Excessive Screen Time Can Cause Dark Circles? 5 Ways to Treat

What’s the first thing you notice when you turn on your Zoom camera? No, not the mess in your bedroom, or an overactive dog in the background – it’s your panda eyes screaming at you, begging to be taken care of. 

And do you know what your camera really loves? It’s your dark circles. Cameras tend to pick up redness, breakouts, blemishes and even broken blood vessels. 

As the pandemic has forced us to stay indoors, we are spending more time on our screens – browsing Instagram, binge-watching our favourite shows or just doomscrolling. Increased screen time is causing a host of issues such as digital eye strain, dry eyes, itchy eyes, headaches and blurry vision. While we know that blue light emitted by devices is causing a range of skin conditions, it’s also leading to dark circles and puffiness around our eyes. 

How is My Phone Giving Me Dark Circles?

Many researchers have been studying the impact of blue light on our skin. It can damage your skin cells, accelerate visible signs of ageing and also cause dark circles. While sunlight is the main source of blue light or ‘High Energy Visible’ light, electronic devices such as television, laptop, computer, tablet and mobile phones can also emit blue light. As our exposure to these devices has been on the rise, so has been the impact. 

You may think browsing phone just before bed seems like a pretty harmless activity, but what it does is lead to delay in your sleep cycle disturbing your natural circadian rhythm. It is during your sleep that your skin cells repair themselves. Thus, any activity affecting your sleep has a negative impact on your skin. Blue light tricks your skin into thinking that it’s still daytime impairing the natural night-time repair process. Screen time also tends to steal moisture from the skin, which causes the breakdown of collagen. 

The dark pigmentation under your eyes can make you look exhausted, or suffering from lack of sleep. As the skin around the eyes are the thinnest, the muscles and blood vessels are become visible making the area appear dark.

Related Post: 5 Secrets about Mobile Phones and your Skin

How Can I Fix My Dark Circles?

Yes, damage may have already been done. And no, we aren’t asking you to become a digital hermit. But there are things you can do to reduce dark circles. 

1. Keep Your Phone Away Before Bed

Start with cutting down on the habit of browsing through your phone at night. Use this time to set intentions for the following day, write in your gratitude journal or just listen to calming music. Not only will these habits help you develop good mental health routines, they will also help improve your under-eye health. 

2. Hardworking Under-Eye Formula

Try Epique’s Intensive Revitalising Eye Formula, which is developed specifically for mature skin to help fight impact of ageing. Infused with natural phyto-concentrates, this bestselling formula helps you say goodbye to under-eye bags, reduces puffy eye, diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles leaving your under-eye area repaired and rejuvenated. Natural plant extracts such as Boswellia Serrata Resun, Centella Asiatica Lead, Piper Nigrum Fruit, Butyropsermum Parkii Butter deeply penetrate the skin to improve firmness and create defense against wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots. 

3. Regular Use of Sunscreen

Using a sunscreen can help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Try Epique’s Advanced UV Protection System, which is packed with SPF 50 and is lightweight making it perfect for everyday use. It is easily absorbed in the skin and doesn’t leave the annoying white cast. Infused with phyto-concentrates, this sunscreen helps prevent pigmentation, dark spots and also reduce fine lines and wrinkles.  

4. Get Blue Light App or a Filter

If phone usage is unavoidable, try using an app that cuts down blue light at night or use a filter on your devices. 

5. Apply Cold Compression

Cold compresses help reduce swelling and shrinking of dilated blood vessels, which in turn can help reduce the appearance of dark circles. You may use a damn cold cloth kept in the fridge or use a few ice cubes wrapped in a cloth. However, ensure to not use ice directly onto your skin as it may lead to skin rash or irritation. 

A combination of all the above methods will surely help reduce dark circles. But most importantly, remember to always enjoy the skin you are in and stay Beauty Eternal.