Is Technology Ageing Your Face?

Using mobile phones everyday could be making you look older and uglier, a recent study has claimed.

13:53 05 August 2016

Skincare experts have warned that regular use of mobile phone is causing a wide variety of ailments ranging from sagging jaws and forehead creases to tired eyes and tech neck.

 

Based on relevant study, an average user checks their phones about 85 times a day, spending a total of five hours looking at their device; which is around a third of the time that the person is awake. Glare from the screen, reading font that is too small, and straining to read a phone in bright sunlight, are definitely not making your face any favour.

 

Glen Carp, an ophthalmic surgeon at the London Vision Clinic, added that your phone could also damage your eyesight.

 

He explains: 'Most of us are already aware that sitting at your computer screen all day can be detrimental to your vision. You are encouraged to take regular breaks from working at your desk.

 

'However, with the prevalence of smart phones having saturated the mobile industry, most of these breaks tend to be concentrated on our phone- checking personal emails or the latest tweet – and not allowing us to truly break the cycle.

 

'When we use our near vision in this way for long periods of time, we only blink for around four to seven times per minute. Our usual rate of blinking is more like 18 to 20 times per minute, so this is a significant reduction- it can cause symptoms such as dry eyes and blurred vision.'

 

'Taking regular breaks away from any screen, drinking plenty of water and making sure you blink regularly should help to avoid these symptoms.'

 

Meanwhile, dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall of the Harley Medical Group said that speaking on your phone for long periods can lead to bad acne.

 

She said: 'Your phone can accumulate a lot of bacteria. When you place the phone on your skin to make a call, your skin is not only in direct contact with the bacteria, but it also starts to perspire and even trap oil in the pores. 

 

'Worse yet, the pressure of the phone on your skin creates blemishes so wipe your phone daily with antibacterial wipes to remove the majority of the bacteria that is building up. 

 

'Also ensure that you're using acne-fighting products if this is a condition you’re prone to. The Avene Cleanance Expert regulates the production of sebum (oil) to mattify the skin, limits the spread of acne causing bacteria and reduces redness and inflammation.'