You have probably been thinking for a while now, “Does touching your face cause acne?” This might have made you wonder if not touching your face will actually make the zits disappear. While not touching the breakouts and resisting the urge to pop them might be helpful to some extent. However, it will not make your acne disappear.
This article explains the truth behind this widespread belief and lists preventive measures you may take to minimize acne. Read on to know more.
No, touching your face will not cause acne, but aggravates it. The main factors that cause acne include:
The hair follicles on your skin are connected to the sebaceous glands. Often, excess sebum production, dead skin cells, dirt, impurities, and bacteria get trapped in the follicles or skin pores, causing inflammation and acne.
Several other factors can trigger acne. They include:
While touching your face, alone, cannot cause acne, it can certainly exacerbate the issue and worsen inflammation (4).
Your hands come in contact with millions of germs when you touch different surfaces. Most of us unknowingly transfer those germs and dirt to our faces when we touch them. The germs, impurities, and dirt can worsen the active acne. Rubbing your face frequently also triggers acne, which is known as acne mechanica.
It is worse if you poke and fiddle with the acne on your skin. This habit can wound your skin, push the dirt deeper, and worsen the infection further. Hence, it is better to keep your hands off the acne.
While not touching your acne may not help clear the breakouts, it can be the first step towards stopping yourself from touching your face. Here are some tips to help you be mindful each time you are about to scratch your face.
Most of us touch our faces unknowingly, and mindfulness is crucial to avoid this. The next time you are about to touch your face, pause. Think of the reason you were about to touch your face – was it in response to some irritating factor like a stray hair strand on your face or itching? Or is it habitual? When you learn what triggers your action, you are likely not to repeat it.
Try wearing something on your wrist – perhaps a bangle or trinkets. Every time you move your hand to touch your face, the movement of the objects on your wrist will remind you not to touch it. You can also hold an object in your hand (like tissue paper or a handkerchief). This way, you will be aware of your hand movements.
If you often touch your face to move the stray hair strands, consider tying your hair in a ponytail or using hairbands or hairsprays to keep them in place. If your face gets itchy, and you scratch it often, use a moisturizer to avoid dryness. If you often rub your eyes after staring at the computer for a long time, use lubricant eye drops. If you are sensitive to certain foods, avoid foods that cause acne.
Ask your family and friends to notify or remind you if they see you touching your face. This can help you be more mindful of your habits.
Quick Tip
Regularly clean items that frequently touch your face, like glasses, phone screens, and pillowcases, to minimize bacterial transfer and reduce the risk of acne.
Often, it is impossible to avoid touching your face. In such situations, wash your hands to clean the dirt, bacteria, and impurities. Acne management encompasses both lifestyle habits and proper treatment. Here are a few tips to help you prevent acne.
While the relationship between diet and acne is controversial, foods having a high glycemic index can worsen your acne.
Avoid junk foods, cookies, and sugary beverages. Consume fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Milk is also associated with acne as it contains hormones and growth factors that may worsen your condition. If possible, drink organic, plant based and hormone-free milk or avoid dairy products (2).
Besides your diet, you may also alter your skin care routine. Use mild cleansers with salicylic acid to wash your face. Avoid overwashing. Use products with acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil. If you have severe acne, you may need oral medications and topical creams. Consult a dermatologist for proper treatment and product recommendations.
Samara, a blogger has suffered from acne and managed it with simple tips. She has shared her experience in a blog post where she says, “I got to know that I was using a harsh surfactant facewash on my face. And was putting my skin under stress by using a lot of products. Which resulted in acne breakouts (i).” After this, she changed her skin care routine, and noticed that her skin was getting much better.
Pro Tip
Consider using a clean applicator or cotton swab for applying skin care products to avoid contamination from your hands.
Don’t give in to your temptation to pop that red pimple on your face. Squeezing zits causes open wounds and may lead to further infection and inflammation. Pimple popping may often leave behind blemishes and acne scars.
That was a quick gist of how to prevent acne. But if these measures fail and you have recurring or severe acne, consult a dermatologist immediately. Acne treatment involves a combination of systemic antibiotics and topical therapy.
Touching your face does not cause acne, but it does aggravate inflammation and acne. Excess oil production, hormonal imbalance, and infection cause acne to develop. On top of that, fiddling and touching your acne transfers germs from your hands to your skin, making the acne worse. Following simple tips such as not touching your face and asking your family members for help in successfully doing so will make a difference for sure. Along with that, a proper skincare routine and balanced diet will prevent further acne breakouts. Consult a dermatologist if you have severe acne.
Will my acne heal on its own if I leave it alone?
Yes. Acne heals on its own in a few weeks. However, if your acne persists after a few weeks, consult your doctor.
Can washing your face cause acne?
No. Washing your face with mild cleansers twice a day will help manage your acne. Ensure that you do not overwash your face as it may aggravate your acne further.
Can acne spread by touching?
No. Touching your face does not spread acne. However, the germs on your hands may worsen existing acne. Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
Is acne genetic?
Yes, acne can be influenced by genetics. In recent research, scientists have identified a correlation between acne vulgaris and specific genes like IL, TNF, RETN, CYP family, MMPs, and TIMPs. These genetic factors may play a role in the development and outcome of the disease (5).
Is the sun good for acne?
Sun exposure may temporarily improve acne due to its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to dry out skin (6). However, excessive sun exposure can lead to long-term skin damage, increased risk of skin cancer, and may worsen acne in the long run. Sunscreen is crucial to protect the skin. Consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
Discover healthier alternatives to tackle blemishes without causing damage in the following video. It also offers essential tips and valuable insights on breaking the habit of squeezing spots and taking control of your skincare routine.
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Dr. Sravya Chowdary Tipirneni is a consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist with 7 years of experience and practices at Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, India. She is a life member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists and Leprologists and the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India (ASCI).
Read full bio of Dr. Sravya Tipirneni
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
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Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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Swathi holds a postgraduate degree in English Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam. With over three years of experience writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle, she is also a certified skin care coach.
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