Doomscrolling has become society’s latest vice: we all know it’s bad, it has ‘doom’ in the name! But after a long day, those hits of dopamine feel worth it. Besides, between work and the commute, you really can’t escape screens. It’s at most corporate jobs, the bus schedule, even most retail stores will have you interacting with screens. So why not interact with them with choice? Viewing what you want, in the privacy of your own home? We speak to experts, Dr Shagoon Modi, aesthetic doctor at Orskin Aesthetics, and Dr Hassan Galadari, dermatologist at Galadari Clinic, and they tell us how that choice comes with greater consequences that you would hardly think about.
Screens emit blue light, which slowly but surely negatively affects our skin. According to Dr Modi, “Blue light from phones and laptops penetrates the deeper layers where collagen and pigmentation cells reside, generating oxidative stress that quietly accelerates ageing and encourages uneven tone. The changes are subtle. A loss of radiance, tired-looking eyes and patches of uneven pigment often appear first, particularly in medium and darker skin tones that are more prone to blue light-induced pigmentation. Over time, oxidative stress contributes to collagen degradation, softening the skin’s structure and leading to fine lines and early laxity.”
Dr Galadari agrees, mentioning how the light can also affect our eye area, which is the most delicate skin on our face. “Blue light tends to overstimulate melanin in certain individuals, which is why tiny patches of brown or grey pigment can linger,” he says. “The eye area is another giveaway because reduced blinking and prolonged concentration make it look crêpey more quickly.”
Between a dull skin tone, saggy skin, and crêpey eyes, a simple skin routine should balance the changes. But it’s not so simple. As Dr Modi puts it, “None of this happens dramatically or in isolation. Instead, it unfolds quietly, layer by layer, until the mirror begins to reflect our habits back at us.” Simply put, skincare faces an uphill battle when our screen use is combating all its benefits. Dr Galadari adds to this, citing late-night phone use, “Blue light suppresses melatonin, so the late-night scrolling disrupts the skin’s natural repair cycle.” Dr Modi agrees, mentioning how late-night scrolling can also elevate cortisol, disrupt hormones and our circadian rhythm, which is not only terrible for our skin but for our overall health.
Both experts also mention how we use our screens is just as problematic, contributing to the damage. “The posture of modern life, with heads bowed, eyes narrowed, and brows furrowed, folds expression lines into the face and neck over time, giving rise to what we now call tech neck. This poor posture forms premature creases along the neck and jawline,” says Dr Modi. Whereas Dr Galadari mentions the same, how tech neck and poor posture can ultimately lead to a softer jawline and neck creases.
So, what’s the solution? As mentioned before, we can’t really escape screens; the only choice we have in the matter is doomscrolling and the weekend Netflix binge. According to our experts, we don’t have to quit screens cold turkey, but approach them consciously. “There is no single threshold at which screens suddenly become harmful. It is not the occasional laptop session or evening scroll that alters skin health, but the accumulation of exposure over time. The effects build over months and years rather than days. Skin ageing under digital exposure is gradual, subtle and very much lifestyle driven,” says Dr Modi.
Considering that accumulation is most important, we have to focus on the bigger picture of screentime and its relationship with our bodies. Yes, screens are an issue, but the main aggravator is the screentime. Dr Galadari mentions the same, saying, “It’s really about how you use your screens, not whether you use them at all. Long, uninterrupted stretches are what cause the biggest issues. If you are working for several hours without movement, hydration or proper lighting, the effects accumulate faster. Breaking sessions up, using warm lighting, supporting the skin with antioxidants and switching off well before bed makes a noticeable difference. Think of screens as a lifestyle factor. The more balanced your habits are, the less your skin reflects the strain.”
Beyond using our screens in moderation, another way to combat blue light damage is by wearing a broad-spectrum SPF. Although there is no sun around, tinted mineral sunscreens containing iron oxides, zinc oxides, and antioxidants can help block blue light from being absorbed into the skin. Whereas effects from tech neck and poor posture can be reversed through exercises. And deeper skin issues, such as pigmentation can be repaired through clinical treatments.
All hope is not lost! While we can completely escape the screen and the damage it brings, if we’re conscious about it, we can repair the effect it has had on us. And once we have our preventative measures in check, a cheeky doomscroll is nothing more than an occasional indulgence.
And whilst we’re at the topic of skincare, you can check out our guides here and here.
