Glasses are an incredible tool, allowing you to see clearly while expressing your personal style. However, glasses can also come with setbacks — namely, acne. With plastic or metal frames against your face all day, you may get annoying blemishes on the bridge of your nose, between your eyebrows, or near your ears.

If you find your skin constantly breaking out in any of these places, keep reading to find out how to identify the problem, learn why it happens, and explore prevention strategies to help you maintain clear, smooth skin.

Why Do Glasses Cause Acne?

The type of blemishes typically caused by glasses is known as acne mechanica, which occurs due to pressure and friction on the skin. Because the glasses push down on your skin and prevent skin cells from shedding, the dead skin cells clog your pores and lead to acne. 

The friction from constantly adjusting your glasses can also contribute to acne formation, as can dirty, oily, or bacteria-covered frames. People with especially oily skin or who wear makeup are particularly susceptible to skin blemishes.

Related Issues

While eyeglasses often cause acne, it’s not the only skin condition associated with wearing glasses. While uncommon, some glasses-wearers experience acanthoma fissuratum, a condition characterized by benign lesions and areas of thickening where the glasses frames press on the skin — typically behind the ears or on the nose bridge. 

If your blemishes seem out of the ordinary, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist, as the issue could be something besides run-of-the-mill acne. 

Preventing Glasses-Related Acne

While glasses-related acne can be annoying, embarrassing, and even painful, there are steps you can take to get breakouts under control and prevent new blemishes from emerging. With a little extra care, you can maintain clear skin, even with eyeglasses.

Get Your Glasses Adjusted

If your glasses don’t fit quite right, they’re more likely to cause acne. Constantly pushing your glasses up your nose causes friction, and points that put excessive pressure on your skin are a recipe for acne mechanica. 

The best way to fix these fit issues is by getting your glasses adjusted by a professional. You may be tempted to try to adjust them yourself; however, this is not a great idea. Improper techniques can damage your glasses, causing them to fit worse than before. Leave adjustments to the experts.

Clean Your Glasses

As you wear your glasses, they collect dirt, oils, and bacteria — all things you want to avoid if your goal is to prevent acne. Make sure you keep your glasses clean to avoid clogged pores.

While soft, microfiber cloths are great for removing smudges from the lenses, a quick wipe every once in a while isn’t enough. Follow these steps to thoroughly clean your glasses without damaging them:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove dirt, oil, and lotion that could transfer to the glasses.
2. Rinse the glasses gently with lukewarm — not hot — water. Hot water can warp some types of frames.
3. Use a small drop of dish soap and your fingers to carefully wash all surfaces, including the earpieces and nose pads. Don’t use household cleaners, as they can damage lens coatings.
4. Thoroughly rinse the glasses to remove all traces of soap.
5. Dry the glasses with a lint-free cloth.

In between washings, you can use a basic alcohol wipe to clean the parts of the frames that touch your face. This should be done every night after wearing your glasses.

Use Over-the-Counter Acne Products

In addition to taking care of your glasses, it’s important to take care of your skin. If you wear makeup, make sure you use a makeup remover before cleansing your face at night. After removing your makeup, use an over-the-counter face wash specially formulated for acne-prone skin. Look for cleansers with salicylic acid, which helps control oil production. A benzoyl peroxide spot treatment can also help minimize blemishes.

For product suggestions tailored to your specific skin type and unique needs, talk to a dermatologist.

Take Breaks

If possible, take periodic breaks from wearing your glasses to relieve the pressure on your skin. Even a few minutes here and there can make a big difference.

Glasses for Everyone at Wolcott Optical

We have the perfect eyeglasses for you at Wolcott Optical. Whatever frames you pick, we’ll ensure they fit your face perfectly, helping minimize skin conditions like acne. Plus, with a wide selection of designer styles, you can face the world with confidence along with achieving clear vision. 

Eyeglasses are a part of our daily lives that we often take for granted, providing the gift of clear vision to millions of people around the world. But have you ever stopped to consider when and how this transformative invention came to be? 

The history of eyeglasses is a fascinating journey through time, serving as a testament to our abilities to innovate and continuously improve. In this blog post, we’ll answer the question of when eyeglasses were invented and explore the developments that have contributed to the eyeglasses we know today.

The Invention of Eyeglasses

While there is some debate regarding the earliest use of glass as a vision aid, eyeglasses’ earliest predecessor was likely first created by the ancient Romans, who made tiny, spherical magnifying glasses. In the 9th century, an inventor named Abbas Ibn Firnas made corrective lenses known as “reading stones,” which were placed on top of text to make it easier to read.

While the exact date eyeglasses were invented is unclear, it’s widely believed that they were first created by Italian craftsmen or monks in the late 13th century. The earliest written reference to eyeglasses comes in records of a 1306 sermon given by Friar Giordano of Pisa, who stated, “It is not twenty years since there was discovered the art of making spectacles which help one to see well, an art which is one of the best and most necessary in the world.” 

These early glasses consisted of simple convex lenses similar to a magnifying glass. The lenses were mounted in frames, joined by a hinge, and could be balanced on the bridge of the nose. Their primary purpose was to aid individuals with presbyopia, an age-related condition in which the eye’s ability to focus on close objects diminishes.

The Renaissance: Technological Advancements

The Renaissance period saw significant technological advancements that aided in the design and manufacture of eyeglasses. In the mid-15th century, some 200 years after eyeglasses were invented, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, which led to an increase in literacy and a greater demand for reading aids. 

During this time, eyeglasses became more widespread, with production spreading from Italy to other parts of Europe. In the 16th century, concave lenses began to be used for correcting nearsightedness. This major breakthrough expanded the range of vision problems that could be addressed with eyeglasses.

The Age of Enlightenment: Scientific Developments

The Age of Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries brought about a deeper understanding of vision and optics. Johannes Kepler’s work regarding the behavior of light and lenses helped explain how eyeglasses functioned, while Isaac Newton advanced optical knowledge with his study of light and color.

During this time period, eyeglasses became more sophisticated and widely available than ever before. Benjamin Franklin invented bifocal lenses in the late 18th century, allowing him to see both near and far objects with just one pair of glasses. This invention significantly enhanced the functionality and convenience of eyeglasses for those with both myopia and presbyopia. 

The Industrial Revolution: Mass Production

The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century led to many changes in eyeglass production. Thanks to new manufacturing techniques and materials, eyeglasses could be mass produced, making them more accessible and affordable. 

Lens technology continued advancing, as well. The invention of cylindrical lenses enabled the correction of astigmatism. In 1850, Hermann von Helmholtz introduced the ophthalmoscope, allowing doctors to look inside patients’ eyes and see the retina. This invention assisted in more accurate diagnosis of vision problems.

The 20th Century: Modern Eyewear

Both the science and fashion of eyeglasses saw rapid advancements in the 20th century. The introduction of plastic lenses provided a lighter, more durable alternative to glass. Anti-reflective coatings, progressive lenses, and lenses that darken in response to sunlight further enhanced eyeglasses’ functionality.

Eyeglasses also became a fashion statement, with designers creating stylish frames in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and materials. Individuals embraced eyeglasses as a fashion accessory, expressing their personal style through their eyewear.

Looking Forward with Wolcott Optical

In the 21st century, eyeglasses continue to evolve. High-definition lenses, blue light filtering coatings, and more cutting-edge innovations are revolutionizing the eyewear industry. Looking to the future, the possibilities are endless, but one thing we know for sure is that the journey of eyeglasses, from their invention in the 13th century to today, is a testament to the human spirit.

At Wolcott Optical, we are committed to bringing you the very best eyewear from all your favorite designers. With new glasses from Wolcott, you’re sure to face the world with style and confidence. Come visit us today!