Most of us spend more time staring at screens than we’d like to admit. Between work Zoom calls, doomscrolling on Instagram, and late-night Netflix binges, our faces are lit up by blue light almost around the clock. But here’s the thing: that glow from your devices might be doing more than just messing with your sleep—it could be messing with your skin too.

So, What’s the Deal with Blue Light?

Blue light (technically called HEV light) is part of the visible light spectrum. It’s what makes the sky look blue, and yes, it comes from the sun too. But in recent years, it’s our screens—phones, laptops, tablets, LED lights—that have become the biggest sources of artificial blue light in our lives. "This can lead to oxidative stress, which accelerates skin ageing, increases pigmentation, especially in people with darker skin tones, and may weaken the skin barrier over time," says Dr Apratim Goel, Dermatologist, Founder of Cutis Skin Solutions.

 

While you can't compare its effect with harmful UV rays from the sun, blue light still damages the skin over time. "It's not as bad as UV light, but it still causes oxidative damage, which means it makes free radicals that can cause damage to the skin. So all of the antioxidants in your skin need to go and battle that oxidation. It can cause early ageing, so more fine lines, more enlarged pores, more texture," says Dr Kiran Sethi, Celebrity Dermatologist, Founder of Isyaderm. Not just that, blue light effects also include pigmentation, skin irritation, and obviously poor sleep.

How to Minimise Blue Light Impact?

You don’t need to quit your job or quit your phone altogether to escape its impact. And let's be real, it's not even possible in today's day and age. A few simple steps can go a long way:

 

Wear Sunscreen, Even Indoors

Not all SPFs are made equal. Look for one labeled 'broad-spectrum' with iron oxides or added antioxidants. These formulas help block out visible light—including the blue kind. "Tinted sunblocks are really key when it comes to protecting against all of these blue light and blue light from screens," says Dr Sethi. 

Use Skincare That Fights Light Damage

Serums with vitamin C, niacinamide, and algae extract help protect your skin and reverse early signs of damage. "Keep skin moisturised to maintain the barrier. Use the ones with ceramides and barrier repair properties," adds Dr Goel.

Turn On Night Mode

Most phones and laptops now come with blue light filters or night shift settings. Use them, especially after sunset. "Use blue light filters on devices, available easily or blue-light-blocking glasses and take frequent breaks from the screen," says Dr Goel. 

Ideal Skincare Routine to Follow

While it's tough to eliminate the role of screens from your life and its impact on the skin, right products and proper routine can help minimise its effects to a great extent. Make sure to cleanse your face and use a serum, preferably with vitamin C followed by a moisturiser and a sunscreen with iron oxide and antioxidants. "Reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours if you're indoors with high screen exposure," says Dr Goel. You must also wash your face at night and use restorative ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, or retinol (only by prescription) in your nighttime routine. Make sure to keep your skin moisturised so that your skin barrier isn't compromised.