How Technology Might Affect our Body
We’ve all heard that gadgets expose us to radiation, which could lead to serious health risks like cancer. Experts have warned that the ubiquity of technology is exposing us to electromagnetic fields (EMF) that might be carcinogenic; and that mobile phone radiation may have long-term effects we are still unaware of.
What hasn’t frequently been discussed, however is the possibility that rays emitted by common gadgets we use every day also have an obvious and more visible effect on our body—our skin.
5 ways your smartphone may be leading to premature ageing:
1. HEV Rays
Research surrounding the risks of non-ionizing radiation is still in its early stages. Even so, experts continue to warn the public that the prevalence of technology today means they can’t fully discount the possibility that it will pose serious health effects in the future. The same can be said for HEV rays.
Apparently, High Energy Visible (HEV) light—the blue light that our gadgets emit—is just as damaging as ultraviolet (UV) rays. HEV is a type of non-ionizing radiation, similar to the ones released by radio waves and microwaves. Our skin’s exposure to both HEV and UV leads to heat and inflammation under the skin, thus slowing down the skin’s ability to heal and protect itself from the elements. This means something as innocuous as taking a selfie, for example, or thumbing through your smartphone before you go to bed every night could actually be causing premature aging.
According to Dr. Simon Zokaie, medical director of the Linia Skin Clinic in Harley Street:
“Those who take a lot of selfies and bloggers should worry. I think there is a gap in the market for products which protect because I know there are people who take lots of selfies, and bloggers who come to me and I have seen that there is damage there and there ageing taking place.”
Another dermatologist, Dr. Zein Obagi of the Obagi Skin health Institute in Beverly Hills adds: “Your cell phone will damage your skin. ‘It’s not documented, but in my clinical observation, I can tell whether someone uses their right hand or left hand to hold their phone.” How? According to Zein, your skin exhibits a dull texture possibly caused by radiation altering the minerals in the skin.
It’s also possible that the radiation causes breaks in DNA strands that prevents skin from healing itself and aggravates the stress imposed on it.
2. Techneck
Apart from harmful radiation emitted by your phone, constantly keeping your gaze downward to look at your phone can cause a condition dubbed “techneck.” This can cause wrinkles around the neck and under the chin (not to mention a slouch).
Constant squinting when you’re trying to read your phone can also cause crow’s feet around the eyes.
3. Nickel and Chromium
Nickel and chromium are common materials used to create phone casings, which have been known to cause an allergic skin reaction called dermatitis. While not all smartphones are made from these materials, you could try keeping some distance between your skin and your phone by using a phone case. Better yet, use a phone case that can provide protection from radiation emitted by the phone.
4. Acne
Did you know that mobile phones—by virtue of being in your hands all day and constantly exposed to the elements—can contain as much bacteria as a toilet seat? Yes, a TOILET SEAT. Mobile phones are quite probably the filthiest things you come in contact with on a daily basis. This can lead to dirt accumulating on your skin, which will ultimately lead to breakouts.
5. LED
The blue light that phones emits not only release non-ionizing radiation, it also works to throw off the body’s natural sleep cycle. Remember that your skin needs as much sleep as it can get to maintain its youthful glow. Without proper sleep, this can lead to under eye circles and dulling of your skin tone.
To protect yourself from radiation and its harmful effects, visit www.vesttech.com.
