Healthy skin tip #9: Clean your cell phone (and your glasses)

June 6, 2025

Remember our "obvious-but-surprising" tip about using a clean pillowcase?

Same thought applies to other things that touch your face. Think about the hidden acne trigger you touch 150+ times daily: your phone being probably the #1 overlooked contender.

Why Your Smartphone Could Be Sabotaging Your Clear Skin Goals

Struggling with persistent acne breakouts despite following a consistent skincare routine? The culprit might be hiding in plain sight – right in your pocket. Your smartphone, which the average person touches 2,617 times per day, could be transferring acne-causing bacteria directly to your face every time you take a call.

Recent dermatological research has identified what experts are calling "cell phone acne"; a phenomenon that has become increasingly common.

How Dirty Phones Cause Acne Breakouts

Your phone harbors 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat (ewww!), making it a breeding ground for acne-causing microorganisms. Each time you press your phone against your cheek during calls, you're transferring:

Dead skin cells and facial oils
Makeup residue and skincare product buildup
Environmental pollutants and dirt
Acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes)

This bacterial transfer creates the perfect storm for clogged pores, inflammation, and those stubborn jawline breakouts that seem impossible to clear. Recent research on skin microbiome shows how external bacterial contamination can disrupt the skin's natural balance and trigger inflammatory acne responses.

Ready to tackle your acne from every angle? Start with cleaning your phone today and watch how this simple change transforms your skin over the next few weeks.

Use distilled water for the screen and camera; use rubbing alcohol for hard plastic – such as the body of the phone and possibly the case. Here's a simple how-to on cleaning your phone. Pro tip: Clean your phone daily if you're acne-prone, or at minimum every 2-3 days for maintenance.

Take a moment and think about what else touches your face. Your glasses or sunglasses might be an obvious answer. So clean them occasionally. Headphones and earbuds? Clean them.

Small Changes, Clear Skin Results

Sometimes the most effective acne solutions are hiding in plain sight. By maintaining proper hygiene for items that regularly contact your face – starting with your smartphone – you're taking a crucial step toward clearer, healthier skin. Remember: consistency is key in both skincare and the simple habit of keeping your phone clean.