Why can't we quit touching our faces?

[WORLD] Have you ever caught yourself touching your face more than you’d like to admit? If so, you’re not alone. Research shows that people tend to touch their faces up to 800 times a day, often without even realizing it. This behavior might seem trivial, but it can reveal a lot about how our bodies manage stress and emotions. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why we can’t stop touching our faces, based on scientific studies and expert opinions, including insights from Dr. Julian Packheiser, a German psychologist.

The Role of Unconscious Facial Touching

Dr. Julian Packheiser from Ruhr University in Bochum has conducted research revealing that people unconsciously touch their faces about 50 times an hour. These touches range from adjusting your hairstyle to rubbing tired eyes. While some touches have practical purposes, the majority are done without any specific reason. Dr. Packheiser’s studies, published in Spektrum Psychologie, suggest that these unconscious facial touches might actually serve an emotional function: helping us to reduce stress and regulate our emotional state.

In fact, facial touching has been linked to a range of health benefits. According to Packheiser, “Unconscious facial touching serves to reduce stress and helps regulate our emotional balance.” This is not just an anecdotal observation; it’s grounded in research. Touch in general is known to alleviate anxiety, reduce sadness, and even lower blood pressure. The simple act of touching oneself—such as placing a hand on your face—can be surprisingly therapeutic in moments of stress.

Stress Reduction through Touch

Scientific studies have found that touch, whether from others or from ourselves, has a profound impact on reducing stress. A 2021 study from Goethe University Frankfurt found that both touching others and touching oneself before a stressful situation helped reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in participants' bodies. The study demonstrated that those who touched themselves experienced lower cortisol levels, suggesting that even self-touch can help alleviate anxiety.

Interestingly, Dr. Packheiser points out that while touching the face may reduce stress, it can also pose a health risk. Touching our face frequently, especially when our hands are contaminated with harmful microorganisms, can increase the likelihood of infections. This brings us to the question: why is the face such a common target for these stress-reducing touches?

Why the Face?

Our faces are home to a dense network of nerve endings, particularly the trigeminal (fifth cranial) and facial (seventh cranial) nerves. These nerve endings are directly connected to the brain, making the face especially sensitive to touch. A gentle stroke across the cheek or a tap on the lips sends calming signals to the brain almost immediately. This rapid response is essential during stressful moments when quick relief is needed.

As former FBI behavioral analyst Joe Navarro explains, “The reason we touch our faces so often is because of the unique sensitivity of the facial area. These nerve connections help our brain process touch signals more effectively than from other parts of the body.”

The Science Behind Facial Touching

Several studies have shown that facial touching is more common in stressful situations. For instance, research conducted by the Paul Flechsig Institute at Leipzig University Hospital suggests that self-touching behaviors, particularly on the face, tend to occur when individuals are under cognitive or emotional stress. These findings support the idea that we unconsciously turn to facial touching as a self-soothing mechanism when we’re feeling overwhelmed.

Despite the known benefits of facial touching, it’s important to consider the potential downsides. The global emphasis on hygiene and preventing the spread of infectious diseases has led to heightened awareness about the risks of touching our faces. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, experts warned that touching the face could facilitate the transmission of viruses. However, as Packheiser notes, avoiding face-touching entirely can be difficult: “Actively avoiding touching your face requires mental effort,” he states, highlighting the challenge of overcoming such ingrained behaviors.

Psychological and Emotional Benefits of Touch

One of the most intriguing aspects of facial touching is its psychological impact. Researchers have long known that touch can have significant emotional and mental benefits. For example, touch has been shown to promote feelings of safety and comfort, which can be especially important during times of uncertainty or stress. Whether it’s a self-touch or a comforting gesture from someone else, these interactions can help lower anxiety levels and improve overall well-being.

Dr. Packheiser’s research also sheds light on the fact that people may touch their faces not only for stress relief but also out of habit. The act of touching one’s face can become so ingrained in our daily routine that it happens without conscious thought. It’s a form of self-regulation, a simple and instinctive response to the emotions and situations we encounter throughout the day.

Self-Touching as a Coping Mechanism

Psychologically speaking, self-touch can be considered a form of coping mechanism. It helps people manage their emotional states when faced with stress, frustration, or anxiety. This behavior is not unique to humans; animals also use self-touch as a way to calm themselves. In fact, studies of animal behavior have shown that touch serves as a fundamental coping strategy in the face of fear or discomfort.

The act of touching the face, particularly in stressful moments, may serve as an unconscious attempt to comfort oneself or reduce emotional tension. It’s a simple yet effective tool for maintaining emotional balance, even in the most demanding situations.

Is It Possible to Break the Habit?

While touching our faces may offer relief in the short term, it’s essential to recognize when the behavior becomes problematic. Frequent touching, especially in a post-pandemic world, can lead to the spread of germs and increase the risk of infections. Many people have found it difficult to stop touching their faces altogether, even with the added emphasis on hygiene. As Dr. Packheiser explains, avoiding face-touching requires mental effort: “It is not easy to stop ourselves from doing it, even when we know it’s important.”

However, the good news is that habits can be changed with conscious effort. One strategy is to replace face-touching with other stress-relief techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices. By redirecting attention away from the face, individuals can train themselves to cope with stress in healthier, more effective ways.

Touching our faces is a natural and often unconscious behavior that serves an important emotional and psychological function. Whether it’s for stress relief, comfort, or habit, this action has a significant impact on our mental well-being. Understanding the science behind facial touching can help us better manage this behavior, especially in a world where hygiene and health are top priorities. While it’s not always easy to stop, becoming aware of the reasons behind our actions can empower us to take control and find healthier alternatives to manage stress and emotional balance.