significant dose from our screens and indoor lighting.”

He told the Metro that there are concerns about exposure to blue light, as it can penetrate through the epidermis to the dermis layer, where collagen and elastin are stored. Damaging or depleting collagen and elastin can result in signs of ageing such as lines and wrinkles, loose skin and sagginess.

Ross explains:

“There have been numerous reports that we, as humans, are overexposed to high levels of artificial light from the increased use of laptops, computers, smartphones and tablets and the effect this can have on our skin and the ageing process.

“On average an office worker can spend up to 10 hours looking at a computer screen while a millennial can check their phone up to 150 times a day.

“Therefore the blue light omitted from our devices can pose as a threat and potentially cause premature ageing as it has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin compared with both UVA and UVB light.

“The results of this premature ageing of the skin can produce more wrinkles and a sagging appearance. If your skin is prone to getting pigmentation the blue light can also worsen it or even trigger.”

The long term effects are yet to be seen, as Ross explains:

He then went on to explain the importance of protecting the skin on the hands:

“There is still not vast amounts of research to fully back up these claims and I suspect in 10-15 years’ time we will be much more aware of the effects.”

Read in full

To read this article in full and find more expert tips, please visit https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/13/is-blue-light-from-technology-bad-for-our-skin-and-should-we-be-worried-12050857/.

Dr Ross Perry

Ross qualified in 1994 at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School, London. His career includes NHS skin cancer reconstruction, work as a GP, as well as private cosmetic skin treatments.

He established Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003 and remains in charge as Medical Director. He is renowned for natural-looking use of non-surgical cosmetic injections (BOTOX® Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Facial Fillers) and also very well known for dealing with unwanted skin lesions and blemishes (e.g. moles, cysts, warts skin tags).

Dr Ross Perry is frequently called upon by the media for his expert insights and comments on skin and beauty-related issues.

DR ROSS PERRY

skin treatments

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003. Cosmetic and medical skin treatments are carried out by specially trained team of doctors.

The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments using top brand products, as well as medical and minor surgery skin treatments including mole removal, cysts, warts and skin tags; plus thread vein treatment for the face and legs.

The company has 5 clinics in London plus one in Bristol and work to a high clinical and aesthetic standard.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email info@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.