Does Your Cell Phone Make You Break Out?
We use our cell phones every day, but something we don’t realize is that our phone screens carry so much build up and bacteria that when we use it we are adding on to the list of things that cause breakouts.
You should use screen cleaning wipes to clean the bacteria on your cell screen. (Photo: rawpixel/Pexel)
Cell phones are also made from nickel, and my dermatologist said that nickel is the leading cause of cheek breakouts from using a phone due to skin allergies. I have to be on the phone a lot because I travel for work. I noticed the other day that I keep getting breakouts even though they clear up on the same spot on my cheek. Come to find out, my dermatologist said it is because of my cell phone use and the dirt and grime from my iPhone’s screen. That the pores in that area keep getting my pores clogged, resulting in small, little pimples all in the same area.
She recommended that I get a plastic screen protector because plastic will not allow a lot of bacteria build up on the phone’s screen, or at least less than without one. She also said to carry screen wipes at all times to keep the phone’s screen clean, which will result in less bacteria build-up.
My dermatologist also recommends I use some acne products that include benzoyl peroxide so I can keep those pores open and clean instead of being closed and creating little pimples right under the skin. The pimples aren’t bright red and bumpy, rather they are small and what appear to be right under my skin (like white, blocked pores) so they are harder to remove. This is the result of a clogged pimple probably because the prolonged cell phone use keeps the bacteria deep down.
Cheek contact with your cell screen puts all the bacteria from your makeup back on to your face. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Regardless, be mindful that having a clean phone also means having a clean face. Technology keeps us on our toes, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of damaging our self-esteem with pimples that can be easily prevented by just knowing what to do.
Another tip that my best friend shared with me to prevent cell phone breakouts is switching to a bluetooth earpiece going forward. If you are a woman on the go who doesn’t think to use cell phone cleaning wipes or you are really weird about cell phone cases like me for some reason, then just make the switch to headphones or an earpiece because then all the makeup and facial oils that used to get stuck on your screen won’t be there anymore – so you are avoiding breakouts or allergic reactions all together.
Born and raised in the DMV, Emma Blancovich has a big appreciation for discovering things to do around town, such as new restaurants to try and supporting the local music scene by attending live shows. During the week she is an editor for trade associations, but on the weekends you can find her hiking up trails with the latest fitness gadgets then getting ready for a night out using the latest beauty and health products.
