"Given the increase in the amount of time we are spending in bed, I now recommend changing pillow cases every day or every other day," She says. "To minimize breakouts and reduce oil, I recommend cotton pillow cases. Breathable fabrics like cotton minimize the transfer of oil and help to reduce 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.
Changing Your Bedding Can Clear Your Face
This type of acne is known as acne mechanica. Sleeping on an old or unwashed pillowcase can cause the same issue. The oil or dirt that was left upon that pillow by your face on prior nights is trapped there.
Pillowcases are typically not a direct cause of acne, but they can contribute to acne if you're already prone to it. If you regularly experience breakouts and skin irritation, you'll want to look for a pillowcase that is breathable and gentle on skin and make sure to wash it regularly.
What does stress acne look like? While most women experience hormonal acne on their jawline, stress acne more closely resembles the breakouts you probably got when you were a teenager, since it's caused by an overproduction of oil.
While both of these soft, slippery fabrics are smart choices, one comes out on top. “Silk is my go-to for my patients with acne or acne-prone skin,” said VanHoose. “Silk is superior because it is made from 100 percent pure, natural fiber. It's smooth and breathable and it doesn't harbor bacteria.”
Unclean bedding becomes a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which can cause various skin and hair problems, including acne breakouts, rashes, and respiratory disorders.
If you don't get good, restorative sleep, your body might not feel rested and could kick-start that cortisol surge, which could put you at risk for more acne. The fix is simple, but not always easy: Make sleep a priority to give your body the rest it needs and your acne a chance to heal.
This dirt goes on to clog the pores and leads to blemishes. An old pillow accumulates dirt, dust and oil from your face which can lead to break outs. For a small group of people with very sensitive skin this might be due to the material used, but in most cases, it is probably a case of acne mechanica.
It may be caused by genetics or everyday habits (touching the face, makeup, makeup brushes, etc.). For some people, it just happens to be where their skin tends to develop acne." explains board-certified dermatologist Annie Gonzalez, MD.
When it comes to skin health, all three dermatologists recommended washing sheets once weekly. If you have acne, Dr. Daveluy advises changing pillowcases twice a week, since this part of your bedding is exposed to face and scalp oil.
There's a reason why many dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases. Not only is the material naturally hypoallergenic, which can keep irritation at bay, but it also has a silky smooth texture that's no match for the troublesome friction other materials might cause.
You should probably change your bedsheets once a week. Think about it: You spend hours in bed every night, and your sheets collect skin flakes and an assortment of bodily fluids and oils. Then there's stuff like dust, dust mites, and (if you have a cat or dog) pet hair.
Hormonal acne and bacterial acne look similar, but there are some key differences that can help determine which type of acne is present: Location: Bacterial acne is more frequently found on oily skin regions like the forehead, nose, and chin, while hormonal acne is typically found on the lower face and jawline.
“The most common way to address these issues is to use benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tree oil, or salicylic acid products before you go to bed,” says Dr. Patel. Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent that kills microbes and dries up oil in the follicle.
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.
There is no research to suggest that diet or sleep alone causes acne. However, many people we spoke to felt dehydration and lack of sleep impacted their skin.
This is thanks to your body's circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) which helps your skin move from protect and hydrate mode to repair and reset mode.
While a silk pillowcase won't stop you from getting breakouts, it's generally accepted that it can cause less irritation at night than other pillowcase materials due to the fact it's such a soft and smooth fabric.
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.
Likewise, some cotton pillowcases trap more moisture and dead skin cells in the fabric which often worsens acne breakouts on the face. It is also for that reason that silk pillowcases are perfect for acne-prone skin, as it ensures that no dust and dirt will irritate your face as you settle down for the night.