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Do Screens Increase Acne?

Published in Skin Health 1 min read

Screens themselves don't directly cause acne, but their use can contribute to factors that lead to breakouts.

While the light emitted from screens doesn't directly cause acne, the way we use screens can indirectly contribute to it:

  • Sleep Disruption: Spending too much time looking at screens, especially before bed, can interfere with your circadian rhythm. This disruption can lead to a lack of sleep. As the reference indicates, lack of sleep can cause hormonal fluctuations, leading to inflammation, redness, and acne.

  • Poor Hygiene: People often touch their faces while using screens (phones, tablets, etc.). Screens can harbor bacteria. Transferring that bacteria to your face can clog pores and increase the risk of acne.

  • Stress: The content you consume on screens (news, social media) can increase stress levels. Stress is a known trigger for acne breakouts.

  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Extended screen time often means less physical activity. Exercise can help reduce stress and improve circulation, both beneficial for skin health. A sedentary lifestyle can indirectly worsen acne.

In conclusion, while screens themselves aren't the direct cause, the habits associated with screen use – sleep disruption, poor hygiene, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle – can contribute to the development of acne.