Computer Face: What The Heck Is It?
Computers have changed our world for better, but they also have some setbacks. Sitting in front of a computer for too long is bad for your eyes, weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and face!
Computer face or tech face is the term used to describe the effects of being close to a computer screen for an extended period. So, what is it, and how can you prevent it? Here is a detailed guide.
What Is A Computer Face
A computer face is a complexion you get when you constantly frown or squint at your computer. lap top, or phone! Different studies show that people staring at these types of electronic devices for long hours are at a greater risk of premature aging.
That means you acquire frown lines, fine lines, wrinkles, deep wrinkles, turkey neck, or even jowls. Office workers have higher chances of showing premature skin aging because they spend most of their time in front of the computer.
Dr. Shadi Kourosh, director of community health at Mass General Hospital Dermatology, coined the term Zoom dysmorphia in 2021.
The Zoom reflection caught many by surprise when work-from-home began with COVID. Apart from occasionally looking in the mirror, most people aren't used to having a conversation while the other person holds up a mirror in front of our face, which is what Zoom is like!
But with hours of Zoom calls, many had ample time to scrutinize and evaluate their under-eye bags, wrinkles, double chins, etc. Dubbed "Zoom Dysmorphia."
What happens when people spend hours every week studying unflattering images of themselves? There is an increase in requests for aesthetic treatments and cosmetic treatments, hence the Zoom Boom of aesthetic treatments.
Potential Problems Of Forming Computer Face
When you spend most of your time forming computer faces, you increase the chances of ruining your complexion. Here are the disadvantages of creating computer faces.
- Premature Frown Lines: When you constantly squint or frown when concentrating, you form frown lines. That means your skin loses the original elasticity on the areas around your mouth and nose, thus making you appear older.
- Jowls: Sitting and staring at your computer for too long in one position increases the risks of getting jowls. Jowls usually occur along the jawline and when skin volume and elasticity are lost. Seek professional help immediately when you notice a double chin or when the skin is dropping off between your lips and the nose.
- Turkey Neck: You get a turkey neck if you look down a lot, which makes your neck muscles shorten and sag. To avoid getting a turkey neck, ensure you observe a good skincare routine and exercise the neck muscles.
How To Prevent And Treat Computer Face
Nowadays, people from all age groups spend their time on screen when working or checking the latest trends on YouTube and Facebook. This habit has put even younger people at risk of premature aging.
Tips To Prevent Computer Face
Use a Mirror
It’s common to form faces when thinking hard. Remember, it’s even harder to know the looks you’re making because all your mind is concentrating on your computer.
It’s advisable to place a mirror next to your working surface to display your looks as you work. You will be surprised to see how you frown when working, and this can improve your facial expression. Who wants to see a grumpy face staring back at them?
Setting Up a Comfortable, Healthy Workstation
Use
a standing desktop for the sake of your face and posture. If you don’t
have one, consider using a laptop whose keyboard is separate from the
screen. Also, you can invest in a Type and Write sloping stand that
conveniently tilts your laptop to a recommended typing and reading
position.
Improve Your Posture While Using A Computer
Maintaining the correct posture when working on your computer will prevent back pains and neck problems. To maintain proper posture, raise your neck, draw back your shoulders, and ensure your navel is drawn towards your spine. You can alternate lifting your legs and holding the position for about thirty seconds and ensure your core muscles are contracting.
Take Frequent Breaks From Your Electronics
Staring at your computer screen for too long can strain your eyes and facial muscles. Prolonged eye straining can trigger the formation of wrinkles around the eyes. You should take regular screen breaks, even practice looking from your screen.
Studies show that prolonged use of computers can lead to dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye cornea loses moisture and your tear ducts produce inadequate tears.
If this condition is not treated, you will get sunken eyes and eye floaters. The development of sunken eyes can lead to premature aging and the formation of a computer face.
Beauty Treatments To Treat Computer Face
Mewing Facial Exercise App.
This is a really cool app. that comes with a free 60 seconds quiz, that helps to provide you with a detailed facial workout plan to help improve your jaw shape, minimize wrinkles, plump up your skin, and reintroduce a youthful look.
Check out some of these exercises!
- The Cheek Lift Exercise
- The Fish Face Exercise To Help With Cheek And Chin Fat
- Jaw Flexing For A More Defined Jawline
- The Chin Lift Exercise To Help With That Double Chin
- Forehead Lift To Help With Crows Feet And Forehead Wrinkles
- Eye-Bag Pull Helps To Get Rid Of Eye Bags
- Rapid Eye Blink To Lift Those Brows
- And many more!
Protect Your Skin From Blue Light Emitted
If
you are a person who spends a lot of time in front of digital devices,
dermatologists have proven you can benefit from blue-light-blocking
skincare. You should invest in a good sunscreen and skincare enriched with antioxidants that minimize free radical damage and dark spots like vitamins C, E,
and B complex.
Aside from skincare products, your computer has blue-light protection screen covers.
Perform Facial Massage With A Gua Sha
Indulging in facial massage is relaxing and relieves all facial tension. You can do it yourself with a Gua Sha or seek professional help.
While a facial massage is very beneficial, a Gua sha or jade roller tools dig deeper into the muscle than our fingers can, alleviating muscle tensions and stimulating blood flow. As a result, the skin appears healthier and more youthful due to increased oxygen and nutrient circulation.
Tech neck and Zoom dysmorphia are real—but they don't have to be a pain in the neck. Plenty of skin care products are out on the market to help with that turkey neck for all skin types.
But all kidding aside, skincare for our neck is often an afterthought, and many even go as far as to wipe off the access skincare onto the towel. Instead of extending our skincare to the neck, WTH? I've been guilty of it myself.
Check out some of my favorite skincare treatments below to help with computer face:
- Prai Beauty: Anti-Aging Neck Cream is here to help you say goodbye to crepey, wrinkly skin and hello to ageless-looking throat and decolletage with this revolutionary new creme
- Red Light Therapy Devices For The Neck: Red light skincare devices are amazing at softening the more delicate skin of the décolletage and neck, improving the tone and texture, and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Other things you can do to treat premature aging from computer face include:
- Botox
- Chemical peels
- Fillers
- Microdermabrasion
Final Thoughts
Spending most of your time staring at the computer can cause the formation of fine wrinkles that trigger premature aging. You can prevent having a computer face by implementing skincare and beauty treatments, adapting the correct posture, as well as setting up a healthy workstation. You can also consult a professional to help you with facial exercises that prevent the formation of a computer face and long term cosmetic treatments.
Yikes, I hadn't heard of this before. I certainly want to prevent it.
ReplyDeleteI can see the aging a little bit on my face. I’m in my mid fourties so some signs of aging is natural.
ReplyDeleteI have never thought about this before but it makes perfect sense. I struggle with certain wrinkles on my face and I know they are from the position I am in all day.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful I don't have a regular computer desk job but turkey neck still freaks me out! I'm on my dang phone way too much and I definitely look down way too much.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I’ve heard about Computer Face. This is so informative thanks for sharing this with us
ReplyDeletewow! You just gave me a bad news. I stay so long in front of a computer screen. But now, at least I will try to prevent its effects!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's amazing! It's one of the most interesting topics I've ever heard about! The information you provided is beneficial. Thanks for sharing it with me.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting news. I will have to follow the steps to prevent this.
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense that so much computer use has an effect on us. It is good to keep this in mind.
ReplyDeleteThe Turkey neck thing is real! What’s the jaw exercise you mention? I’d love to learn more on that!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that computer LIGHT impacted our skin too! Feels like there is just no winning haha. I am away to do some turkey neck exercises and buy a gua sha
ReplyDeleteOh, wow. I have never heard of computer face before! I tend to squint and frown when I work at the computer.
ReplyDeleteI must have some crazy bad aging in my future because I'm on the computer all day everyday. And I frown nonstop. LOL
ReplyDeleteOver the past few years I have definitely gotten a 'computer face.' Ugh.... but thank you for all the tips on how to go forward - especially for the dreaded turkey neck! Stephanie
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't know about this. As my work is all computer based, I a m now worried I may I have a computer face. Thanks for the tips. I will surely follow them.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time to hear about computer face. I thought it was a computer-generated face. Anyway, I like the tips you gave on preventing computer face.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize this was even a thing but it sure does explain a lot. I like the idea of taking breaks and getting lots of water.
ReplyDeleteI knew that sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time had health consequences, but I have never heard of computer face! Thank you for these suggestions on how to prevent and treat it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a new one for me. I had never heard the term computer face before. You really provide great information on what it is as well as ways to combat it. Thank you for the great info!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
That was interesting I've not heard of the term computer face before. I think I need to try to take breaks more often.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t realize that there is blue light skincare! I shared this with my husband and definitely going to look into face yoga exercises!
ReplyDeleteThis is so new to me! I'm glad I came across this post, you've addressed causes + solutions. I WFH and I try to take frequent breaks while working to move my body and stretch. There's a Mac app that sends your reminders. It's been really helpful for me!
ReplyDeleteRrrriiiigggghhhhtttttt...now, I get why my eyes hurt a bit when I am on the laptop for a while without drinking some water. Thank you for today's bits. Very educational.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of a Zoom or Computer face. This was a very interesting topic. Defintely going to adhere to these tips to prevent this. I think taking breaks from the computer is extremely healthy.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and new info for me. I sit in front of my laptop almost the day and now there are things I need to take care after reading this post.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this term before but can actually relate to some. Definitely learned something new today for sure.
ReplyDeleteREally now, not wondering but this certainly happens, thinking of how most of us are doing online stuff a lot. Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDelete