How to Improve Tech Neck and Other Wrinkles That Develop Due to Technology Use
Wrinkles are typically associated with aging, smoking, and spending too much time in the sun. These factors weaken and deplete elastin and collagen fibers in the skin, which becomes thinner and more fragile, losing its elasticity becoming permanently wrinkled. Another lesser-known cause of wrinkles and other forms of skin damage is exposure to the blue light that’s mainly given off in small amounts from smartphones, laptops, tablets, computers, flat-screen TVs, and other types of digital devices. There are some positive health benefits of blue light, such as improving memory, attention span, alertness, and mood, but it can also disrupt your circadian rhythm, causing sleep difficulties, as well as lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and creases on the neck and chest. Given the fact that most of us are spending more time indoors during the coronavirus pandemic and streaming more movies or music—in addition to having a full workday on the computer, in many cases—we’re likely to be exposed to a lot of blue light each day. Fortunately, you can restore volume and create smoother skin with hyaluronic acid-based fillers like JUVÉDERM® ULTRA. The Los Angeles-based injectors at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills have extensive experience with these treatments in an area where people are especially devoted to their screens. They explain that dermatologists who use fillers and other cosmetic techniques to rejuvenate the skin can soften the appearance of wrinkles from blue light and more—and offer advice on preventing new lines from becoming etched into the skin.
Treating Skin Damage Due to Using Devices
“Tech neck” is a phenomenon of the digital area. While the blue light emitted from screens isn’t the cause of this, it’s common that people in their 20s begin to notice horizontal creases forming on their neck from constantly looking down at a phone, laptop, or tablet screen. Dermatologists can apply tiny amounts of JUVÉDERM® to this area to reduce the depth of the creases.
Facial Wrinkles
Unfortunately, once wrinkles have reached the stage of being ingrained in the skin, you won’t be able to get rid of them completely, but there are ways of making your skin look less lined. Dermal fillers that are used for reducing wrinkles caused by sun damage or aging are also effective on damage caused by blue light. JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® are gel fillers that contain hyaluronic acid, a molecule that retains large quantities of water. These injectabels fill in empty areas below the skin, making up for the collagen and moisture that are depleted over time.
To help reduce the appearance of these wrinkles, as well as folds on the neck, you can also ramp up your skincare regimen. Wrinkles are more noticeable in dehydrated skin, so keep your surface supple by moisturizing your face and neck with creams and hydrating serums.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition characterized by an uneven skin tone, where some small areas are darker than the rest of the skin due to increased melanin production. Various types of hyperpigmentation—such as sunspots and brown spots—can be linked to spending longer hours in front of the screen. Some research suggests that blue light triggers melanocytes (pigment-producing cells in the skin) to create more pigment. Laser skin resurfacing and microneedling are commonly used for breaking up excess pigment on the surface and creating a clearer tone.
Tips for Protecting Your Skin
· Pay attention to how you’re looking at your phone or tablet. It’s better to hold your devices up so they are at eye level than to continually bend your neck.
· Be aware of how you’re walking and sitting. Slouching all of the time can make neck wrinkles worse, so make a conscious effort to walk with your back straight and chin held up.
· Look for topical products containing antioxidants, which help repair the skin and prevent additional free radical damage.
· Switch to night mode or night shift on your phone or tablet to reduce blue light exposure.
Want to discover more about the benefits of JUVÉDERM® ULTRA and other treatments? Get in touch with the Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills team to have your questions answered. To request a consultation, submit a contact form or call 310-246-0495.