The bed is our safe space. It’s the place where we unwind after a long day and find comfort in the softness of the blankets and pillows. We all know how much stress can impact our skin health. As much as it is important to relax and rest to lower cortisol levels which can lead to breakouts, our bed hygiene is just as important to keep in mind when it comes to achieving clear skin, especially if you have sensitive acne prone skin.
Did you know that not frequently changing your pillowcases and bed sheets can lead to facial and body acne?
It’s something that a lot of people don't realise can really affect the skin. If you think about it, every single night we are going to bed pressing our faces directly to our pillows, so if our pillowcases are dirty it totally makes sense that it may be the reason you wake up with new pesky pimples.
So, let’s dig deeper into our favourite bedroom secrets and get a better understanding in curating healthy habits for sensitive acne prone skin.
Table of content
Why It's Important to Change Your Pillowcases
Reduces Bacteria & Dust Build-up : Every night, your pillowcase collects bacteria, dead skin cells, oils, and even hair products. All of this can transfer back to your face, increasing the risk of clogged pores and breakouts. Regularly changing your pillowcase helps keep your skin cleaner and reduces acne triggers. And if that’s not motivation enough, your pillowcases and bed sheets can also accumulate dust mites that feed on dead skin cells. All of This can further exacerbate skin irritation especially if you have highly sensitive skin.
Sabotaging Skincare Efficacy : Many people invest in quality skincare, but your pillowcase can sabotage your efforts by absorbing those products and transferring dirt and bacteria back to your freshly washed face. For example, after applying your Beda MATE serum and moisturiser, having a dirty pillowcase might still cause your skin to break out making all your previous skincare efforts wasted. A clean pillowcase with the right material ensures that your skincare remains on your face, working overnight as intended.
How Often Should You Change Your Pillowcases?
There are a few different recommendations, but the general consensus is realistically, you should be changing your pillowcases at least once a week. It's recommended that if you are very acne-prone and have highly sensitive skin, changing your pillow cases twice a week is best. Plus, if you have pets that like to cuddle up in bed with you, changing your pillow cases more often is best practice to ensure that your bed is nice and clean to prevent any skin/health issues!
Best Pillowcase Materials for Sensitive Acne-Prone Skin
Alongside the frequency of changing your pillowcases—choosing the right materials for your pillowcase is equally important. Let’s dive into the best fabrics for sensitive acne-prone skin.
Silk
Silk pillowcases are a go-to for people with acne-prone skin due to their smooth texture and hypoallergenic properties. They reduce friction, meaning less irritation and inflammation on the skin while you sleep. Plus, silk doesn't absorb oils or skincare products, allowing them to stay on your skin and work overnight. Silk is also very breathable and cool, which helps prevent sweating and clogged pores, perfect for our humid weather.
Satin
Similar to silk, satin offers a soft and smooth surface that reduces friction, which helps avoid skin irritation. Satin is also more affordable than silk and still has excellent moisture-wicking properties, preventing oil buildup. Satin pillowcases are a good option if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, budget-friendly alternative to silk.
- High-Thread Count Cotton
While cotton is a common fabric for pillowcases, not all cotton is created equal. Opt for high-thread-count cotton (300 or more) to ensure a smoother texture that minimises friction. Although cotton can absorb moisture, cotton is still extremely breathable, which helps keep your skin dry and cool, reducing the chance of sweat-induced breakouts.
Bamboo
One of our absolute favourite materials for pillowcases because bamboo pillowcases are naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, which can benefit acne-prone sensitive skin. They are breathable, allowing air circulation and moisture control, helping to reduce sweat and oil on the skin. Even better, bamboo is also eco-friendly and sustainable, making it a great choice for those seeking greener alternatives.
Pillow Travel Tips: Keeping Your Skin Clear While on the Go
Travelling can be stressful enough without worrying about breakouts. Here are some easy pillowcase hygiene tips to help protect your skin while you’re on the move:
Manage Oils with Dry Shampoo : If you can’t change your pillowcase as often as you'd like when travelling, dry shampoo can help. It minimises oil buildup on your scalp, which in turn keeps your pillowcase cleaner for longer. Being diligent with your skincare routine is extra crucial when you are on the go. Avoid touching your face and wash your hands often!
Bring Your Own Pillowcase : The easiest way is to bring your own! Hotel or Airbnb pillowcases may not always be freshly laundered, and you don’t know what detergents or fabric softeners they’ve used. While you are packing for a trip, pack two of your own favourite pillowcases with you. Some brands even offer travel-sized silk or bamboo pillowcases that are easy to pack and fit on standard travel pillows. These lightweight options make it easy to maintain your skin’s health, even on long trips.
Sensitive Skin & Fabric Detergents
As mentioned, when you are travelling you don’t know what detergents are being used and that might be the reason you breakout. Sensitive acne-prone skin is particularly vulnerable to irritation, which can be exacerbated by the use of harsh fabric detergents. Many conventional detergents contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can leave residues on not just pillowcases but clothing, towels, and bed linens. When these residues come into contact with the skin, they may trigger irritation, clogged pores, or allergic reactions, leading to increased acne breakouts or sensitivity.
With this in mind, if you have sensitive skin and you are experiencing irritation and breakouts but you don’t know what's causing it, consider changing your fabric detergents to something more gentle, fragrance free and dye free. Look for detergents that are specifically designed for sensitive skin and are hypoallergenic so that you can minimise the risk of irritation and support clearer, healthier skin!
No More Gatekeeping Our Bedroom Secrets
If you're serious about keeping acne at bay, paying attention to your pillowcase routine is a simple yet effective step. Switching to acne-friendly materials like silk, satin, bamboo, or high-thread-count cotton can reduce irritation and improve skin health. Regularly changing your pillowcase and adopting smart travel habits will help you keep your skin clean and clear, no matter where you are.
As we spend a lot of time in bed, investing in the right pillowcases, adopting hygienic practices will go a long way and your skin will thank you!
Happy sleeping with your freshly washed pillowcases and sweet dreams.
With love,
Alia
