Smartphones cause drooping jowls and 'tech-neck' wrinkles in 18-39 year-olds
Anthony CuthbertsonBy Anthony Cuthbertson
January 12, 2015 11:53 GMT
Dermatologists are blaming smartphones and tablets for
causing sagging skin and wrinklesin younger generations, including a wrinkling
condition dubbed "tech neck".
The latest ailment to result from modern technology can be
found mostly in people aged 18 to 39 who own an average of three devices.
Tech neck refers to a specific crease just above the collar
bone that is caused by repeated bending of the neck to look at the screen of a
portable device.
"The problem of wrinkles and sagging of the jowls and
neck used to begin in late middle age but, in the last 10 years, because of
'tech neck', it has become a problem for a generation of younger women,"
said Dr Christopher Rowland Payne, a consultant dermatologist at The London
Clinic.
"Neck skin is exposed to sun every day because of low
neckline, especially in women, but people are less inclined to think of
protecting their necks than their faces.
"This is bad news for neck skin as it starts off finer
and sun thins it further. Finer skin wrinkles more readily and the fat of the
neck may sag."
The research was commissioned by Yves St Laurent and has
been published at the same time as the cosmetics giant releases a face and neck
cream to remedy the condition. YSL claims the product improves skin firmness by
13% in a single application.
Tech-related health problems
Cell phones have long been associated with various health
conditions and even some serious illnesses.
Research conducted by the Swedish Hardell group found that
mobile phone use has been linked to specific types of brain tumour, while a
recent study published in Surgery Technology International found that heavy use
causes back problems.
"As the head tilts forward the forces seen by the neck
surges to 27 pounds at 15 degrees, 40 pounds at 30 degrees, 49 pounds at 45
degrees and 60 pounds at 60 degrees," said Kenneth Hansraj, a back surgeon
and author of the study.
Hansraj warned that chronic screen-staring could
"deteriorate the back and neck muscles to the point of needing
surgery".
The latest tech-neck malady is believed to have come about
in the last 10 years directly as a result of the rise of mobile phones.
The first ever cream specifically designed to combat a
smartphone-related condition does not come cheaply, setting consumers back £65.
"Many women I treat accept their wrinkles and fine
lines but what they cannot accept is their new facial expressions," said
dermatologist Dr Thierry Michaud, who works on the YSL Skin Science team.
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