Is your PC ruining your skin?

Most of us do a majority of our work on computer screens. Be it a PC, laptop or even a tablet, these devices have made our life much easier and one easily spends a couple of hours a day on them, whether for work or leisure. But did you know this could be causing damage to our skin? According to a study by Unilever Skincare Research, four days in front of a computer has the same detrimental effects on skin as 20 minutes in the mid-afternoon sun. Over time, this can lead to skin darkening, fine lines and even spots.

Use sunscreen

Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, MD Skin, Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Trasi’s Clinic and La Piel reiterates the fact that prolonged exposure to the light radiation emerging from computer screens, mobiles and tablets is known to cause damage to skin. “These screens also emit ultraviolet radiation that can lead to darkening of skin and lead to photo damage of skin causing premature ageing and fine wrinkles. Those who are used to working by placing the laptop on their legs, can get a condition called Erythema ab igne wherein the skin becomes inflamed and red. To avoid such damage, regular use of a sunscreen with SPF 30 should be applied half-an-hour before exposure to laptop screens and reapplied every three hours,” she explains.

Hydration is essential

The infrared rays which are emitted by screens can add to the lines and wrinkles on the face. Also, while working one frowns and squints on a regular basis which can cause dynamic wrinkling giving you a more aged look, says Dr Soma Sarkar, Medical Director and Dermatologist, Skin Inn. “Even the constant looking down on the screen can cause the development of turkey neck. There are always electrostatic fields and free radicals around the computer which can disturb the acid base of the skin and can cause irritation and for the free radicals it can cause premature ageing as well. Pigmentation can get aggravated and the skin can lose its brilliance. To prevent this, one has to keep taking short breaks from the computer screens. Move your neck side ways and use anti-glare screens. Hydrate your skin by drinking lots of water and use sugar scrubs once a week,” she advises.

Use skin care products

Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic feels that while old bulky desktop computers were known to emit UV radiation, nowadays, most of the laptops and computers have LCD or LED screens and do not emit radiation. “The problem is high energy visible light (HEV) or the blue light.  Computers and smartphones emit this. There is still limited but evolving research on HEV so the exact impact on skin is not clear. However, studies do confirm that HEV infiltrates into the skin more deeper than UV radiation and causes changes in DNA that would accelerate the signs of photo ageing of skin. Rough, coarse skin, darkening and dullness of skin, fine lines and wrinkles could result over time. Jowls or loose, ill-defined jawline are also seen commonly at a younger age due to sitting in one position for a prolonged time. The most essential method of reducing damage is daily application of sunscreen, applied even when indoors. Add a lightweight moisturiser to your routine and try oral sunscreens for internal protection and skin care products containing antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E. Opt for regular skin procedures like chemical peels, skin rejuvenating lasers and medifacials to improve and maintain a healthy, radiant skin,” she says.