Hands Off! The Crucial Reasons To Avoid Touching Your Face

Facial workouts are not the only thing that’s beneficial for your skin’s well-being but also the everyday choices you make in terms of skincare habits. The simple act of touching your face is a seemingly harmless habit that many of us engage in unconsciously throughout the day. However, beneath this seemingly ‘safe’ gesture lies a multitude of reasons to adopt the ‘hands-off’ mantra that is not only for the sake of skin care; in fact, it’s a crucial aspect of maintaining optimal skin health and well-being – here’s why.

1. Impact on facial skin health

The act of touching your face can have detrimental effects on your skin’s health. The skin on our face is delicate and more prone to damage than other areas of the body. The friction created by habitual touching can lead to irritation, breakouts, and the transfer of dirt and oils from our hands to our faces. Over time, this can contribute to the development of inflammation, acne¹, and an overall deterioration of the skin’s appearance.

2. The microbial minefield of viruses, bacteria, and your hands

Our hands, with their constant exposure to surfaces and environments, serve as unwitting carriers of an array of microorganisms. From bacteria to viruses, our hands pick up these microscopic hitchhikers, creating a potential microbial minefield of sorts. When we touch our face, especially the mouth, nose, and eyes, we provide a direct entry point for these pathogens into our bodies². This, unfortunately, increases the risk of common illnesses, in addition to posing a threat to our skin’s health.

3. Chain of infection

Adding on to the previous point, adopting the ‘hands-off’ approach is not merely a personal skincare preference, but rather, it has since become a collective effort to break the chain of infection. In communal spaces, where bacteria and viruses can linger on surfaces, touching one’s face can contribute to the transmission of illnesses – this could be the transmission of Staphylococcus aureus and other common respiratory infections³. By refraining from this habit, individuals play a role in mitigating the spread of contagious diseases, fostering a healthier environment for themselves and those around them.

Speaking of diseases, the global spread of infectious diseases, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the importance of the ‘hands-off’ approach. Public health measures emphasise the significance of minimising face-touching to reduce the risk of viral transmission. As mentioned, touching the face serves as a significant transmission route for self-inoculating viruses and other contagious microorganisms⁴. Hence, the simple act of refraining from touching your face is no longer a personal issue – it is a collective responsibility, contributing to the broader effort of protecting community health.

Breaking free from face-touching habits

Breaking the habit of touching your face requires conscious effort and the adoption of strategies to redirect this instinctual behaviour. Simple techniques can be effective in curbing the impulse to touch your face, such as;

Keep your hands occupied

Engaging your hands in alternative activities can redirect the impulse to touch your face. Consider using fidget spinners, stress balls, or holding a small object to keep your hands occupied, especially during moments of idleness or stress.

Good hand hygiene

Regular hand washing serves a dual purpose in breaking the habit of touching your face. Not only does it contribute to overall health by preventing the spread of germs, but the act of washing your hands provides a moment of reflection. In turn, this reinforces the commitment to keep your hands away from your face.

Establish a routine

Creating a routine that involves specific times for skincare, including face washing and applying products, can help minimise the impromptu urge to touch your face. Knowing that you’ve already tended to your skincare needs can reduce the subconscious need to engage in unnecessary face touching.

Suppose you’re unsure how to go about getting started on a skincare routine. In that case, you can always seek the help of a professional from a reputable dermatology clinic, like Angeline Yong Dermatology, for a personalised regimen.

Practise facial awareness

Developing a heightened awareness of your facial-touching tendencies is crucial. Regularly assess your actions and consciously redirect your hands if you catch yourself about to touch your face. Over time, this self-monitoring can become a powerful tool in breaking the habit.

Conclusion

Beyond the surface-level implications for skincare, refraining from touching your face is a conscious choice with far-reaching consequences. As you seek to apply healthier habits, remember that sometimes, the most profound changes begin with a simple decision – hands off!

If you’re looking to enhance your skin health and well-being further, consider exploring comprehensive dermatology services and various skin health treatments like the Hydrafacial and chemical peels in Singapore at Angeline Yong Dermatology. Dr Angeline Yong combines innovative skincare solutions with personalised care, ensuring that your journey towards optimal health encompasses every aspect of skin wellness. Contact us today to book your first appointment.

References

Caplan, E. (2022, February 28). Why am I breaking out? 8 sneaky causes of acne – plus, how to treat it. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/why-am-i-breaking-out

Zia, S. (2020, March 7). How touching your face can spread viruses – and why you’re so bad at avoiding it. STAT. https://www.statnews.com/2020/03/09/how-touching-your-face-can-spread-viruses-and-why-youre-so-bad-at-avoiding-it/

Kwok, Y. L., Gralton, J., & McLaws, M. L. (2015). Face touching: a frequent habit that has implications for hand hygiene. American journal of infection control, 43(2), 112–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2014.10.015

Wiener, R. C., Trickett Shockey, A. K., Waters, C., & Bhandari, R. (2021). Face-touching Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Self-inoculation and transmission potentials. Journal of dental hygiene : JDH, 95(5), 41–46.

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Hands Off! The Crucial Reasons To Avoid Touching Your Face