Bright Screens at Night Block Melatonin and Hurt Skin Health
Using gadgets before bed blocks melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Sleep problems can also affect the skin, contributing to wrinkles and worsening conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. This post shares insights from a dermatologist in the field of dermatology at Bond University.
Bright light from screens disrupts the timely release of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the body’s daily rhythm. When melatonin is delayed, falling asleep becomes more difficult and the overall time spent asleep declines. The consequence is a sleep pattern that does not refresh the body or the skin effectively.
Even when sleep begins, the content seen on screens keeps the brain engaged. Social media, news, video games, and work emails create cognitive arousal that hinders the body’s transition toward restful sleep. The result is a night of lighter and shorter periods of deep sleep, which matters for skin repair and renewal.
Over time, chronic sleep disruption can worsen existing skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. A lack of sleep raises cortisol, a stress hormone that can break down collagen, the protein that helps skin remain firm and elastic. Diminished collagen contributes to the look of fine lines and wrinkles and can compromise skin resilience against environmental stressors and dehydration.
There is a broader impact to consider as well. Poor sleep affects skin barrier function, making the complexion more vulnerable to irritants, dryness, and external pollutants. When the barrier is weakened, moisture loss increases and the skin becomes more prone to redness and sensitivity. Good sleep supports the skin’s natural recovery processes, helping to maintain a healthier appearance and resilient texture.
Practical steps to protect sleep include reducing bright screen exposure in the evening, enabling night mode or warmer color temperatures, and setting a consistent bedtime routine. Replacing late screen time with calming activities such as reading a book or gentle stretching can improve both sleep quality and skin health over time. Consistency matters because sustained, refreshed sleep supports hormonal balance, skin repair, and hydration. Attribution: insights from Bond University dermatology research and practice.