Aging may be a natural process, but if you’re looking in the mirror and feeling like you aged ten years overnight—EMFs may be to blame. Learn where EMFs are in your home (you may be surprised) and how blue light from your cell phone and computer are aging your skin!
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Where EMFs are lurking in your environment
- How blue light is directly aging your skin cells
- The correlation between time spent on your phone or computer and the wrinkles on your face
- The most effective way to mitigate EMF damage and protect your skin
What Are EMFs and Where Are They Found?
EMFs are electromagnetic frequencies found everywhere in our environment, steadily increasing as technology advances.
Everything from your cell phone to your WiFi router to your Smart devices, electric car, TV, and the list goes on, emits some level of EMF.
While electromagnetic waves have always existed as part of the natural world, modern technology, like 5G, is instigating a sharp increase in the levels of these frequencies, and with it, a good deal of concern about how these electromagnetic waves may be impacting our health.
It’s well documented that high-frequency radiation (known as ionizing radiation) from devices like X-rays can damage DNA and cause serious health concerns[1].
What we’re seeing today, however, is a sharp influx in non-ionizing radiation in the form of microwaves and radiofrequency. While these EMFs are lower in frequency than ionizing radiation, the concentration in our environment is unprecedented, begging the question: How much is too much?
While clinical studies assessing the impact of EMFs like 5G are challenging, we are beginning to see mounting evidence that EMFs, even in their “weaker” forms, could be a substantial threat to our health and well-being.
Now, let’s examine what we know so far about how EMFs can impact our health on a cellular level.
How EMFs Interfere with Cellular Health
As mentioned, ionizing radiation is well-documented as toxic to the human body. But what do we know about non-ionizing radiation, which can be found streaming through our homes, offices, and public spaces?
In a cell study published in the journal Nature, investigators examined the direct impact that radio frequencies would have on cells. Radio frequencies are those frequencies emitted by your cell phone and other similar devices, including 5G towers.
During the study, the cells were exposed to EMF for 72 hours. During that time, the study authors reported that the cells underwent significant oxidative damage, with decreased cellular proliferation and increased cellular senescence (a fancy word for cellular aging)[2].
Further research shows that the oxidative effect of EMF is likely (at least in part) due to the impact that EMFs have on catalase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. By breaking down hydrogen peroxide, catalase helps to protect cells from oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, catalase levels decrease in the presence of EMFs, leaving cells vulnerable to damage[3][4].
But how does oxidative stress lead to cellular aging? When reactive oxygen species are allowed to flourish in your cells, they damage your proteins, DNA, and cellular membranes, ultimately leading to cell death when unchecked by antioxidants. This is why we often hear that oxidative stress is directly linked to aging—it quite literally speeds up the degradation of our cells[5].
EMFs and Skin Aging
Now that we understand how EMFs impact cellular aging let’s turn our focus to your largest organ: your skin.
One of the critical cellular components impacted by oxidative stress is your mitochondria. Your mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of your cells, as they’re responsible for producing the energy that allows all of your cellular components to do their job. As you might imagine, impaired mitochondria significantly impact cellular functioning, which means that when these vital cell parts are injured, your entire cell suffers. And when it comes to cellular aging, healthy mitochondria are a cornerstone for longevity.
While mitochondria impact all aspects of cellular aging, they’re specifically involved in skin aging. Research shows that when mitochondria are healthy, they help attenuate skin cells’ aging process. When these critical structures are damaged, however, it can accelerate skin aging[6].
Of all the types of EMF, blue light stands out as the most harmful when it comes to skin aging.
Blue light is the light spectrum emitted from electronic devices (like cell phones and computers). Studies show that this type of light can accelerate skin aging, and since we typically use these devices close-up, the area most affected is the skin on our faces.
Although blue light is a naturally occurring wavelength on the light spectrum, humans have never been exposed to this type of frequency so regularly and in such close quarters.
Research shows that due to its ability to penetrate the skin, blue light can harm cells in the two top layers of skin, the dermis and epidermis. As this light penetrates these layers it has the ability to damage DNA within the cells, produce reactive oxygen species, and stimulate the breakdown of fibers in the skin, all of which may result in fine lines and wrinkles[7].
Furthermore, due to the oxidative stress caused by blue light, excess exposure may instigate the development of dark spots on the skin[8].
Boost Your Skin’s Defenses Against EMF Radiation
While we can educate ourselves all day about EMFs, blue light, and our precious skin, the fact is, we’re not about to toss our phones and computers in the trash. And even if we did, blue light is emitted from your TV, LED lamps, and every other electronic device in your home.
So the question then becomes: how can I mitigate the effects of EMF?
For this, I like to take an internal and external approach.
Internally, there are several nutrients you can take to provide defenses against EMF-induced damage, particularly for your skin. For example, selenium is a mineral that plays a crucial role as an antioxidant in your body.
As you’ve learned, one of the primary ways EMFs impact us on a cellular level is by creating reactive oxygen species (ROS). With selenium on board, you offer yourself a boost to combat oxidative stress[9].
Another nutrient that’s particularly critical for skin health is silica. Studies show that silica supports collagen synthesis, a crucial protein incorporated into the extracellular matrix of your skin—the scaffolding that keeps your skin taut and healthy looking[10].
You can find both of these nutrients, along with biotin and hyaluronic acid (two more nutrients that support a youthful appearance), in Ageless AF, my formulation focusing specifically on detox, longevity, and lasting beauty.
In addition to shoring up your internal resources, I recommend getting some external EMF mitigation on board.
What does this look like?
There are plenty of different options out there today, including stones meant to neutralize EMFs, devices that can be plugged in to do the same, and wearable EMF-mitigating jewelry.
By far, my favorite option for EMF mitigation is the Harmoni Pendant. Unlike many clunky devices or jewelry options, the Harmoni Pendant is a sleek, beautiful pendant that goes with anything you wear. It’s also backed by research to help mitigate the very stressful effects of EMF exposure and improve energy and sleep —a two-for-one that your skin will thank you for[11].
Takeaway
Although it’s true that aging is a natural process, the accelerated rate at which we age when exposed to toxins is anything but natural. If you’re someone who sits in front of a computer all day or spends a lot of time on their phone or in front of the TV, there are steps you can take to mitigate the effect EMFs are having on your skin.
Antioxidants like selenium are powerful nutrients that mitigate the damage caused by EMFs. By neutralizing free radicals in the body, selenium fights those unwanted molecules and protects your skin from the inside out.
Meanwhile, devices like the Harmoni Pendant can make a world of difference if you’re subjected to EMFs all day (as most of us are). Wearing your pendant can give you peace of mind as you move through your day, knowing you’re doing what you can to mitigate some of the stressful effects of radiation.
*These statements have not been reviewed by the FDA. The information herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nor is it meant to replace or act as a substitute for speaking to a medical doctor and/or licensed health practitioner. Any products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They are not intended to replace any medication, medical test(s), or healing modality prescribed by your medical doctor. Please consult with your doctor before beginning a new supplement regimen.
