Digital Eyes

It’s 2021, and an unprecedented global pandemic has not only brought health concerns to the forefront, but for many of us it has massively increased the time we spend behind computer and smartphone screens.  As I write this with tired eyes, I think about my current eye care routine and realize just how much it has changed in the past year. The good news is no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to give your eyes the love they deserve.

First we need to understand how the skin around your eyes is different from the rest of your face. Especially without proper care, the eye area will be the first to show signs of premature aging. The thinner and more delicate skin requires more specialized products for treatment and prevention to combat those fine lines, puffy bags, dark circles and more.

Not only are we spending more time in front of screens, but as we do more on mobile devices, the screens are getting closer in proximity too. As we work and learn from home, we are spending an increasing amount of time in front of digital displays that emit potentially harmful levels of blue light.

Blue light is a low wavelength, high energy light that has the potential to damage eyes, prematurely age skin and interfere with our circadian rhythms. Blue light is everywhere in our world. At one point the only source of blue light was from the sun but we have brought blue light inside by way of digital screens (TVs, Smartphones, computers, laptops, tablets and gaming systems), electronic devices, LED and fluorescent lighting. However, we find ourselves particularly concerned with digital devices because of our close proximity to them and our prolonged exposure as people now spend an average of 13 hours per day on screens. (bluelightexposed.com)

The next time you snap a selfie, zoom in for a closer look. You may find yourself looking right at the signs of premature aging. Are you seeing deeper wrinkles around the eyes? More pronounced puffiness and dark circles? Research shows blue light from electronic devices can lead to changes in your skin cells, including cell shrinkage and cell death speeding up the aging process. Even exposures as short as 60 minutes can trigger these changes.

So how do we combat this new enemy? Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

The recently reformulated Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 from Eminence Organic Skin Care is a wonderful multi-functional product to protect both from the damaging effect of UV rays and blue light pollution, and the Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream is a fabulous powerhouse for increasing collagen production in the delicate eye area.

Time isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. As technology continues to evolve our screen time will most likely only increase. So start today with steps to keep your skin protected and healthy.

Written by Jennifer Sposato