There’s a good chance your phone is making you break out.
As you scroll through Instagram and send emails, your phone picks up dirt, oil and makeup. If you don’t wipe it down regularly, the bacteria can transfer to your cheeks and jawline when you text, talk or take selfies.
The result: acne.
This is especially true if you already have sensitive skin. “If someone already has a predisposition to acne, anything on their face that they rub against their skin can cause irritation,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.
Here are the best ways to keep your phone clean and your skin looking flawless:
Clean Your Phone with Alcohol Wipes
Stash alcohol wipes in your bag or desk drawer to clean your phone at least once a day. Soak the microfiber cloth in rubbing alcohol for an extra germ-busting boost.
Avoid Using Your Phone Before Bed
Bedtime is the worst time to use your smartphone because oil from your hair and face will be at its highest level then. Dr. Jaliman suggests putting on an overnight face mask before bed so if any dirt
A few months ago, I was mindlessly scrolling through social media when I came across a shocking image: A woman’s ear was covered in large cystic pimples, and she claimed that her phone was the cause. While this seemed like yet another bogus headline, I decided to investigate further. After all, we spend hours on our cell phones every day, and they touch places where acne tends to develop — like our cheeks and chins — so it made sense that they could be the root of our skin problems.
I learned that there is a real name for this condition: Acne Mechanica. It is caused by a combination of heat and pressure (like when you hold your phone to your cheek) along with friction (your phone rubbing against your skin), which creates an environment where bacteria is able to thrive.
The result? As the day wore on, you’re more likely to touch your face, which means more dirt, oil and bacteria transferred to your skin.
These factors aren’t directly causing acne, but they’re irritating your skin and making it easier for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. Reducing irritation can help lessen breakouts.
As a result, acne can worsen when you have a new phone or switch to a new network. The good news is that once your skin adjusts after about two weeks, it should be less reactive and tolerate your phone more easily.
A few simple steps can help protect your skin:
Keep it clean: Wipe down the surface of your phone regularly with an antibacterial wipe or microfiber cloth.
Use hands-free: If possible, use the speakerphone function or a headset so that you don’t have to hold the phone against your face.
Take breaks: To give your skin some breathing room, take regular breaks from talking on the phone.
Are you one of the millions of Americans who suffer from acne? Do you notice that it always seems to break out in the same places as your phone? If so, you’re not alone. Researchers have long been aware that certain frequencies of light can actually accelerate the development of certain skin conditions, including acne. That’s right, all that time you spend scrolling on your smart phone could be worsening your acne.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to limit the damage. Here are a few tips:
If possible, use only hands-free devices.
Avoid holding your phone directly against your cheek when speaking.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that come into direct contact with your face (think: headsets, microphones, earbuds, etc.).
Maintain good hygiene and skin care regimen to limit outbreaks and/or flare ups.
New York Dermatologist Dr. Neal Shultz, who specializes in acne therapy, says that the high levels of bacteria on a smartphone can cause acne, especially on the cheek and jawline because we are touching our phones to these areas frequently.
He also told The Huffington Post that “the surface of your phone is likely more contaminated than the average toilet seat” because they carry so many germs and bacteria.
One of the main culprits that causes acne is touching your face throughout the day. Your hands carry dirt, bacteria and oil from whatever you touch throughout the day onto your face, which can lead to clogged pores and pimples.
Since you have a phone in your hand most of the time, your chances of touching your face’s “danger zone” (cheeks and jawline for women) are high.
The skin on your face is very sensitive, and the warmth from your smartphone can cause sweat or grease trapped in your pores to further clog them.
Before you know it, you’ve got a pimple.
Don’t worry, though: Just follow these tips to prevent your phone from causing breakouts.
Clean It Regularly
Wipe down your phone with an antibacterial wipe every night. A clean phone will help keep bacteria from growing on it and causing acne.
Don’t Put Your Phone on Your Face
You might think that you’re being extra cautious by keeping your phone away from your face, but this can actually make things worse. When you put your phone down, it comes into contact with surfaces that are dirty and full of bacteria. The last thing you want is to put a dirty phone up to your face while you talk! So don’t put your phone down—keep it in your hand or pocket when you’re not using it.
Use Headphones Whenever Possible
If you use headphones instead of holding the receiver up to your ear, you won’t have to worry about touching the part of the phone that touches other people’s faces—and all the ger
The most popular smart phones are the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy.
Both of these brands provide you with a wide range of choices when it comes to color, operating system, storage size, and more.
These smartphones are ideal for those who want a well-rounded experience in a phone that can be used for many different types of tasks. The Apple iPhone is known for its high-quality camera and large screen.
The Samsung Galaxy has a large screen and multiple cameras that are perfect for taking selfies and group photos.
If you’re looking for a smartphone that can do just about anything, then one of these two options should be your top choice.