If you’re a frequent cell phone user you may be increasing your chances of acne.

Do you notice persistent breakouts on the chin, mouth or just one side of the face then you may have cell phone acne?

It seems that cell phones are blamed for so many things these days; some real and maybe some imagined. Believe it or not phones can contain bacteria that cause illnesses like meningitis and pneumonia. You could be increasing the chances of cell phone acne from the oils in your skin and hair; even borrowing or lending a phone can increase risk. Don’t believe it? Well, the next time you use your cell phone deliberately let your hair or skin make contact with the mouth piece. If you have oily skin then the residue left on the phone can be easily seen by the smudges left behind.

Frequent cell phone usage can irritate your skin and clog pores. If you work in an office

setting try examining some of the phones in your office for residue. You will be amazed at what you find; makeup, lipstick, dirt, earwax, food particles and sometimes stuff you have no idea what it is. Don’t forget to inspect both the mouth and earpiece. Well this is the stuff that you can see! What about all the bacteria you can’t? Hopefully you did not find most of the substances mention in this article on your office phone: If you’re lucky, your co-workers are practicing good office etiquette.

In the final analysis, it is up to you to avoid cell phone acne. Whether it is your own personal phone or an office phone; keep it clean by removing oils and bacteria that have come from your skin and hands. Remember hair and face are not the only means of spreading germs; but bacteria can be picked up on the hands from bathrooms and other contaminated surfaces.

Protect yourself by using cell phone wipes that help keep your phone disinfected and clean.

You can also talk with the cell phone away from your mouth.

Cell phone cleaning pads/wipes will cost about $4-$18 depending on size and brand and are easily purchased over the internet.