We all do it—resting our chin in our hands while thinking, absentmindedly rubbing our forehead, or picking at a blemish. But science has confirmed that one of the worst things you can do for your skin, especially if you struggle with acne, is touching your face.
Why Touching Your Face Causes Breakouts
1. Spreading Bacteria
Your hands come into contact with countless surfaces every day—doorknobs, keyboards, phones—picking up bacteria, dirt, and oil along the way. When you touch your face, you transfer these microbes directly onto your skin, increasing the risk of clogged pores and inflammation.
2. Increasing Inflammation
Touching or picking at pimples introduces more bacteria and causes microscopic tears in the skin. This not only prolongs the healing process but can also lead to more redness, swelling, and potential scarring.
3. Triggering Oil Production
Our fingertips carry natural oils that, when transferred to the face, can contribute to excess sebum production. For acne-prone skin, this can be a disaster—more oil equals more clogged pores and breakouts.
How to Break the Face-Touching Habit
1. Be Mindful
Awareness is the first step. Make a conscious effort to notice when you’re about to touch your face and stop yourself. Setting reminders or asking a friend to call you out can help reinforce this habit.
2. Keep Your Hands Busy
If you tend to touch your face when bored or stressed, find a substitute behavior. Keep a stress ball, fidget toy, or notepad handy to occupy your hands.
3. Use an Exfoliating Cleanser to Remove Dirt and Oil
Since avoiding all face contact is nearly impossible, using a gentle yet effective exfoliating cleanser is key to removing bacteria and impurities. Try our Sweet Orange Exfoliating Gel Cleanser, formulated with plant-based ingredients to cleanse and gently slough off dead skin without irritation.
4. Target Breakouts with a Spot Treatment
Instead of picking at blemishes, use a targeted treatment to help reduce inflammation and speed healing. Our Spot Dabber is packed with natural antibacterial ingredients to soothe and clarify acne-prone skin.
5. Hydrate Without Clogging Pores
Using a lightweight moisturizer ensures your skin stays hydrated without encouraging breakouts. The Orange Blossom Facial Cream is rich in plant-based antioxidants that nourish without heaviness.
6. Wash Your Hands and Phone Regularly
If you must touch your face, make sure your hands are clean. Regularly disinfect your phone as well, since it’s one of the most bacteria-ridden objects we use daily.
7. Keep Your Pillowcases and Towels Fresh
Dirty pillowcases and towels accumulate oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Change them frequently to avoid unnecessary exposure to acne-causing contaminants.
Breaking the habit of touching your face takes time, but science proves it’s one of the most impactful things you can do for clear skin. Combine mindfulness with an effective skincare routine, and you’ll see noticeable improvements in your complexion.