You probably won’t be surprised to learn that our phones are straight-up filthy. According to the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, the average cell phone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat. Also according to scientific research, the average person touches their face 50 times per hour. That’s a lot of potential grossness being transferred from your phone to your face.“Phones are in constant contact with our hands, faces and various surfaces, making them a prime setting for microbes to thrive,” says Dr. Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH,a dermatologist at Prose. If you’ve been experiencing breakouts, you may be wondering if your phone is to blame. We asked three top dermatologists if it’s possible to get acne from your phone. Keep reading to find out and for their tips on avoiding having your phone impact your skin.?SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week?
“Acne is a multifactorial condition,” Dr. Vaidya says, explaining that excess sebum, inflammation, hormones, genetics and environmental triggers often work together to contribute to breakouts. “When it comes to external triggers, things like dirty makeup brushes, heavy or occlusive skincare products and even prolonged mask-wearing can trap oil, bacteria and sweat on the skin, setting the stage for acne to develop."That said, according to dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll, MD, FAAD, it depends on what kind of shape your skin is in when it comes to how likely you are to get acne from your phone. “If your skin is in good condition, then the barrier is intact. The barrier’s job is to keep things we don’t want inside our skin out,” she says. Related: I'm a 53-Year-Old Dermatologist—These Are the 5 Mistakes Women Over 50 Make With Their Skin
But Dr. Carroll adds that if someone has an inflammatory skin condition, such as rosacea or eczema, that means the skin barrier is damaged, making them more likely to be impacted by bacteria on phones.Dr. Carina Woodruff, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at Epiphany Dermatology, adds to this, saying, “Acne has a complex pathogenesis and in most cases is not going to be caused by bacterial transfer from your phone alone, although this could be an exacerbating factor.” She explains that some bacteria that have been found in mobile phones can flare acne by promoting inflammation.
Related: The Daily Habit Dermatologists Are Begging Women to Stop ASAPWhat does all this mean when it comes to your chances of getting acne from your phone? If you aren’t currently experiencing any skin issues, the chances are low. But if you already have acne or have another inflammatory skin condition, your phone could potentially cause acne or make the acne you already have worse.
How To Keep Your Phone From Impacting Your Skin
There are a few general guidelines that all three dermatologists say can be helpful for everyone to follow when it comes to avoiding having your phone impact your skin. First, Dr. Carroll says to wash your face twice a day. This will remove all the oil, bacteria and other impurities that can build up on your face during the day, or overnight while you’re sleeping.It’s also a good idea to keep your phone clean. “We constantly touch our face—and our phones—so cleaning your phone regularly could theoretically prevent bacteria from your phone from causing acne flares,” Dr. Woodruff says, adding that she cleans hers with alcohol wipes, although it’s always best to check your phone manufacturer’s website for safe cleaning guidelines. Related: 'I'm 61, but My Friends Tell Me My Skin Looks Like I'm in My 40s—Here's My Exact Skincare Routine'
Having clean hands is also important, especially considering the aforementioned statistic about how the average person touches their face 50 times an hour.
With these guidelines in place, you don’t have to stress about whether or not your phone is causing you to break out. If you are experiencing breakouts, consider seeing a dermatologist. Together, you can pinpoint the reason why and find a solution together.
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Sources
Dr. Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH, dermatologist at ProseDr. Carina Woodruff, MD, FAAD, dermatologist at Epiphany DermatologyDr. Julia Carroll, MD, FAAD, dermatologist at Compass Dermatology Read More Details
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