We use them every day; they’re essential to communication and navigation — but did you know our cell phones could be slowly damaging our skin?
There’s science to show that the light rays emitted from phone screens contribute to speed up the development of wrinkles and the appearance of aging, while the device’s surfaces tend to hold enough bacteria to can contribute to the development of acne.
Like tablets, laptops, and all other devices with a screen, phones emit what’s called high energy visible (HEV) light, shown to cause premature aging, wrinkles and fine lines. HEV light is similar to Ultra Violet (UV) rays in this sense (but don’t worry, they don’t come with the same associations to cancer risk).
Plus, the surfaces of our phone screens, much like many other objects we handle regularly, are well-known to be hotbeds for bacteria, typically transmitted back and forth between our hands, the surfaces we touch, and our faces. Some studies go as far as to say they’re covered in fecal matter, likely transmitted after failing to wash our hands post-toilet use. According to a literature review conducted in 2015 at the Ondokuz Mayis University School of Medicine, mobile phones “are ideal breeding sites” for bacteria that are resistant to anti-biotics, “providing humidity and proper temperature for the survival of microbes.” Not only can this be harmful for our health, according to dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.D, as quoted in Women’s Health magazine, this bacteria can potentially lead to the development of acne.
So how can we learn to reduce the risks of skin damage while still making best use of our cellular devices? For many, cutting down on screen time is simply not an option — but for those who have this luxury, apps like Freedom and Space can help limit the amount of time we spend with those harmful lights directed toward us. To reduce the amount of bacteria your phone carries at any given time, try wiping it down with a diluted alcohol solution and a lint-free cloth. And to keep your skin protected no matter what, try Bartholomew Sisters products.
Our Black Soap Facial Cleanser treats acne and kills bacteria on the face with its antibacterial properties, protecting the skin from any that your phone screen may introduce. And our signature shea butter products, chock full of vitamins A, E, and F, protect and repair the skin from damage caused by harsh lights.
