“When a pillowcase isn't laundered or changed regularly, a build-up of dirt and oil from the environment as well as the skin and hair touching the pillow is transferred back to your skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes.” Obviously, there are ways to prevent pillowcase-related breakouts.
But Itsines may be on to something: Experts say if you have acne-prone skin, cozying up to clean fabric at night may help keep your complexion clear. "Dirt, bacteria, and often makeup collect on a pillowcase," says Debra Jaliman, a New York City-based dermatologist and creator of the Sea Radiance skincare line.
Pillows & Bedding
Facial oils, skin cells, and hair products can accumulate on unwashed pillows. Combined with pressure on your sensitive skin, these can cause blockages and infections that lead to acne.
Yes, if you are a sideways sleeper, the pillowcase on which you sleep has a huge role to play when it comes to acne. The pillowcase on which you sleep is a reflection of your skin. The bacteria, dirt and sebum present on your face get collected on the pillowcase.
“Dirty sheets are loaded with bacteria that can cause your skin's immune system to become overwhelmed and increase the chances that bacteria that causes acne will overflow and cause problems,” Goldenberg says. Dirt on dirty sheets can also clog your pores, leading to pimples, he notes.
Try misting your pillowcase with a spray containing tea tree oil, lavender or another natural antibacterial agent each day. Tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory powers to help calm the skin. According to VanHoose, these sprays can even extend the life of your pillowcase. Wash your face at bedtime.
Sleep on a clean pillowcase
Change the cover at least once a week, more if you continue waking up to breakouts, said Dr. Julie Russak, a New York-based dermatologist. And, use a satin pillowcase — this weave won't absorb moisture like cotton and will reduce chaffing on the skin.
“When a pillowcase isn't laundered or changed regularly, a build-up of dirt and oil from the environment as well as the skin and hair touching the pillow is transferred back to your skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes.” Obviously, there are ways to prevent pillowcase-related breakouts.
Sudden acne breakouts can be because of numerous reasons, including hormonal changes or hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy diet including lots of deep fried and junk food, release of cortisol hormones because of excessive stress, excessive production of sebum and much more.
Acne is caused by your skin making too much sebum (oil), which, along with dead skin cells, clogs the pores — making them the perfect place for bacteria to grow. Hormones, family history and underlying health conditions can play a role in developing acne. It can also be a side effect of taking certain medications.
Green says, “Cotton is best if you are acne-prone, as it will absorb moisture, reducing sebum buildup, which will minimize acne breakouts.”
Pillowcases can house dirt and oil.
Like anything else that transfers dirt and oil to your skin, pillowcases can be the cause of something thats called acne mechanica. Acne mechanica is any type of acne that is the result of material or objects touching your face.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.
According to Gagliardi, a good rule of thumb is to wash your pillowcases every time you wash the rest of your bed sheets, which you should do at least once per week.
1. Dirt And Oil Can Build Up. While your pillowcase may look clean at first glance, there's actually all sorts of tiny but nefarious things going on. "Not washing your pillowcase regularly results in a build-up of many things including oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and even breakout-causing bacteria," Axe says.
At the very least, pillows should undergo a good wash every six months. To ensure that your pillows are consistently in their best, consider washing them "at least every three months—or four times a year," says Sansoni. As for pillowcases, wash them with your bedding, which should be a weekly cleaning routine.
Given the increase in oil production, she says your skin will usually look greasier and slightly more inflamed. Zeichner adds that stress acne can also look like a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and pus pimples.
Cheek acne may be due to one or more of the following: makeup, your phone spreading bacteria, dirty pillowcases, touching your face, or hormonal changes. The good news is there are several steps you can take to prevent it or reduce the severity of your cheek acne. See a doctor to get your acne treated.
To put it simply, dirt can cause breakouts. If you are sleeping on the same sheets and pillowcase for weeks on end then your skin will flare up. All of the oil from your face will transfer and mix with sweat as you sleep, and the dirt will seep back into your pores, resulting in spots and blackheads.
Acne isn't caused by neglecting to wash your face. Other factors, like bacteria or changing hormones, cause this skin condition. Yet regular cleansing is a key step in your acne treatment routine.
Try a spot treatment or pimple patch
You've probably seen these emergency pimple treatments at the drugstore — usually an extra-strong solution of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. And yep, they can actually get rid of pimples overnight.
Exercise itself is a good tool for combatting breakouts. Physical activity helps to even out blood sugar levels in the body, which are instrumental in managing acne Apple A. Bodemer, MD, UW Health dermatologist.
"Dirty pillowcases may cause acne in people who are prone to breakouts," Lian Mack, MD, board-certified dermatologist at GlamDerm Gramercy Laser and Medical Dermatology in New York, tells InStyle. "Over the course of a few days, dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria can build up on the pillow's surface.