Seven hours a day. That’s the average amount of time adults spend looking at a screen. From morning emails to evening streaming, the light from our favorite screens affects more than our eyes or sleep patterns – it impacts our skin.
That’s because screens emit blue light, or High Energy Visible (HEV) light, which penetrates deeply into the skin, damaging skin cells and causing premature aging.
Do you need a full digital detox? Probably not. But we do suggest a digital defense strategy.
Follow along as we deep-dive into what blue light is, where it comes from, and how you can best protect your skin.
What is blue light?
Blue light is one of several colors in the visible light spectrum – the same spectrum that includes red, orange, yellow, green, indigo, and violet.
The biggest source of blue light is the sun. But it also comes from manmade sources like LED and fluorescent lighting, plus the digital screens we use every day: laptops, phones, tablets, and TVs.
In small doses, blue light has benefits. It can help boost mood, sharpen focus, and keep us feeling awake. But there’s a flip side: the same stimulating effect that helps us feel alert can also throw off our natural sleep cycles. Especially if we’ve had too much exposure.
And just like the sun’s rays, blue light doesn’t stop at the eyes. It can reach deep into the skin, where it contributes to premature aging and other changes over time.
How blue light impacts the skin
Blue light is sometimes known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light, referring to its short – but high energy – wavelengths. These wavelengths are able to penetrate deeply into the skin, reaching as far as the dermis level where collagen and elastin – responsible for skin’s firmness – are located. When collagen and elastin break down, skin can start to sag and fine lines and wrinkles appear prematurely.
But that’s not all. Research shows that blue light can trigger excess melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation and dark spots, particularly in people with darker skin tones. Frequent exposure has also been linked to redness, swelling, and pigment changes.
Scientists have found that even short bursts of screen time can create reactive oxygen species (ROS) - unstable molecules that damage healthy skin cells. Over time, this oxidative stress speeds up the aging process, weakens the skin barrier, and causes long-term inflammation.
And because we often hold our phones, tablets, and laptops so close to our faces, our daily screen habits can dramatically increase exposure. Add in the flashes from selfies or the glow of late-night streaming, and the effects can build up quickly.
In simple terms, prolonged blue light exposure may lead to:
- Fine lines and wrinkles from collagen breakdown
- Loss of skin firmness and elasticity
- Hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Redness, swelling, and irritation
How to protect skin from blue light
Aside from limiting screen time, there are steps you can take to minimize exposure to blue light and its negative effects on the skin. Here’s what experts recommend:
- Add a filter. Use a blue light-blocking screen protector on phones and tablets or turn on Night Mode, which adjusts your screen to warmer temperatures. (Though know that a screen protector offers more thorough protection.)
- Sport protective lenses. The eyes are among the first to show signs of aging. To protect the area’s delicate skin, wear blue light-blocking glasses indoors, and polarized sunglasses outdoors.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF. Physical sunscreens with mineral filters (like zinc oxide) offer broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, including some defense against HEV exposure.
- Seek skin care that works while you do. Look for formulas with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier, and actives that combat signs of aging while protecting against future damage.
Your skin care digital defense strategy
Screentime may be inevitable, but premature skin damage doesn’t have to be. We recommend the following LATHER products for protected, radiant skin.
- Vitamin C Peptide Renewal Serum: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, including the oxidative damage caused by blue light. It also supports collagen production and helps brighten skin for a more even skin tone. This lightweight serum combines a stable form of vitamin C with advanced peptides to nourish, restore radiance, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
- Mega Moisture Magnet Serum: Keeping skin hydrated helps strengthen its natural barrier, protecting it from stressors like blue light and indoor dryness from prolonged screen time. This hardworking hyaluronic acid serum attracts and binds moisture, supporting the protective barrier and restoring plump, supple skin.
- Wrinkle Remedy Serum: Powered by award-winning Swiss apple stem cell technology, plus phytonutrients and proteins, this advanced serum shields skin from environmental stressors like HEV light and lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also enhances the skin’s self-renewal capabilities.
- Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen: Mineral sunscreens – and specifically those with zinc oxide - can shield skin from blue light exposure. Our zinc-based formula offers high potency protection and is enriched with antioxidants for an extra layer of daily defense.
Radiant skin IRL
Your daily screens don’t have to come at the cost of healthy, glowing skin. By adopting simple digital defense habits, like using blue light–blocking tools, wearing protective mineral sunscreen, and choosing antioxidant-rich skincare, you can help shield your skin from the effects of prolonged screen time. With consistent care, you’ll not only defend against damage but keep skin radiant IRL.
