How Dirty Bedding and Pillow Cases Can Worsen Acne

Have you ever been so tired that you slept with a full face of makeup on while dreading the possibility of a breakout the next day, but come next morning, besides acne, there’s another nuisance of having to clean dirty pillowcases and bedding?

Naturally, the question arises whether dirty bedsheets and pillowcases can actually aggravate acne. It makes sense if you consider that the first thing everyone suggests for getting rid of acne is to wash your face and keep it free of dirt, oil and bacteria build up. 

Although this is a good habit to maintain, how true is this logic? And does it also apply to keeping your pillowcases and bedding clean? Let’s dissect it!

While certain skin types are more prone to acne than others, the way this dirty pillowcase logic works isn’t too far-fetched. Think about it – besides bacteria, dead skin cells, oil and dirt from the surface of your skin, your pillow often becomes a cesspool containing remnants of cosmetic products, hair oil, gels, and other skin-care products that you might’ve put on before bed.

Some may argue that there is no concrete proof about dirty pillowcases or bedding causing and/or aggravating acne breakouts, but after all that your pillow goes through all night, washing and changing your pillowcase regularly seems like a good practice. 

That being said, how often is too often? Usually it is recommended that you wash your pillowcases and bedsheets in every two weeks to keep the bacteria from building up too much on it; the more sensitive your skin, the more care you ought to take of it. 

It is also suggested that if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you should consider switching to satin or silk pillowcases. Silk pillowcases have been hailed for their possible benefits for hair. And taking into consideration that your face rests directly on your pillow while you sleep, it may be beneficial for your skin to use silk pillowcases in the long run. Silk doesn’t absorb as much moisture as cotton, and hence it is softer on your skin, thus causing less friction. And although more research needs to be done on the specifics of using a silk or satin pillowcase, people often swear by it making a difference. 

This is a simple routine that doesn’t take too much time and effort.

Also, avoid using fabric softeners while washing your pillowcases as they may have softening agents that may possibly be bad for you if you’ve got acne-prone skin. 

If your breakouts still prevail after making these changes, you may want to consider switching up your skincare routine. Choosing an effective, research-backed face wash may help minimise and tackle breakouts. This includes cleansing your face even before bedtime to prevent excess bacteria build up. 

AcneStar face wash is a good option if you wish to tackle it, cleanse the dirt and bacteria build up on your skin. Formulated by AcneStar Research Institute, this face wash contains ingredients like tulsi, aloe vera, chamomile calendula, salicylic acid and glycolic acid that can help you tackle acne effectively. 

They say that a little effort goes a long way – the same thought is applicable when it comes to taking care of your skin as well. Make these tiny habitual changes and improve your skin’s overall health whilst protecting it from further damage.