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IOL News
3 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
The hidden dangers of blue light: Is your screen harming your skin?
You device could be causing your skin more harm than you realise. Image: Freepik Whether it's scrolling on our phones, working on laptops, or binge-watching our favourite shows, constant exposure to blue light has become part of daily life. Blue light, also known as High-Energy Visible (HEV) light, is part of the light spectrum that our eyes can see. The sun is by far the most significant natural source of blue light, which plays a role in regulating our sleep cycles and boosting our mood. However, the artificial blue light emitted from our digital devices has significantly increased our daily exposure, leading to modern skin concerns. Research is shedding light on how this pervasive blue glow might be doing more than just straining our eyes. Here's how this digital light can impact your complexion. Accelerated ageing Just like too much sun can lead to wrinkles, blue light can also play a role in speeding up the signs of ageing. It generates what scientists call "reactive oxygen species" (ROS) or "free radicals" in your skin cells. These are unstable molecules that can damage essential skin components like collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump. According to a review published in ResearchGate on the effects of blue light on skin, this process "fuels oxidative stress, pigment problems, and skin ageing." Over time, this can lead to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of skin elasticity. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Persistent pigmentation Ever noticed new dark spots or an uneven skin tone? Blue light can stimulate your melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. A study published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology indicates that "blue light can increase skin hyperpigmentation, particularly in dark-skinned people." This can result in new dark spots, worsen existing ones like melasma, and contribute to a less even complexion, with some studies noting that blue light-induced pigmentation can last as long as three months. Blue light can stimulate your melanocytes. Image: Freepik Inflammation Prolonged exposure to blue light can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin, potentially leading to redness and irritation. It can also compromise your skin's natural barrier function, making it less effective at retaining moisture and protecting itself from environmental stressors like pollution. While blue light's effects are a growing concern, it's vital to remember that the damage is generally not as immediate or aggressive as that caused by UV radiation, which is a primary factor in sunburn and skin cancer. However, the cumulative effect of our increasing screen time makes blue light a significant modern skincare challenge. Protecting your skin from blue light The good news is you don't need to ditch your digital devices entirely to protect your skin. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help create a shield against blue light damage. Mind your screen time: The simplest step is often the most effective. Take regular breaks from your devices. A great guideline is the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break and reduces continuous blue light exposure to your skin. Step away from your screen. Image: Nataliya Vaitkevich / Pexels Activate device filters: Most modern smartphones, tablets, and computers come with settings to reduce blue light emission, often called "Night Mode" or "Blue Light Filter." Turn these on, especially in the evenings, to create a warmer, less intense glow. Embrace antioxidant-rich skincare: Antioxidants are your skin's best defence against the free radicals generated by blue light. Incorporate skincare products that contain powerhouse antioxidants like: Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that helps brighten skin and combat damage. Vitamin E: Works synergistically with Vitamin C to enhance protection. Ferulic Acid: Often found in antioxidant serums to boost their effectiveness. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps strengthen your skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and can even assist with hyperpigmentation. According to a study on pigmentation effects, niacinamide can "mitigate blue light-induced visible pigmentation and skin reddening." Use mineral sunscreen with a tint: While broad-spectrum sunscreens are crucial for UV protection, some mineral sunscreens offer an added benefit against blue light. Look for formulas containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as physical blockers. For even more protection against visible light, including blue light, opt for tinted mineral sunscreens that contain iron oxides. IOL Lifestyle Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Magnus Carlsen steps back from deliberate chess practice, prioritising family with baby on the way
Magnus Carlsen has shared why he is not returning to deliberate practice in chess despite a recent dip in form, stating that his priorities have shifted as he prepares to welcome a child with his wife, Ella Victoria Malone, whom he married in January 2025. Carlsen's comments come after consecutive defeats to India's world champion D Gukesh, including his first Classical loss to Gukesh in June and another defeat in the Rapid section of the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025 event in Zagreb. Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov had recently questioned Carlsen's dominance in the sport. Speaking to The Athletic, Carlsen said, 'I have enough to do. I got a wife. I got a kid on the way. I live chess in the sense that I always follow what's happening. I might play online. It's fun. But deliberate practice? No, not really. It is my favourite hobby, as well as my job.' Deliberate practice in chess is a structured training method aimed at improving specific skills with targeted exercises and feedback. ResearchGate reports that such practice plays a critical role in developing chess expertise. Carlsen, who abdicated his world title in 2023 after remaining unbeaten in five World Championship matches, will next compete in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam event in Las Vegas.
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First Post
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Magnus Carlsen explains skipping ‘deliberate practice' despite poor form: 'I got a kid on the way'
Magnus Carlsen has opened up on skipping 'deliberate practice' despite recent rough patch as he lost consecutive games to world champion D Gukesh. Carlsen reflected on how he is dealing with chess and personal life. read more World No.1 chess player Magnus Carlsen is not interested in going back to deliberate practice despite the Norwegian's dominance in the sport being questioned recently by Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov, as he lost two back-to-back matches to D Gukesh. Carlsen lost his first-ever Classical match to 19-year-old world champion Gukesh of India in June. The Indian Grandmaster beat the five-time world champion again earlier this month in the Rapid section of the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025 in Zagreb. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No deliberate practice for Carlsen anymore While his fans are worried about an impending decline in Carlsen's dominance over the world of chess, the 34-year-old isn't. He did not shy away from admitting that life has changed for him since marrying Ella Victoria Malone in January 2025 and that chess is his favourite hobby and job, but he doesn't do deliberate practice anymore to improve his game. 'I have enough to do,' Carlsen says. 'I got a wife. I got a kid on the way. I live chess in the sense that I always follow what's happening. I might play online. It's fun. But deliberate practice? No, not really. It is my favourite hobby, as well as my job,' Carlsen told The Athletic. Deliberate practice in chess can be explained as a planned and structured approach towards working on chess skills through working on specific areas. During deliberate practice, chess players engage in targeted training with feedback and repetition. One of the research reports in ResearchGate says that 'deliberate practice plays a critical role in the acquisition of chess expertise.' Carlsen explains Mission Freestyle Grand Slam Also, Carlsen has been the world No. 1 in chess since 2011 and remained unbeaten in five World Chess Championship matches before abdicating the title in 2023. He will next be seen in action in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam event in Las Vegas, which has a prize money of $750,000. Carlsen is one of the co-founders of the inaugural Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, as he hopes to make chess a household name, which can attract media rights and sell tickets. Freestyle Chess is played through randomised positioning for the back pieces, promoting creativity and discouraging old board moves. Talking about his mission to popularise chess among the youth, Carlsen said it's a change that the sport needs to survive in the long term. 'They really hold on to what they know and love, which is not unreasonable,' he says. 'I don't like using the word 'rebel' because there are people who rebel in the world about a lot more important things. You shouldn't change things for change's sake, but you should not also not refuse change if it is needed — and I do think it's needed," Carlsen said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
How did matcha make its way from teacups to your cosmetics cabinet?
Scroll through Instagram and you'll find matcha everywhere, in various shapes and forms. For some, it's God's gift to taste buds, for others, it's an acquired taste. But it's not just in your cup anymore –matcha has invaded cleansers, creams, clay masks, and whatnot. Walk down the skincare aisle at your local beauty store and you'll see it: labels that read like café menus. Matcha clay masks. Turmeric glow drops. Latte blush sticks. Food is skin and vice versa. But how does something that starts off as a tea ceremony darling or viral brunch trend end up in your moisturiser or highlighter? And is this really all new? The meteoric rise of matcha in the beauty industry mirrors its trajectory in the wellness culture. One moment, it was a health-conscious swap for espresso; the next, it was the hero of hydrating cleansers. Its transition from teacup to toner is in its chemistry. A post shared by Sahil Shah (@sahilbulla) 'Matcha is rich in catechins,' explains Dr Mandeep Singh, HOD of Plastic Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Paras Health, Gurugram. 'These are potent antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, soothe irritation, and calm inflammation. When matcha went viral in the food space, it had already proven itself beneficial for internal health. That halo effect made it an ideal crossover for skincare.' A 2021 study on ResearchGate backs this up, noting that matcha catechins are heat-stable and effective at neutralising the reactive oxidative species responsible for premature ageing. And matcha is far from alone. From manuka honey to cold-pressed olive oil, edible ingredients are taking over vanities. Dr Singh attributes the trend to familiarity: 'It's easier for consumers to trust ingredients they already consume.' But not all food trends in beauty are about what's in the bottle. Some are about what the bottle represents. Enter 'latte makeup' and 'glazed doughnut skin', viral trends that evoke rich, creamy tones and luminous, dewy finish, as if you belong in a softly lit Pinterest post. 'These trends are more about the mood than the material,' says Dr Rashmi Aderao, Dermatology Consultant at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. 'They take inspiration from how a latte makes you feel –– warm, soft, indulgent. Or how a doughnut looks — glossy, sweet, flawless. It's a language of visuals, not ingredients,' she said. That language thrives on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Pinterest. Bite-sized, vibe-led content that's infinitely shareable. The term 'glazed doughnut skin' was made famous by Hailey Bieber's skincare routine. It quickly became shorthand for plump, high-shine, healthy skin. Basically skincare that looks edible. 'The difference,' Dr Mandeep Singh elaborates, 'is function versus aesthetic. Matcha or turmeric serve a physiological purpose. But latte makeup is an Instagram-ready identity.' No one understands the 'language of looks' like Gen Z. With their TikTok fluency and skincare-literacy, they are curating online personas as easily, or rather, dedicatedly, as parents do the interiors of their homes. And they want their routines to look good on camera. 'Gen Z is not just consuming beauty trends, they're creating them,' says Dr Singh. 'They are redefining skincare as lifestyle, not just grooming.' A post shared by The Having Said That Show (@thehavingsaidthatshow) Dr Aderao concurs: 'While many of them continue to prefer minimalist, skin-first beauty, they're also highly visual curating their online personas and gravitating toward trends that photograph beautifully and fit within a broader lifestyle narrative.' It might look new, but this fusion of food and beauty isn't a recent innovation. For many cultures, especially in India, it's simply second nature. 'Our grandmothers used haldi for blemishes, curd for exfoliation, besan for cleansing,' according to Dr Sarita Sanke, Head of Cosmetology and Dermatology at Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital, Kaushambi. 'What used to be passed down by mothers is now circulated via influencers. A homemade turmeric mask is now a YouTube tutorial. A kitchen remedy becomes content.' This decentralised, democratised approach to beauty, where anyone can launch a trend, has accelerated how quickly ingredients make the leap from pantry to product. A post shared by Ryan Fernando (@ryan_nutrition_coach) Turmeric, for example, has been studied in over 18 clinical trials, with data confirming its ability to treat acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation, and even psoriasis. Golden (turmeric) milk became a Western wellness trend before turmeric serums showed up on Sephora shelves. 'Beauty brands are tapping into a knowledge system that predates them,' says Dr Rashmi Aderao. 'They're not inventing, they're reintroducing, often with a scientific spin.' Mapping the evolution of these trends means looking in three directions at once: backwards (to cultural traditions), outwards (to digital communities), and forwards (to biotech and brand strategy). The lifecycle of a trend might now start with a viral video of matcha lattes, get adapted by beauty influencers into makeup looks, and end up as a product line in a luxury skincare brand. And these trends remind us that sometimes, the best beauty secrets don't originate in a lab, they're discovered in your kitchen.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
7 benefits of a bowl of cucumber and 7 healthy recipes
There's something incredibly satisfying about crunching into a bowl of freshly chopped cucumber. Light, juicy, and cooling, this humble veggie is more powerful than it looks. Whether you slice it, dice it, or blend it, cucumber has a way of making you feel refreshed from the inside out. Especially in our hot and humid climate, it feels less like a vegetable and more like a natural way to beat the heat. What's great is that it doesn't need fancy prep or exotic pairings. Just a few simple tweaks and it turns into a mini health booster. Here's why a bowl of cucumber deserves a spot on your daily plate, along with some quick ways to enjoy it without getting bored. What study says? According to a study by ResearchGate, cucumber is full of water, fibre, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K, making it great for hydration, digestion, and weight control. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory powers that soothe the skin, ease acidity, and support gut health. The study also shows cucumber helps manage blood pressure and sugar levels. Its seeds and juice are rich in flavonoids and lignans, which may protect the body from infections and long-term diseases. Eating it regularly can also reduce puffiness, cool the body in heat, and ease stomach discomfort. Keeps your body cool Cucumber is loaded with water, so it naturally hydrates you from the inside. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 선납금 보증금 없이 딱 2년만 먼저 타보고 인수 반납 자유롭게 가능합니다. 오토모빌리티 더 알아보기 Undo It's the perfect thing to munch on after coming back from the sun or post-workout. Your skin, stomach, and mood all feel the difference when you're well hydrated. Good for skin There's a reason cucumber is placed on tired eyes. When you eat it, it hydrates your skin, reduces puffiness and helps that glow come back. Its nutrients support collagen and improve skin texture. It also works from the inside to fight dullness. Helps digestion The tiny seeds inside cucumber act like natural aids for your digestion. The fibre keeps things moving smoothly, while the water content calms acidity and bloating. It's one of the easiest ways to feel lighter without doing much. Lowers cravings Cucumber keeps you full without making you feel heavy. If you're craving something salty and crunchy, a bowl of cucumber with black salt or chat masala hits the spot. It's low in calories yet packed with flavour, making it a refreshing and healthy snack you can enjoy anytime. Supports weight loss If you're looking to lose a few kilos, cucumber is your best friend. It's low in calories but high in water and fibre, which helps you feel full for longer. Add it to salads, mix it with curd, or dip it in hummus and it turns into a satisfying, weight-friendly meal. Balances body heat In Ayurveda, cucumber is known to reduce pitta or internal heat. Especially in the summer, a bowl a day helps cool the body naturally and keeps headaches, acne and irritability at bay. Cleanses your system It acts like a gentle internal cleanser. All that water and fibre work together to flush out toxins, reduce water retention and make you feel fresher. You get all the detox benefits without doing anything extreme. Simple recipes to try Classic cucumber raita Grate fresh cucumber into a bowl of chilled curd for an instant cooler. Add roasted cumin powder, a pinch of salt, and chopped coriander for flavour. This simple raita is soothing, refreshing, and pairs perfectly with spicy dishes. It also aids digestion and keeps your body cool in warm weather. Cucumber lemon detox water Slice cucumber into a jug of cold water for a refreshing twist. Add lemon wedges and mint leaves to boost flavour and freshness. Let it sit for a while to infuse. Sip it through the day to stay hydrated, improve digestion, and give your body a gentle detox naturally. Spicy cucumber salad Toss chopped cucumber with red chilli powder, a squeeze of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and crushed peanuts. This quick mix turns into a crunchy, tangy snack that's both refreshing and satisfying. It's light, flavourful, and perfect for hot days when you want something tasty without much effort. Cucumber mint chutney Blend fresh cucumber with mint leaves, green chilli, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a vibrant chutney. It's cool, zesty, and adds a burst of flavour to any meal. Serve it chilled with hot parathas or use it as a refreshing dip for snacks and roasted dishes. Chilled cucumber soup Puree cucumber with chilled curd, a clove of garlic, and a dash of olive oil until smooth. Let it sit in the fridge to cool completely. This clean summer soup is light, creamy, and perfect for hot days. It soothes the stomach while keeping you hydrated and energised. Cucumber moong dal salad Mix soaked moong dal with finely chopped cucumber, fresh grated coconut, tempered mustard seeds, and curry leaves. This South Indian-style salad is crunchy, light, and packed with plant protein. It's refreshing, easy to digest, and makes a perfect side dish or a quick lunch on a warm, busy day. Cucumber open sandwich Spread a thick layer of hummus on a slice of crisp toast. Top it with fresh cucumber slices and finish with a sprinkle of black sesame or flaxseeds. This quick open sandwich is crunchy, creamy, and full of texture. It makes for a wholesome, protein-rich snack or a light, refreshing breakfast.
