regularly using a hairdryer for longer periods of time exposes your skin to extreme heat. Photo / Getty Images.
A skincare expert has warned of the serious damage that using everyday devices like hairdryers, phones, and computers can cause to your complexion without the proper protection.
New York-based dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe explained to DailyMail.com that, although the sun is certainly the biggest concern as far as protecting yourself against UV rays, it is not the only thing to worry about when it comes to saving your skin from harm.
"We often hear about sun damage linked to UVA and UVB rays, but we are also exposed to visible light and infrared radiation, the latter of which heats the skin, and these also cause damage to our skin," she explained.
"Specifically, visible light is emitted from tablets and screens (like iPads, Kindle, iPhones, and TVs), and even indoor lighting such as LED and fluorescent bulbs."
According to Dr. Bowe, this kind of light "has been shown to trigger free radical damage", which can be long-lasting, cause premature aging of the skin, and includes symptoms such as inglammation, brown spots, and uneven pigmentation.
"These devices emit wavelengths of light in the visible and infrared spectrum that can increase the skin's burden of free radicals/oxidative stress in the skin," she told DailyMail.com
"You can envision free radicals as acting as tiny missiles on destructive missions. For example, if they target DNA, they can potentially contribute to your risk for skin cancer; if they target collagen, they can result in damage which can dilate pores, contribute to loss of overall skin firmness, and exacerbate the appearance of fine lines wrinkles, and skin laxity; if they target lipids in the skin cell membranes they can make skin appear dehydrated because your skin needs those lipids to effectively trap healthy moisture and stay balanced and hydrated.
"Additionally, if they target sebum in sebaceous glands, they can actually trigger acne.
"Last, they can stimulate your pigment producing cells, called melanoyctes, to pump out more pigment staining the skin in the form of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, lentigos or melasma."
And it's not just your own personal devices and gadgets to keep an eye on; other sources of extreme heat outside of your home can also contribute to the symptoms - even certain types of exercise classes.
"Infrared heat from devices used to heat hot yoga classes, or space heaters used in a restaurant, can also trigger free radical damage in the skin and even increase the activity of enzymes called MMPs which break down collagen," Dr. Bowe explained.
In fact, the heat used in spas, salons, and workout classes is more worrisome when it comes to skin damage, according to the dermatologist, who noted that visible light emitted from things like TVs, iPads, and phones is more minimal - although certainly worth guarding against, particularly if you are using them for prolonged periods of time on a daily basis.
Dr. Bowe revealed that she actually tells any of her patients with Melasma - a skin condition that causes brown patches to appear on the face - to avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot yoga classes altogether because the extreme heat involved often makes the condition much worse.
"Both visible and IR light rays come from devices and the sun," she said. "Studies are showing that those rays are most damaging when emitted by the sun, which might have to do with both dose as well as a negative synergy when all the wavelengths from the sun (UV, visible and IR) are emitted alongside one another.
"In terms of quantifying this damage - TV, cell phones and tablets are probably the least damaging. Saunas and hot yoga can be more problematic - in fact, I advise any patients with Melasma to consider avoiding saunas, hot yoga and steam rooms, as these types of exposure to heat can make Melasma worse."
Similarly, regularly using a hairdryer for longer periods of time exposes your skin to the same kind of extreme heat that Dr. Bowe says should be avoided.
Thankfully, there are ways to guard against it, without having to permanently ditch your hairdryer and iPhone, or your favorite hot yoga class. In the same way that you should go above and beyond to protect yourself from the sun, you should also, Dr. Bowe says, take plenty of necessary steps to guard against other things in your life that are leading to serious skin damage.
"I recommend that my patients incorporate topical and oral antioxidant into their self-care routines, in addition to adding antioxidant rich foods into their diets. As I explain in my blog post on Antioxidants called Antioxidants 101, antioxidants are absolutely essential when it comes to radiant, healthy skin.
"Let's start with what antioxidants do: antioxidants pack a powerful punch to fight free radicals. Free radicals are like bullets or missiles, and they destroy everything in their path. They are highly reactive forms of oxygen whose effects can damage cell membranes and other structures in the body, including DNA and collagen.
"Free radicals come from both normal metabolic processes such as exercise and respiration, but they also come from external sources such as pollution and the sun. When you are exposed to a lot of free radicals, it means you are suffering from oxidative stress, and too much oxidative stress can lead to premature aging, skin cancer, and chronic skin conditions like acne.
"Antioxidants help squelch and neutralize free radicals so they stop them from damaging your skin. Studies show that antioxidants not only slow down the development of wrinkles and age spots, but they also fight against skin cancer and even keep inflammatory skin conditions under control—conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
"The take home message here: we love antioxidants! When it comes to addressing skin conditions, antioxidants are key! For example, because antioxidants help control inflammation, if you're prone to any skin issue rooted in inflammation, which can mean eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, they will help relieve those stubborn conditions. "
Numerous studies have demonstrated that antioxidants can slow down or even reverse signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots. They do so primarily by protecting the skin from the ravages of sunburn, inflammation, and DNA damage. So, it's clear that antioxidants are important for your skin's health.
"But, the question I get all the time in my office is – what's the best way to get them? Should you use antioxidants topically through skincare products or orally through what you eat? The answer is both. Antioxidants are unstable, and they get used up very quickly, especially if you produce or are exposed to lots of free radicals.
"So it's critical to replenish your antioxidant stores both internally and externally morning and night, and even more frequently if you engage in intense exercise, live in an urban center with lots of pollution in the air, or expose your skin to the sun."
"I recommend that my patients incorporate topical antioxidant products into their skincare regimen to protect their skin against this damage.
"One key ingredient to look for is Vitamin C, but not all Vitamin C formulas are created equal in terms of stability and bioavailability – meaning, the ability of the active ingredients in a particular product to be absorbed by the skin so that they can have their optimal impact.
"I often recommend Dermalogica's new BioLumin-C Serum because it is made with two highly stable forms of Vitamin C which work together to ensure long term stability and this product has been tested for its bioavailability and effective delivery system to penetrate your skin, in order to defend the skin against free radicals and to heal the skin."
'Your skin has a remarkable ability to heal itself if you protect it properly.
'Part of your healthy skincare regimen should include using sunscreen every day, a retinol at night, and a Vitamin C serum like Dermalogica's BioLumin-C Serum.'
"Your skin has a remarkable ability to heal itself if you protect it properly.
"Part of your healthy skincare regimen should include using sunscreen every day, a retinol at night, and a Vitamin C serum like Dermalogica's BioLumin-C Serum."
"I recommend that my patients use an outside in and inside out approach - beyond just using sunscreen - to keep their skin sun-safe throughout the summer months.
"My 360 approach to sun-safety and healthy skin includes incorporating certain foods and scientifically studied supplements like Heliocare which offer an extra layer of sun protection from the inside out to complement your sunscreen, as well as wearing high quality UPF swimsuits – and, of course, a broad-rimmed hat."