May 6, 2018

Could Your Cell Phone Be Damaging Your Skin?

Photo by Rawpixel.com on Unsplash

There’s no question about it – we’re all addicted to our cell phones. Whether we’re sending 5 texts a minute, scrolling through Facebook, or chatting with our friends about our weekend plans, we are always using our devices to stay connected. While staying connected to friends and family has been shown to have positive affects on our mental health, cell phones can a negative effect on our physical health. Now it turns out that our skin isn’t too happy with cell phones either. Here’s why.

When was the last time you cleaned your phone?

Director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York reports that our cell phones are dirtier than we think. “I once saw a study showing that our phones have more bacteria on them than a public restroom,” reports Joshua Zeichner.” This is because are cell phones are magnets for bacteria. As we use our phones throughout the day, makeup, facial oils, and toxins actually build up on our screens. And, according to Zeichner, each time we reach for our phones we are reintroducing these germs into our skin, clogging our pores which can lead to breakouts.

Here’s what you need to do.

There are a few things you can do to minimize your skin-to-phone contact. First, try to use the speakerphone or Bluetooth setting so you’re not holding your phone to your face as much. You may also want to clean your phone at least twice a day with a wipe that contains alcohol to clear your device of oil, makeup and bacteria.

The best thing you can do for your skin after a long hard day being pressed against your face and in your hands is cleanse! A superior cleanser will contain ingredients to provide hydration for your skin and antioxidant support with Green tea and Vitamin C. Witch hazel is another powerful ingredient that can help to tone your pores. Do not use products that contain harsh and damaging chemicals like parabens, colorants, and benzoic acid!

Could you be allergic to your phone?

Nickle is commonly found in jewelry, glasses frames, laptops, computers, and yes – even your phone! Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that appears where your skin touches something you are allergic to. In this case, a reaction to the nickel in your phone could be the reason why you are sprouting rashes or bumps on your hands or face.†

Here’s what you need to do.

If you have questions or concerns about a reaction you may be having, speak with your doctor. In the meantime, you’ll want to get a phone case cover that’s either plastic or glass in order to have a barrier between you phone and your hands/face.

Text neck is real.

Do you find yourself slouching, constantly looking at your phone? You may have text neck! Shereene Idriss, dermatologist in New York, reports, “The delicate quality of the skin on our necks make it very susceptible to the repetitive tilting that goes along with looking down. Following the appearance of creases, come the loss of inherent elasticity (or bounce) of the skin, which gives way to the second top complain of ‘creepy skin.'”

Here what you need to do.

Simply practice good posture. If you catch yourself slouching to look down at your phone, hold you phone up to your face at an eye-level so your neck isn’t bent. If you’re noticing “creepy” or sagging skin, you’ll want to revamp your skin care routine. A superior toning serum is able to act as a protective barrier for your skin and tone it for a brighter appearance.