We’re increasingly addicted to our smartphones, making it more and more difficult for us to unplug. While the societal impacts of such an addiction are very clear, you may not have known that our smartphones can also have a negative impact on our skin. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Tech neck - Whether typing, texting, or scrolling, when you’re on your smartphone your head is constantly tilted at a 45 degree angle. This can cause tech neck. Tech neck is the horizontal wrinkles and chin sagging that result from your neck muscles constantly being loose. And since the neck muscles are delicate, it can cause premature signs of aging. That’s why it’s important to notice if you’ve been staring down at your screen for extended periods of time and making sure take stretch breaks. Realign your neck so your head is held high and your shoulders are back.
2. Lack of sleep - The more trouble you have sleeping, the more likely you are to show premature signs of aging. This is especially true for those that have trouble sleeping or staying asleep. Too much screen time can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Avoid “screen time” either on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or television too late at night. Try setting downtime limits on your devices and get in the habit of meditating or doing deep breath work before bedtime. Consider wearing blue-light glasses especially when on your devices at night time.
3. Breakouts Young and old, smartphones can cause breakouts on the sides of your face. Clean your smartphone with a clean, micro-fiber cloth and distilled water regularly. This way you can remove some of the bacteria on your phone that tends to cause breakouts.
To protect yourself against fine lines, wrinkles and skin damage caused by your smartphone, invest in a pair of ear phones or air pods when talking on your cell phone for long period of time and use hands-free whenever possible.
Updated (Originally published 2016)
Sara Novak, Contributing Writer for Zax Healthcare Inc. Follow her on Twitter at @sarafnovak.