Can Your Phone’s Screen Contribute to Acne Breakouts?
The present era is full of smart phones. Most of us spend each day glued to our devices scrolling the social media, texting, responding to emails, searching for information, talking to someone over the phone. Phones have become an integral part of everyday life from paying bills to watching a movie. But did you ever think the consequences of constant usage of smartphones can affect more than just our productivity. You would be surprised to know that your phone’s screen contributes to breakouts on your skin.
The Link Between Phones and Acne
If you realize, your phone is a breeding ground for bacteria. Whenever you touch a phone, you transfer oils, dirt, bacteria from your hands to the screen. When you continuously use a phone throughout the day, the screen becomes a hotspot for the contaminants and when the phone meets your skin, the impurities on the phones clog the pores leading to acne and other skin problems.
We usually hold the phone against the face during a phone call or check the device frequently. This exposes the bacteria on the phone directly to your skin. Dermatologists call “phone acne” or “tech neck”, when it appears on the lower face, jawline and neck. This is commonly linked to the usage of personal technology and its effects on your skin.
How Phones Affect the Skin
1. Bacteria Buildup
The phone often is placed on different surfaces in a day like tables, countertops and in a bag or pocket – the place where bacteria is picked over the phone. When you press the screen against the face, this bacterium is transferred to your skin specifically the face on cheeks, chin, and jawline. As these are delicate areas, the bacteria clog the pores leading to breakouts.
2. Excessive Oil Production
Phones usually can trap heat and moisture from the skin and create a warm, damp environment where bacteria thrive. This results in increased oil production in the skin which clogs the pores contributing to acne formation.
3. Pressure and Friction
Repeated pressure of phone screen on the skin causes friction. The pressure can be experienced when holding the phone to talk and check the notifications and constant rubbing can also irritate the skin and trigger the inflammation leading to breakouts.
4. Tech Neck
People also face breakouts on their neck and upper chest due to constant phone usage. This is often termed as “tech neck”. This is caused due to friction of the phone resting on your skin or by constantly looking down at your device.
How to Prevent Breakouts from Your Phone
Clean Your Phone Regularly
We can minimize the bacteria buildup on the device by cleaning the phone regularly using a microfiber cloth or sanitizing wipes, as they are safe for electronics. This removes the oils, dirt, and bacteria that accumulate on your phone throughout the day.
Avoid Contact with Your Face
Avoid pressing the phone directly against your skin your calls and using a speaker phone or Bluetooth headset can help to avoid direct contact between the device and face. Its better to hold your phone to the ear and ensure its clean beforehand.
Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Phone
Our hands too carry a lot of bacteria and dirt throughout the day. Washing the hands regularly before and after touching the phone can reduce the number of bacteria transfer to the screen.
Keep Your Skin Clean
Wash your face regularly to remove the oil, dirt that may have accumulated throughout the day. Ensure to cleanse the phone before touching it or touching the skin to avoid pore clogging.
Use a Screen Protector
A screen protector can prevent dirt and oil from accumulating on your phone screen. Some screen protectors are designed to treat antimicrobial coatings that kill the bacteria before they transfer your skin.
Conclusion
Phones can just not be the culprit behind your breakouts, it can certainly contribute to skin issues, when you don’t practice good hygiene. Keeping your phone clean, limiting contact with your skin helps to reduce the risk of phone related acne. Inculcating these simple habits into your routine can improve your complexion and keep your skin clear and healthy. Next time you reach your phone, recollect how it affects your skin and ensure your device is quick to wipe before it touches your beautiful face!
