Ping! Your smartphone is wrecking your skin. And here’s what you can do about it

If you thought your skin was safe from the perils of excessive smartphone use then think. Here is the dirty on how your phone is damaging your skin.
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Want to remind them to switch off the light,?Just text them! Image courtesy: Giphy
Shahnaz Husain Updated: 2 Sep 2022, 10:20 am IST
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The many perils of constantly being on the phone are hardly unknown to anyone. Right from sleepless nights thanks to the blue light that your phone emits to giving you a text neck–your smartphone addiction can be injurious to your health.

But did you know that your phone can also wreck your skin? In fact, according to a study, the hazardous blue light that your screen exuberates is as damaging to your skin as the UV rays of the sun.

Not just that–the heat you feel on your cheek as you talk to someone on your phone can also cause damage.

Here is what excessive use of smartphones can do to your skin
Mobile phones are known to aggravate acne–and we’ve got the countless germs on your screen to thank for that.

Also read: Quit scrolling because AIIMS researchers say smartphone use can make headaches worse

Exposure to radiation and blue light, as well as the long duration of calls can also lead to hyper-pigmentation or dark patches and spots on the skin.

light from phone damage skin
Being glued to your smartphone will not only strain your eyes but also wreck your skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock.

Dermatologists also believe that the constant squinting to read messages on your phone can also cause premature lines on the forehead and crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes.

Over time, these fine wrinkles and lines–or visible signs of ageing–become permanent. Blue light from your phone can also lead to sagging caused by the breakdown of collagen and gradual loss of skin elasticity.

So, how can you avoid all this from happening to you?
The most obvious way, of course, is to reduce your smartphone use. Apart from that, using a hands-free device can also help put a greater distance between your phone and the face.

That said, you must clean your phone daily. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, wipe your face with an astringent lotion, using cotton wool, to reduce oil production. This will lessen the transfer of sebum and grime to your phone screen as well. Also, don’t skimp on sunscreen even when you’re indoors as it can offer protection from the blue light emitted by your gadgets.

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Here are a few home remedies to keep your skin in mint condition
You can apply pure almond oil sparingly around your eyes and massage it lightly using only the ring finger for a minute under each eye. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wipe it off gently with moist cotton wool.

light from phone damage skin
Natural remedies can also reduce the damage you’ve suffered at the hands of your smartphone. Image courtesy: Shuttertock

Alternatively, you can also mix cucumber juice and potato juice in equal quantities and apply it daily under your eyes for 20 minutes.

Both these remedies will soothe the under-eye area and reduce dark circles that those long nights with your smartphone are giving you.

Also read: 7 expert-approved home remedies to get that perfectly glowing skin in just one week

For oily and acne-prone skin, mix multani mitti (fuller’s earth) with rose water into a paste and apply it on your face. Wipe it off when it dries. This will reduce sebum production and will limit the transfer of oils to your phone screen where germs fester.

To fight dark patches and dull skin, grind almonds with curd and a pinch of turmeric till you get a paste. Apply it on your face and rub gently on dark patches and spots. Wash it off with water–et voila! You’re done.

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About the Author

Shahnaz Husain is the founder, chairperson, and managing director of The Shahnaz Husain Group and is considered a pioneer in the realm of herbal beauty in India. ...Read More

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