If you keep getting pimples in similar spots, you might be suffering from the same problem as MeinMMO editor Sophia Weiß: wearing over-ear headphones.
I love gaming, and I like to game for long periods. I prefer to wear headphones for the best possible sound experience. However, this is likely the cause of my skin around the ears breaking out again and again.
These small to large pimples come up when I least expect it. And because I cover them up, the cycle continues to repeat itself. I may directly cause the formation of the next ones.
I have puzzled over this for a long time, but it seems that my beloved over-ear headphones are to blame. But with this knowledge, I can now do something about it and share my tips in this article.
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Final Fantasy XIV and its epic soundtrack are usually the triggers for my long sessions:
Do headphones cause pimples? Unfortunately, yes!
It’s indeed the case that wearing over-ear headphones can promote pimple formation and acne. Teen Vogue cites Dr. Debra Luftman, a cosmetic dermatologist, who says: Wearing over-the-ear headphones is the perfect setup to get acne breakouts and skin infections more often.
According to her, the problem arises when sweat and general moisture collect on and in the pads, for example, when they are worn for long periods or repeatedly. The moisture is pressed directly onto the skin, creating a more favorable climate for bacteria and fungi.
The Health Network from St. Luke’s University in the USA warns in an article that anything that mechanically rubs against the skin can promote acne. They name over-ear headphones as an accomplice. The hearing aid company Amplifon from Switzerland confirms this as well.
The combination of heat, pressure on the skin, dirt, moisture, and bacteria creates a good environment for the formation of skin impurities. This also aligns with my observations.
Four levers to protect your skin
There are four levers you can activate to protect your skin and prevent pimples. Feel free to open the blocks for details.
1. Don’t wear them for too long
Don’t wear your over-ear headphones for too long. The shorter the wearing time, the less strain on your skin.
2. Clean the pads
Number two is simply to clean the pads of your headphones. How exactly you do this depends on the material. I have had the following three experiences:
- Fabric: Fabric pads can theoretically be cleaned easily with water and soap. The pads of my SteelSeries headphones can also be removed, which makes it quite easy for me. If that’s not possible, you need to be careful not to hit the sensitive electronics.
- Artificial leather: Artificial leather can be wiped down easily with a damp cloth and mild soap. However, I have cleaned them best so far with my eye makeup remover for waterproof makeup.
- Leather: Real leather pads can also be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap, as well as with makeup removers. It can be beneficial to use a gentle leather conditioner. However, I would recommend letting this sit or absorb before you wear them again. You never know if your own skin will react well to the conditioner.
3. Keep your own skin clean
As silly as it sounds, wearing headphones on as clean skin as possible reduces the chances of dirt and bacteria being pressed into the padding, which will then return to your skin later.
This might mean cleaning your face with a makeup wipe before wearing the headphones. Or you could undertake a complete makeup removal and skincare routine before diving into gaming.
4. Eyes open when buying
If you want to be completely sure, consider what material the pads should be made of before purchasing—along with deliberations about sound quality and comfort. Cumulatively, Earpads-Headphones.com, Ultrasone.com, and Headphones.shop say:
- Fabric: … is good for long gaming sessions and sensitive skin. Overall, the skin underneath the pads stays cooler. But they don’t isolate as well, and the bass doesn’t come through as strongly.
- Artificial leather: Artificial leather is very easy to keep clean and isolates well. However, artificial leather starts to fray with age and is not breathable, which is bad for the skin.
- Leather: When it comes to maximum sound isolation, leather is the best choice. It offers a stronger bass as well. Similar to artificial leather, it is not very breathable.
Additionally: Removable pads make cleaning easier.
I wish all gamers in the world good luck in keeping those pesky pimples at bay. For everyone like me who suffers from minor and major acne breakouts, I hope my insights prove helpful.
This article is part of the MeinMMO Grind Festival 2026. During this time, we publish around 30 articles related to MMORPGs and more, featuring nostalgic anecdotes, insights from industry veterans, presentations of upcoming online role-playing games, and more. You can find the full program for our MMORPG theme week 2026 here.
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