Are our mobile phones ageing our skin?

By Anthony Gonzalez, Director global skincare at the Avon Innovation Centre

New research by Avon UK illustrated that although skin ageing is huge concern for women in the UK, only one in ten adults are aware that factors including high energy visible (HEV) light – the blue light from their phone and other screens – could be contributing to their skin’s declining appearance*.

It’s an interesting paradox – being more concerned about how our skin looks than ever but at the same time our modern lifestyles are fuelling our skin’s deterioration. The research said that a quarter of 18-34-year olds won’t post a photo of themselves on social media without a filter because they don’t like how their skin looks, but ironically, spending so long on a mobile phone could be perpetuating the issue.

The reality? Screens aren’t the only part of modern life taking its toll. Exposure to pollution, lack of sleep, caffeine consumption and not drinking enough water are all contributing, and that’s not isolated in the UK – these are worldwide trends.

How damaging blue light specifically is, has been preoccupying dermatologists and specialists for a while now. While there isn’t a lot of evidence right now, there’s lots of research being done. What we do know is that HEV won’t burn your skin like UVA and UVB from the sun, but it can penetrate down to the dermis and damage it. The dermis is where collagen and elastin – key ingredients to keep skin looking young – are found, and this influx of HEV can cause visible signs of premature ageing and a dull, uneven skin tone and texture.

Anti-oxidants like Vitamin C can help prevent and combat this kind of damage – the skin stresses of modern life. The key is using a product containing a pure form of Vitamin C, not a derivative, and one that’s stabilised properly so it doesn’t lose potency (compromising efficacy) as Vitamin C is prone to do when it comes into contact with air and light. Avon’s new ANEW Essential Vitamin C Radiance Maximising Serum contains 10% pure, potent and stable Vitamin C – the same amount as you’d find in 30 oranges. It’s the potency and stability that makes it so special and effective at harnessing the powerhouse anti-oxidant that is Vitamin C.

We’re seeing the evolution of skincare as being less about anti-ageing and more about taking care of your skin properly to keep it looking its best. This UK research highlights that with the way we live our lives now, it’s more important than ever. Whichever you’re looking for – prevention or improvement, Vitamin C can help. It can neutralise the skin-damaging free radicals we’re exposed to as a part of modern life which can help prevent damage, but it can also make skin look brighter, refreshed and more luminous.

*Survey of 2,000 UK adults aged 18+, May 2019