How to Stop Your Cell Phone From Causing Breakouts and Wrinkles

There's no question about it — we're collectively addicted to our cell phones. From endlessly scrolling through Instagram to hitting refresh on Twitter to answering emails no matter where we are — our phones have become extensions of our arms — and therefore, ourselves. There are lots of benefits to our connected society — staying in close touch with loved ones in spite of geographic distance or letting a friend know you're running late, you're five minutes away — but with our constant contact with our cell phones, it's important to be cognizant of the negative effects they can have on our largest organ — our skin.

The Problem: Acne

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The Cause: "Our cell phones are dirty, very dirty," says Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "I once saw a study showing that our phones have more bacteria on them than a public restroom." (Um, ew?) Cell phones are magnets for build-up and bacteria, which means throughout the day, makeup, facial oils, and environmental toxins accumulate on our screens. "With each phone call, we reintroduce these germs onto our skin, clogging our pores and leading to eventual breakouts," says New York City-based dermatologist Shereene Idriss.

The Fix:

1. A quick fix to minimize skin-to-phone contact? Switch on your Bluetooth setting and hop on the earpiece bandwagon.

2. If you can't quite commit to an earpiece (we get it), make sure to clean your phone twice a day. Stash Well-Kept's Screen Cleansing Towelettes in your bag. These cell phone cleansing wipes contain water and alcohol to help clear your device of oil, makeup, and bacteria.

3. If you've passed the preventative stage and already have a full-blown breakout, Idriss recommends sudsing up with a facial cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide, which "uses oxygen to release build-up in pores and has antibacterial properties." Our pick? Differin's Daily Deep Cleanser, which contains five percent benzoyl peroxide and is less likely to cause irritation and redness than traditional 10-percent formulas.

The Problem: Contact Dermatitis

The Cause: Cell phone cases are mostly comprised of nickel and chromium, and, according to Idriss, "nickel is a well-documented contributor to skin allergies, and has even been voted the No. 1 culprit over the years." If you notice an itchy rash creeping up on the side of your face (or even your hand), then you may be developing an allergic reaction to your phone.

The Fix:

1. Cover up your cell with a plastic phone case and adherent screen protector. (We like this sparkly Speck case.)

2. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help relieve the itch, but just beware not to overdo it, as it may lead to thinning of your skin over time, Idriss warns.

The Problem: "Tech Neck"

The Cause: Constantly looking down at our screens creates repetitive movements, which can result in increased creasing of the neck, says Idriss. "The delicate quality of the skin on our necks make it very susceptible to the repetitive tilting that goes along with looking down," she says. "Following the appearance of creases, comes the loss of inherent elasticity (or bounce) of the skin, which gives way to the second top complaint of 'crepey skin.'"

The Fix:

1. Like much else in skin care, prevention is essential. Self-awareness is the name of the game, and practicing good posture, looking straight ahead (instead of down), is step one.

2. Early adoption of a solid skin routine for your neck can also help. You'll want to use products that promote cell renewal, such as with a retinoid, a light glycolic acid for chemical exfoliation, and sunscreen.

3. If you're already experiencing creasing, in-office procedures are also an option. "For my younger patients who complain of creases and textural change, I recommend combining fractionated laser resurfacing with platelet-rich plasma, in order to stimulate collagen production from within, while promoting superficial cell renewal," says Idriss. "Once the muscles start to loosen up, I often treat my patients with longitudinal Botox (or Dysport) of the upper neck. This allows the facial muscles to compensate and tighten along the jawline, resulting in a lifted look."

The Problem: Dark Spots

The Cause: Although exposure to the blue light emitted from our screens likely does not contribute to DNA damage (or, therefore, cause skin cancer), a recent study has shown an increase in pigment production leading to premature age spots and hyperpigmentation, says Idriss. If you suffer from melasma, the heat generated by your phone can actually exacerbate the issue, as it can be a trigger, and lead to uneven patches of hyperpigmentation.

The Fix:

1. Idriss recommends going hands-free here, too. "Bluetooth may be your best solution if you are noticing changes in the color of your skin," she says.

2. You should also make sure to give your skin a good dose of antioxidant protection, which can help reverse the damage and brighten the skin. Look for a potent serum with ingredients like vitamins C, E, and niacin. (Try: SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic).

3. Prescription-strength hydroquinone can really help restore lost brightness.

4. Finally, a physical sunscreen, made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, should be applied to your face every morning before you tackle the day — with or without your phone.

The Problem: Premature Aging

The Cause: "There is some data suggesting that visible light, including what comes from your cell phone, may have a negative impact on skin aging," says Zeichner. "By creating inflammation, visible light may lead to collagen damage and earlier wrinkling."

The Fix:

Add a retinoid, like L’Oréal's new Revitalift CicaCream to your regimen, which will help keep the skin's foundation strong.

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