If you thought UV rays were your skin’s biggest enemy, meet digital ageing, the slow, sneaky damage caused by all those midnight scrolls on social media. 

From the endless FYP doom scrolling to reading the popular # BookTok-approved books, you may not know that your skin is actually constantly exposed to blue light (aka HEV light). And while it won’t burn you like the sun, it will however speed up major skin nightmares: the fine lines, dark spots, and collagen breakdown. Which is a big no-no in 2025.

But, why exactly is blue light such a big deal? “Unlike UVB, which burns the skin, blue light penetrates more deeply and may speed up premature ageing or worsen conditions like melasma,” says Dr Anna Protasova, Aesthetic General Practitioner at Evolution Clinic Dubai.

And if you’ve got a darker skin tone, the risk is even higher! Blue light can trigger excess melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation (IFYKYK) which can be quite difficult to get rid of.

If you’ve ever noticed a sudden dullness, maybe uneven tone, or random dark spots after a week of nonstop screen time, you’re not delulu. Your screen time is showing, quite literally.

Buttt! Before you go all panicky and throw out all your devices (which we know is simply impossible), there are ways to fight back. Keen to know? We sat down with Dr. Anna to help you get rid of your skin fears. 

Cosmo Me: How does blue light (HEV light) from screens impact the skin? 

Dr. Anna: Blue light from screens isn’t as damaging as UV rays, but it can still contribute to skin ageing and can lead to inflammation, collagen breakdown, and pigmentation; especially in darker skin tones. Unlike UVB, which burns the skin, blue light penetrates more deeply and may speed up premature ageing or worsen conditions like melasma.

While the exposure from screens is relatively low compared to sunlight, if you’re concerned, using antioxidant-rich skincare, niacinamide, and sunscreens with iron oxides can help protect against blue light damage.

Cosmo Me: Can digital devices cause premature ageing, pigmentation, or collagen breakdown? 

Dr. Anna: Sadly, yes. All that screen time can contribute to premature ageing, dark spots, and even break down your collagen. Studies show blue light can trigger your skin to produce too much melanin, especially if you have darker skin. It also creates free radicals that damage collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines and dullness. It might not be as dramatic as sun damage but adds up over time.

Cosmo Me: What are the most common signs of digital ageing? 

Dr. Anna: You might notice dark spots, dullness, and uneven skin tone, especially on your face. You could also develop melasma, which is made up of dark patches. And because blue light messes with your collagen, you might see more fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Puffy eyes and dark circles are another common sign, often made worse by disrupted sleep from late-night screen use.

Cosmo Me: How does blue light exposure compare to UV damage in terms of ageing effects? 

Dr. Anna: UV rays are still the biggest culprit when it comes to ageing. UVB rays give you sunburn, while UVA rays go deeper and cause wrinkles. Blue light goes even deeper than UVA, causing oxidative stress, and leading to dark spots and inflammation. Sun damage is often more immediate, while blue light damage is more of a slow burn, accumulating over time.

Cosmo Me: What ingredients should people look for in skincare to combat digital ageing? 

Dr. Anna: Look for products packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide, and resveratrol. These help neutralize those free radicals from blue light. Iron oxide, found in tinted sunscreens, is also great for blocking blue light. And don’t forget hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your skin barrier strong, plus peptides to boost collagen.

Cosmo Me: Does SPF protect against blue light, or do you need specific ingredients like antioxidants? 

Dr. Anna: Not really. Regular sunscreen is designed for UV rays. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer some protection, but tinted sunscreens with iron oxide are your best bet for blocking blue light. Antioxidants are also key for neutralizing those free radicals.

Cosmo Me: Are blue-light-blocking screen protectors or glasses effective in preventing skin damage? 

Dr. Anna: They’re more for eye strain and sleep than skin protection. While they might reduce the intensity of blue light, they don’t completely prevent damage to your skin. Skincare with antioxidants and tinted SPF is still your *best* defense.

Cosmo Me: How can people adjust their daily habits to protect their skin from digital ageing? 

Dr. Anna: Cutting down on screen time is ideal. Also, try using dark mode, lowering your screen brightness, and turning on blue light filters. Wear a tinted mineral sunscreen with iron oxide daily and use antioxidant-rich skincare in the morning. Take breaks from your screens, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.

Treatments like Heleo4 Skin Cellular Detox can also help repair damage and strengthen your skin. This advanced treatment is designed to counteract oxidative stress, boost cellular repair, and enhance the skin’s resilience against environmental aggressors like blue light. It works by detoxifying skin cells, improving circulation, and supporting the skin’s natural ability to repair itself, making it an excellent option for those exposed to screens for extended periods. The treatment also helps reduce dullness, inflammation, and fatigue caused by digital overexposure, leaving the skin refreshed and rejuvenated.

Ahem, your make-up bag needs these new beauty products stat.