HEALTHRECOMMENDATIONS

DO YOU KNOW THE LEVEL OF YOUR BLUE LIGHT EXPOSURE?

By Eylül 3, 2018 No Comments

 

 

 

 

 

You may recall that the subject of “blue light exposure” came up in one of our recent posts related to sleep problems: “Six Bad Habits That Are Ruining Your Sleep”, July 14, 2018.

According to surgeon Maryam Zamani, MD, there is also evidence that suggests visible light may be responsible for pigmentary changes in the skin.

To further complicate this, a small subdivision of visible light is high-energy visible light, which is associated with free radical formation. Dr. Zamani explains: “This high energy visible light (AKA blue light) is emitted from screens on computers, phones, and other electronic devices.”

So all those skin-care products and supplements you’re putting to work in your fight against free radicals might actually be rendered useless by your daily scrolls through Instagram.

Blue light causes free radical damage and induces degrading enzymes in the skin, which cause damage to collagen and slows down its production, resulting in aging. Dr. Zamani says: “It also stimulates tyrosine and melanin production, meaning an increase of pigmentation. Skin can become dull and uneven in tone.”

To avoid all this, Dr.Zamani recommends a variety of different methods such as using your phone in night mode and holding it at arms length, taking vitamins C, E, and zinc, and using skin-care products with lutein and antioxidants.

How do you tell what your exposure level is? Take the below quiz and find out how much blue light you skin sees based on your lifestyle.

 

         HOW MUCH BLUE LIGHT ARE YOU EXPOSED TO

 

  •  WHERE DO YOU LİVE?

 

  1. Near the beach
  2. Suburban life
  3. In the city

 

  • WHERE DO YOU WORK?

 

  1. Outdoors
  2. I’m on the go a lot during the day
  3. In an office

 

  • HOW’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PHONE?

 

  1. Sometimes I forget I have a phone
  2. I try to be mindful about how much I use it
  3. I am addicted to checking Instagran

 

  • WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL FRIDAY NIGHT?

 

  1. Good book, fuzzy blanket, and turmeric tea
  2. Low-key fun: Netflixs, wine and healthy snacks
  3. Happy hour, backyard BBQ with friends

 

  • WHEN YOU NEED A PRODUCTIVITY BREAK, YOU USUALLY:

 

  1. Go outside for a walk
  2. Chatting with co-workers in the office kitchen
  3. Scroll through Facebook on your phone

 

  • WHAT TYPE OF LIGHTBULBS ARE IN YOUR HOME?

 

  1. Regular, old incandescent
  2. Halogen
  3. LED or fluorescent

 

  • WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED READING METHOD?

 

  1. Hard cover or paperback books
  2. I’m not much of a reader
  3. On an iPad

 

The results of our little quiz:

Mostly 1’s: Low exposure; use skin products containing lutein and antioxidants.

Mostly 2’s: Moderate exposure; use the skin products suggested above and get an electronic device that emits the minimum blue light.

Mostly 3’s: High exposure; in addition to what’s suggested in moderate exposure, supplement with vitamins C, E and zinc.

Of course, try to curtail your “addiction” to your smart phone and/or your tablet.

That’s it for now; see you all the next time.

 

 

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