Wearing earbuds while listening to music, taking calls, or working out has become a part of our daily lives. But wearing them for a long time could be worse for your skin and ears than you believe.
Dr. Rinky Kapoor, a celebrity dermatologist and co-founder and director of The Esthetic Clinics, says that one of the less well-known adverse effects of using earbuds for a long time is skin irritation and breakouts around the ear and jawline. Dr. Kapoor told that earbuds can cause acne, allergies, and even infections.
Why Earbuds Can Give You Acne
Dr. Kapoor said that wearing earphones for a long time makes the area around the ears warm, damp, and closed, which is a great place for germs and sweat to build up.
She said, “Wearing earbuds for a long time makes a closed space of heat, sweat, and pressure on the skin.” This makes it more probable for pores to develop clogged and inflamed, which is what we call acne mechanica. Some folks may not have acne at all; the problem could be discomfort from the earbud material (such silicone or metal) or even tiny infections in the hair follicles from germs that got inside the device.
These problems with the skin can look different. “Acne looks like blocked pores or bumps, allergies make the skin redder and itchier, and infections look like tender pustules,” she said.
How to Stop Acne and Irritation from Earbuds
Dr. Kapoor said that it’s very impossible to avoid earphones totally, but he did suggest a few basic things you can do to keep your skin safe:
Regularly clean your earbuds. usage alcohol-based wipes to wash them down after each usage to get rid of bacteria and oil accumulation.
Don’t share your earbuds. Sharing might spread bacteria and make you more likely to have an illness.
Take brief pauses. Every hour or so, take off your headphones so your skin can breathe. Choose over-ear headphones instead if you plan to listen for a long time.
Use delicate skin care. Don’t scrub the region too hard; instead, use a mild cleanser and a light moisturizer that won’t clog your pores to protect your skin barrier.
Treat early indications with benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid from the drugstore if you see redness or tiny pimples.
Dr. Kapoor also warned against diagnosing yourself. “If the pimples keep coming back, leave dark scars, or look different from normal acne, see a dermatologist.” She said, “They could be signs of allergies or infections that need medical attention or allergy testing.”
Takeaway
Earbuds are great for everyday usage, but using them for a long time can bring skin problems you didn’t expect. You may enjoy your music or calls without getting breakouts if you keep them clean, give your skin breaks, and follow the right skincare routine.
Readers, please note that this article is only for informational reasons and should not be used instead of professional medical advice or treatment.