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.
Materials that combine temperature regulation and softness are great options for people looking for pillowcases that help prevent acne. Silk has a smooth and soft feel that is gentle on sensitive skin. It's also lightweight and breathable, so it can help keep sleepers cool throughout the night.
Dermatologists have suggested that natural fibres are the best for your skin, think organic cotton, wool, cashmere, hemp, silk, alpaca, and linen. Properties of organic fabrics, like the fact that they are soft, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic always work best for the skin.
The choice of pillowcase fabric plays a vital role for acne-prone skin. Silk pillowcases cause less friction and prevent flare-ups. The anti-absorbent properties of silk are known to fight active acne and reduce inflammation while cotton pillowcase absorbs the healthy natural oil and worsens the skin condition.
As such, silk is prone to fading when exposed to direct sunlight, either indoors or outside. Even this best silk bedding will fade if left in direct sunlight. This is why we recommend always hanging your silk to dry away from the sun. Happily, your silk sheets should air dry very quickly, even indoors.
Here are some of the reasons we love satin: Satin is non-absorbent, and therefore helps preserve the moisture in the hair and skin. Satin also won't absorb any applied night creams. Silk (and cotton) are highly absorbent, which can rob hair and skin of their natural oils.
Some of the most common skin-friendly fabrics are “cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, hemp and those made with wood pulp,” mentioned Sarkar. "Any fiber that has good conductive and wicking properties are good for people who have different skin conditions.” Another fiber worth investing in is bamboo.
The fix: Opt for natural, breathable fabrics (cotton, silk, etc.) and avoid rubbing your skin against rough materials. It's also a great idea to disinfect your phone with alcohol or a tea-tree-oil-and-water mix on a regular basis — the bacteria that lingers there can cause nasty chin breakouts.
Oil-free products can be used instead if these do not aggravate the condition during the initial treatment days. Loose clothing should be worn in order to lower the risks of friction. Cotton fabrics are often best.
You want to be on the lookout for fabrics that are hypoallergenic and breathable, that reduce friction and therefore irritation, and don't soak up a ton of products like face creams and serums so that the oils and any bacteria fester on your bedding. These include: Silk pillowcases. Satin pillowcases.
Keep your pillowcases clean: If you wake up in the morning and your skin is worse than the night before, you might be wondering, “is my pillow giving me acne?” It is highly likely. Standard cotton pillowcases quickly absorb and retain oils and bacteria from your hair and face, gathered throughout the day.
Mack says she would recommend switching your pillowcases every two to three days and the rest of your bedding every week. Now, she says every day or every other day is ideal.
Cotton is commonly named the best pillowcase material, but other options are worth considering. Not all cotton pillowcases are created equal. Egyptian long-staple cotton, also called Pima or Supima® cotton, is deemed the highest quality for the softest texture with breathability.
Change them once a week at the very least, but if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, once every other night may be an even better idea, ensuring you have a clean sleeping surface.
A 2013 study investigated the blood levels of zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin E in people with and without acne. The researchers found that the levels of all of these vitamins and minerals were significantly lower in the people with acne. They concluded that a diet rich in these nutrients could help prevent or treat acne.
Skin Care Products
Mineral oil, lanolin and wax are the usual offenders, which dermatologists call “comedogenic” or “pore cloggers.” “Because the list is long and difficult to keep track of, it's easier to remember to avoid oil-based, thicker products and to look for the word non-comedogenic.
In fact, skin care specialists and dermatologists often recommend sleeping on silk to help manage these skin conditions. “Silk sheets and silk pillowcases are gentler on the skin of people with acne or sensitive skin that rough cotton ones," says Dr.
Believe it or not, one of the biggest triggers of bacne is the type of sheets you are sleeping on! After all, you are spending about 8 hours a night (or least one can hope) lying in your sheeting. If your sheets are bacteria ridden, they can cause acne breakouts on your skin.
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.
Satin pillowcases offer a variety of potential benefits. The glossy, smooth texture of the weave allows the head to move easily, reducing the friction that could otherwise cause wrinkles, hair frizzing, and breakage. The material is also less absorbent, which may promote hydrated skin while decreasing the risk of acne.
Silk absorbs less moisture than other popular bedding materials like cotton. This allows the skin to retain more moisture, which in turn helps prevent dry or itchy skin. Silk is also less likely to absorb any lotions or serums you might use in your bedtime skincare regime. These benefits extend to your hair as well.
The silky material allows pores to breathe throughout the night which reduces the chances of acne. Similarly, if you are prone to dry skin and require a lot of moisture to keep your skin looking supple and youthful, satin can help. Other materials, like cotton, soak up moisture. Satin allows your skin to retain it.