Binge-watching episodes of a series until the wee hours, scrolling through your phone in search of entertainment, watching movies back-to-back as if it were a competition—this is the daily life of many people. Yet, these invaluable binge-watching sessions silently affect your face. According to dermatologists, these virtual baths are as harmful to the skin as sunbathing. They've even given this post-series appearance a name: the "Netflix face."
“Netflix Face” or when screens alter facial features
No, the “Netflix Face” isn’t the name of a new beauty trend, a trendy makeup look, or a recently released cosmetic surgery procedure. It’s a less-than-flattering aesthetic you sport the day after an evening spent with your beloved fictional characters. While our grandparents used to kill time by playing cards or discussing world affairs in plastic chairs, we now spend the latter part of our day in front of the computer, exploring exciting virtual worlds.
You start a series and, caught up in the excitement, you binge-watch episode after episode until the very last. Your impatience compels you to finish the plot, and when the alarm rings in the early morning, you regret not having been more sensible. Seeing your reflection in the mirror, you take stock of this hyper-connected night. Dark circles , a dull complexion lacking radiance, a tired look… Despite a well-established skincare routine, your skin doesn't seem to have recovered from this “Netflix and chill” evening. Your colleagues think you wore out your shoes on the dance floor all night long, while you were actually snuggled under your blanket with Thomas Shelby in 4K in bed.
According to statistics from the streaming platform that lulls many people to sleep, users spend about two and a half hours a day consuming content from its catalog. And it only takes them four days to finish a single season, however interminable it may be. This doesn't include work on the computer, obsessive scrolling, and lazy sessions in front of the television. In total, we spend nearly six hours immersed in pixels, and they end up showing on our faces. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology refers to the "Netflix Face," which illustrates the collateral damage of series marathons.
The real effects of "series" nights on appearance
When you stay in the sun too long, you feel a tingling sensation that prompts you to seek shade and reminds you of the sun's danger. In front of screens, it's not necessarily as harsh. Only your eyes show discomfort and eventually tell you to "stop." Yet, your skin also suffers the consequences of "playing."
When dermatologists talk about "Netflix Face," they're mainly referring to a very common ritual: settling down in front of Netflix to the point of losing track of time, mindlessly gorging on sweets, and preferring Simon Basset's arms in Bridgerton to those of Morpheus. While blue light isn't as harsh as the sun in the middle of summer, it does weaken the skin's barrier when you're indulging in your love of the medium.
According to a study reported by Madame Figaro, spending seven hours a day within 30 centimeters of a screen for five days is equivalent, for the skin, to an hour and a half of sun exposure. The culprit: blue light, which accelerates skin aging by weakening collagen and reducing skin elasticity. Blue light also tricks your brain and disrupts its day/night cycle. This explains why you look "not awake" in the morning.
What dermatologists recommend to avoid the “Netflix Face”
Our addiction to screens is now visible and noticeable in our reflection. The “Netflix Face,” a modern skin condition resembling the “zombie” effect, transforms the appearance of the face, and faced with this dermatological reality, skincare creams seem powerless. Yet, when chosen wisely, they are much more than simple placebos. Dermatologists emphasize the use of serums enriched with vitamin C or containing niacinamide. They also reiterate the importance of sunscreen, especially tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides.
In fact, there are protective screen protectors specifically designed for this purpose available on the market. But to address the problem at its source, skin specialists primarily recommend maintaining a good distance from screens and avoiding sitting too close to the computer screen. Ideally, of course, one should favor gentler nighttime activities such as reading, crocheting, drawing, or writing.
While everyone dreams of eternal youth and plasters themselves with rejuvenating poses, no one thinks about examining their habits beyond mere vanity. Yet, if you want to rediscover your inner light, you must begin by letting go of the screen.
