Is Your Cell Phone Causing Skin Issues?

Ahh, the beloved cellphone, a constant companion this day and age. From pockets, to bags, cup holders, counter tops, etc., these devices sure do get around! With all this shuffling from place to place, our phones tend to gather germs, bacteria, oils, makeup and dirt, along its journey in our day-to-day use.

A study by Charles Gerba Ph.D., a microbiologist from the University of Arizona back in 2012 found that it’s possible for a cellphone to carry 10 times more bacteria than toilet seats! WOW! (makes me think of the times I’ve dropped my phone on the floor, only to brush it off without a second thought) The mixture of oil, sweat, and bacteria may lead to skin irritations, foremost among them being acne. The build-up of contaminants on our phones can result in clogged pores. Pair this with the friction of having the phone up against our skin, it can be a recipe for inflammation.

Without cleaning our phones, we are constantly re-introducing these germs to our skin, which, of course undermines a great skincare routine. Take note to be more mindful when handling your phone, especially in these times of the COVID pandemic. In the flow of our busy days, “phone hygiene” can be neglected, but there are many ways to keep your devices sanitized.