Is your cell phone causing your acne?

Our cell phones are one of our dirtiest possessions. Cell phones have been found to be contaminated 93% of the time with infective bacteria (Badr, Badr, & Ali, 2012). Considering that our faces come into direct contact with these devices several times a day, there is little wonder how the bacteria transmitted can cause acne breakouts in response.

To avoid cell phone acne, here are some tips to follow:

1. Use a headphone set to talk on your cell phone. This way, your face has no contact with the bacteria-laden device.
2. Wipe down your cell phone daily or at least weekly with an antibacterial wipe.
3. Avoid pressing the cell phone too firmly against your face. The extra pressure pushes dirt and bacteria into your skin and creates heat and moisture buildup, which bacteria thrive in.

References

Badr, R.I., Badr, H.I., & Ali, N.M. (2012) Mobile phones and nosocomial infections

Roberts, J. A., Yaya, L. H., & Manolis, C. (2014). The invisible addiction: cell-phone activities and addiction among male and female college students Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 3(4), 254–265. doi:10.1556/JBA.3.2014.015

Ulger, F., Esen, S., Dilek, A., Yanik, K., Gunaydin, M., & Leblebicioglu, H. (2009). Are we aware of how contaminated our mobile phones are with nosocomial pathogens? Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials, 8, 7. doi:10.1186/1476-0711-8-7