Is Blue Light Routine The Ultimate Answer To Anti-Aging Skincare?

Updated Jan 22, 2025 | 12:00 AM IST

SummarySkincare has become a massive trend among people, with many people building five to ten step skin care routines to make sure their skin is taken care of. This routine also ensures that the skin is not affected by the surroundings. But is this blue light skincare routine actually worth it? Here is what you need to know.
Credit-Canva

Credit-Canva

Many people believe that the modern-day skincare trends are a scam made by the big pharma companies who wish to make more money. This is a recent trend of ‘Anti-Aging’ skincare that keeps yourself on toes for the innate need for women to stay ‘young’ if they wish to be desirable. The beauty industry, in a way, feeds on such societal-made insecurities. But the recent rise in the trend has taken a different turn. While before people did it before to look prettier or fairer, now people are looking at this skincare routine as a way of taking care of themselves rather than doing to match someone else's beauty standards. This is why, this trend has resurfaced in the skin care community. This is the blue light routine.

In today's digital age, where we spend countless hours looking at screens, from phones and tablets to laptops. This constant screen time exposes us to blue light, which research suggests can have negative effects on our skin. It also leads to premature aging and dark spots. The screens also leads to stress, which could further cause harm to skin. While ditching our devices isn't realistic, a growing number of skincare products claim to protect against blue light. But do these products actually work?

What is Blue Light Skincare?

You can find many skincare products that say they protect against blue light, like sprays, creams, gels, and sunscreens. Some promise to undo the damage blue light might cause, while others try to prevent it in the first place. Blue light sunscreens are special because they protect against both the sun's UV rays and blue light. This is what regular sunscreens don't do very well. Regular sunscreens, whether they use chemicals or minerals, don't block blue light as effectively.

However, tinted sunscreens are different. Tinted sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher can protect your skin from blue light, as well as UVA and UVB rays from the sun. This is because of the coloring in the tint. Some newer sunscreens also have special ingredients that help protect against visible light, including blue light. While scientists are still learning about how blue light affects skin, many skin doctors have found it to be helpful for skin.

What is Blue Light and Why Might It Be a Problem?

Blue light comes from screens, TVs, and even the sun. While we used to worry mostly about how it affects our eyes and sleep, now we're learning it might also affect our skin. Some studies show that too much blue light can damage skin cells and speed up aging, leading to wrinkles and uneven skin tone. It can also cause dark spots on the skin. This happens because blue light can cause something called "oxidative stress" in the skin, which is linked to aging. It leads to dead skin cells. Blue light goes deeper into the skin than the sun's UV rays and can make skin cells produce more pigment, causing dark spots. It's important to know that not all blue light is bad. There is a difference between the blue light that comes out of the screens and the blue light that is used from a certain blue light wavelength as a therapy. The latter is used by doctors to treat acne and some skin cancers.

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Have You Lived This Moment Before? The Science Behind Déjà Vu

Updated Jun 15, 2026 | 09:00 PM IST

SummaryDéjà vu is a common sensation where a person feels they have already experienced a current moment before. Despite seeming rare, it occurs in most people at least once.
Have You Lived This Moment Before? The Science Behind Déjà Vu

Credit: AI Generated Image

Déjà Vu is a feeling of sensation when one person feels that they have felt or witnessed the same situation before, just like a single incident is happening once again. The word itself is from French and means "already seen." Though there is a common misconception among people that Déjà Vu is a very rare occurrence, in reality, this apparently mysterious experience happens to almost 97 percent of people's lives. Thus, it is a very common thing that will be felt by most people at least once in their lifetime.

What Is Déjà Vu?

As mentioned before, the word itself shows the very aspect of Déjà Vu that it's already seen. Suppose you are having a deep conversation with your friend, family, or a stranger, but you feel like this is not the first time you are having this conversation; you already know the topics and outcomes, as if you are living the same moment that you have lived before.

On the other hand, you might be visiting a new place, maybe a new city that you have never visited, but the places, houses, and overall atmosphere feel very recognizable. You suddenly feel that you have visited that place before and have felt good or bad in the past, as if you are living a past in your present.

All in all, this kind of strange phenomenon that happens to people regularly, this kind of uncomfortable feeling which is felt by 97 percent of people in the world, is called Déjà Vu.

What Causes Déjà Vu?

The root cause of this strange phenomenon is believed to be a result that one place or any conversation or any situation is resembling the same kind of pattern or feelings that you have experienced and felt before, and in most cases, you yourself have forgotten that, but your brain has not, and it recreates this sense of familiarity, and you feel you are living in a paradox.

In other words, déjà vu occurs when two parts of your brain fail to communicate properly: the temporal lobe, which handles memories, and the hippocampus, which processes new experiences.

There are certain things that can cause Déjà Vu more than others, such as fatigue or sleep deprivation, stress, and anxiety, which can trigger the feeling of Déjà Vu, as this pressure on your mental and physical health might pressure your brain and distort the recognition process. Other than that, migraine, dementia, and seizure can also cause Déjà Vu in a person.

Occasional déjà vu is generally harmless and not a cause for concern. However, if it happens frequently, lasts more than a few seconds, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a good idea to seek medical advice.

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Why Sleeping Pill Addiction Is Common Among Football Players

Updated Jun 15, 2026 | 07:00 PM IST

SummaryDr. Chandran, currently President of the Indian Federation of Sports Medicine (IFSM), said that while players may turn to sleeping pills as a quick solution, regular use can become a habit that leads to dependence if left unchecked.
Why Sleeping Pill Addiction Is Common Among Football Players

Credit: AI generated image

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway, players are navigating demanding training schedules, frequent travel, challenging weather conditions, and the pressure to perform at their peak. Amid these challenges, many elite footballers quietly face an often-overlooked problem off the field: sleep disturbances.

In an exclusive interview with HealthandMe, Dr. P.S.M. Chandran, former Director of Sports Medicine at the Sports Authority of India (SAI), said that the stress, anxiety, and disrupted routines associated with elite sport can make it difficult for players to get adequate rest. In some cases, these challenges may drive athletes toward sleeping medications, potentially affecting both their health and on-field performance.

Dr. Chandran, currently President of the Indian Federation of Sports Medicine (IFSM), said that while players may turn to sleeping pills as a quick solution, regular use can become a habit that leads to dependence if left unchecked.

Recently, striker Omar Bogle, who plays for Crewe Alexandra in League Two, shared his story with The New York Times' The Athletic about the moment last year when he became addicted to sleeping pills and painkillers.

What began as a way to help him sleep after suffering a back fracture during pre-season in the summer of 2024 became an addiction.

From January 2025, his usage accelerated to an alarming level. He said that many of the pills he was taking were benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and lorazepam. He was also using the stronger zopiclone pills, which the NHS says can be prescribed for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia.

"No one knew the extent of what I was doing," he said. "I never told anyone I was popping 18 or 19 of the things in the night."

Bogle's is not alone.

Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026: What Keeps Messi and Ronaldo Biologically Younger Than Their Age? Experts Explain

In January 2026, former England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey revealed on a podcast how he had become addicted to sleeping pills because of the loneliness he experienced while playing in Turkey. Shelvey said his dependence affected his relationship with his children.

Former Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson also developed a sleeping pill addiction and, at his worst point, was taking 12 to 14 tablets a night, according to The New York Times.

In 2023, former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Dele Alli told the BBC that he had become addicted to sleeping pills to block out past traumas.

According to Dr. Chandran, the issue is not unique to football but affects athletes across multiple sports, driven by stress, performance pressures, injuries, and demanding schedules.

"Football is not an exception," Dr. Chandran said. "Because of its popularity, we hear more about football players, but athletes in other sports face similar problems."

Why Elite Footballers Face Sleep Issues?

Elite footballers operate in a high-pressure environment where careers can be influenced by contracts, team selection, injuries, and performance expectations. Frequent travel, changing time zones, training camps, and irregular eating patterns can further disrupt normal sleep cycles.

According to Dr. Chandran, these factors create significant psychological stress, making it difficult for athletes to unwind and get adequate rest.

"Athletes are always stressed because of their contracts with clubs, their interaction with coaches, and concerns about injuries that can affect their income," he explained. "All these tensions bring stress, and stress leads to sleep disturbance."

Read More: Heading to FIFA World Cup 2026? Here's How to Stay Safe From Measles, Heatstroke

Why Athletes Turn to Sleeping Pills

Sleep plays a crucial role in athletic recovery. Without adequate rest, muscle repair, mental focus, and physical performance can suffer.

"If athletes do not get good sleep, the next day's training will suffer," Dr. Chandran said. "To get better sleep, they try sleeping pills. That becomes an escape route for them."

However, he warned that regular use of sleeping medications can quickly develop into dependence.

"Once they start taking sleeping pills, it becomes a habit. It is difficult to get out of it," he told HealthandMe.

The expert noted that while occasional use under medical supervision may be appropriate in certain situations, unsupervised and prolonged use can worsen sleep problems and lead to dependence.

Also read: 22 Treated For Heat Illness At FIFA Fan Festival: How Are World Cup Players Protected?

The Role of Stress Hormones

Stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline are naturally involved in exercise and performance. However, elevated stress levels can interfere with healthy sleep patterns.

These hormones increase alertness, heart rate, and metabolic activity—responses that may be useful during competition but can make it difficult to fall asleep afterward.

Dr. Chandran emphasized that athletes should seek professional guidance when dealing with sleep issues rather than relying on self-medication.

Recovery Is Key to Performance

Modern sports science places a strong emphasis on recovery, recognizing it as an essential component of performance. Elite football clubs now employ teams of physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists, doctors, and recovery specialists to help athletes maintain optimal health.

"Training leads to tiredness, and tiredness has to be overcome by recovery methods," Dr. Chandran said. "The better you recover, the better you can perform the next day."

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Implant Dentistry Beyond Replacement: How It Restores Quality of Life

Updated Jun 15, 2026 | 06:00 PM IST

SummaryBy restoring the ability to eat, speak, smile, and engage confidently in daily life, implant dentistry offers benefits that extend far beyond the replacement of a missing tooth.
dental implant (1)

As awareness of the broader benefits of implant therapy continues to grow, dental implants are increasingly being recognised as a comprehensive rehabilitation solution. (Photo credit: AI generated)

The loss of a tooth is often viewed as a purely dental concern, but its impact extends far beyond appearance. Missing teeth can affect chewing efficiency, speech, facial structure, and even emotional well-being. While traditional tooth replacement options have served patients for decades, modern implant dentistry has transformed the way tooth loss is managed. Today, dental implants are not merely about filling a gap; they are about restoring function, confidence, and overall quality of life.

Restoring Natural Function and Comfort

Dr. Achuth M. Baliga, Director, Happiest Pearls, said, "One of the greatest advantages of dental implants is their ability to closely replicate the function of natural teeth. Unlike removable dentures that may shift or cause discomfort, implants are anchored securely within the jawbone, providing exceptional stability. This allows individuals to chew a wider variety of foods with confidence and comfort."

The expert went on to say that proper chewing is essential for nutrition and digestive health. Patients who struggle with missing teeth often avoid certain foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and proteins, potentially compromising their dietary intake. By restoring full chewing efficiency, dental implants help individuals maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, contributing to better overall health. Dr Baliga also answered more FAQs on the subject.

Preserving Jawbone and Facial Structure

Tooth loss triggers a process known as bone resorption, where the jawbone gradually deteriorates due to the absence of stimulation from the tooth root. Over time, this can lead to changes in facial appearance, including a sunken or prematurely aged look.

Dental implants address this challenge by functioning like artificial tooth roots. They stimulate the surrounding bone during everyday activities such as chewing, helping to preserve bone volume and density. This not only supports long-term oral health but also helps maintain natural facial contours. In many cases, implants play a significant role in preserving a youthful appearance and preventing the structural changes associated with prolonged tooth loss.

Rebuilding Confidence and Self-Esteem

The psychological effects of missing teeth are often underestimated. Individuals may become self-conscious about smiling, speaking, or interacting socially. Concerns about appearance can affect personal relationships, professional interactions, and overall self-confidence.

Dental implants provide a fixed and natural-looking solution that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth. The ability to smile without hesitation and speak without worrying about movement or instability can have a profound impact on emotional well-being. Many patients report feeling more confident in social settings and more comfortable expressing themselves after completing implant treatment.

Supporting Better Speech and Daily Living

Missing teeth, particularly in the front of the mouth, can interfere with pronunciation and speech clarity. Similarly, loose or ill-fitting dentures may cause slurring or difficulty articulating certain sounds.

Because implants are securely integrated into the jawbone, they provide the stability needed for clear and natural speech. Everyday activities such as eating in public, participating in meetings, or engaging in conversations become more comfortable and predictable. These seemingly small improvements can significantly enhance daily living and social participation.

Advancements Making Treatment More Predictable

Modern implant dentistry has benefited greatly from technological innovations. Digital imaging, three-dimensional treatment planning, guided implant placement, and advanced restorative materials have improved precision and predictability. These advancements allow clinicians to tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique anatomy and functional requirements.

In addition, improved understanding of bone biology and soft tissue management has contributed to higher success rates and more aesthetically pleasing outcomes. As a result, implant therapy has become a reliable long-term solution for a wide range of patients experiencing tooth loss.

A Comprehensive Approach to Oral Health

Implant dentistry today is centred on patient outcomes rather than simply replacing missing teeth. The goal is to restore oral function, maintain facial structure, support emotional well-being, and improve overall quality of life. Successful treatment considers not only the clinical aspects of tooth replacement but also the patient's lifestyle, expectations, and long-term health needs.

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