We spend more time than ever in front of screens - laptops, phones, tablets, TVs - and our skin feels it. According to a 2023 Nielsen report, adults in the U.S. spend over 11 hours a day consuming media on digital devices. That means our faces are exposed to high-energy visible (HEV) light, also known as blue light, for most of our waking hours.
Research has shown that prolonged exposure to blue light may contribute to oxidative stress, skin barrier disruption, and visible signs of aging—effects that can be compounded by indoor environmental factors like low humidity and artificial lighting.
Here are five common signs your skin might be telling you it’s time to protect it from your screen time.
1. Increased Hyperpigmentation (Especially Around the Cheeks and Forehead)
Blue light penetrates deeper into the skin than UVA/UVB rays, reaching the dermis and triggering melanogenesis - the process that produces pigment.
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The science: A 2018 study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that blue light can cause more sustained hyperpigmentation than UV alone, particularly in people with medium to darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types III–VI).
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What to watch for: Gradual dark patches or uneven tone, especially in areas most exposed to your screen.
2. Premature Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Just like UV light, blue light generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage collagen and elastin - the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth.
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The science: A 2020 review in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity confirmed that HEV light accelerates oxidative stress, leading to visible skin aging.
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What to watch for: Fine creases around the eyes, mouth, and forehead showing up earlier than expected.
3. Worsening Redness or Inflammation
Blue light can trigger low-grade inflammation in skin cells, which may aggravate conditions like rosacea, eczema, and acne.
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The science: A 2017 study in Free Radical Biology and Medicine found that blue light exposure increased inflammatory markers in skin fibroblasts.
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What to watch for: Flare-ups, persistent redness, or sensitivity after long hours on devices.
4. Skin Feeling Drier or More Sensitive
Staring at a screen for hours often means being indoors with recirculated air, which can sap skin moisture. Blue light exposure may also compromise the lipid barrier over time.
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The science: Dermatologists note that blue light disrupts the skin barrier by altering keratinocyte activity, which can lead to trans epidermal water loss (TEWL).
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What to watch for: Tightness, flakiness, or stinging sensations when applying products.
5. Acne That Won’t Quit
Blue light has a complicated relationship with acne - it’s sometimes used in clinical settings to reduce bacteria, but prolonged, low-level exposure from devices can have the opposite effect for some.
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The science: While short bursts of blue light can reduce C. acnes, overexposure may increase oxidative stress and sebum oxidation, both of which can trigger breakouts.
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What to watch for: Persistent or worsening acne on the face’s “screen-facing” side.
How to Protect Your Skin from Digital Damage
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Choose broad-spectrum protection that blocks UV and HEV light. Look for mineral sunscreens with indications they have been tested for blue light. Our formulas have been tested for blue light blockage as well as blockage of UVA/UVB rays.
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Add antioxidants to your routine. Pomegranate extract, watermelon extract, and green tea help neutralize ROS from blue light. Our formulas contain these and other antioxidants.
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Adjust your environment. Lower screen brightness, use blue light filters, and take breaks following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Your skin works hard for you. Give it the shield it deserves, even on the days you never step outside.