How Are Silk Pillowcases Good for Acne? Silk is a natural fibre that does not clog pores – making it healthy for the skin. It's not the end-all for acne prevention, but it's the best pillowcase to help prevent and relax facial skin. Think of it as an extra step to your acne-fighting skincare routine.
"Over the course of a few days, dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria can build up on the pillow's surface. These three components may lead to acne breakouts."
Along with oil, a cotton pillowcase retains bacteria, dirt and allergens. “A cotton pillowcase can irritate acne-prone skin unless you're washing or changing the pillowcase every couple of days,” said VanHoose. It can exacerbate existing acne and even make new acne outbreaks more likely.
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.
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.
"I'd certainly recommend changing your pillowcase at least two to three times a week," she says. "This will help prevent breakouts and congested skin." It's not just your pillowcase, though, as experts recommend replacing your pillow every one to two years.
Change your pillowcases every two to three days.
Avoid using fabric softener on your pillowcases. Fragrance-free fabric softeners aren't any better - in this case, it's the softening agents that are a problem for acne-prone skin.
To prevent new breakouts from developing overnight, she recommends switching your pillowcase anywhere from every few days to daily (more often if you regularly wear makeup or are particularly acne-prone.)
Silk pillowcases, like your other bed linens, come into direct contact with your skin every night, so it's important to wash them regularly — typically about every seven to ten days. To learn more about washing bed linens, check out this guide to washing and properly caring for bedding.
Silk is recommended by leading dermatologists for its anti-ageing properties and helps to keep skin soft, supple and wrinkle-free. These pillowcases contain the same natural fibres found in our skin and hair, helping to reduce friction and moisture loss while keeping your hair healthy, sleek and shiny.
Silk pillowcases are known to have a ton of benefits for your skin, your hair, and your sleep. These include: It's super soft and smooth so it doesn't pull at or crease your skin which means your silk pillowcase can help prevent the formation of wrinkles on your skin over time.
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.
Silk is a much better option than cotton, as it is a natural fibre that won't clog your pores or absorb moisture or products – making it healthy for the skin in general. As silk is a smoother, tightly woven fabric, it will be softer on your skin and cause less friction and rubbing, which can help to reduce redness.
Unfortunately, pillowcases absorb contaminants such as dust, sweat and bacteria that cause clogged pores and breakouts. Resting against a dirty pillowcase can compromise your skin's health by disrupting natural processes that occur while you sleep.
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.
Sleeping position
If you sleep sideways, you are most likely to have acne on the side of your face, including the cheeks. Sleeping on your back is perhaps the most appropriate way as there is minimal contact between the surface and your face in this position.
Just like acne vulgaris, acne mechanica presents itself as inflammatory skin lesions such as whiteheads, papules and pustules. In cases of severe inflammation, breakouts may take the form of painful nodules.
Turn Pillowcases & Duvets Inside Out
Turning your pillowcases and duvet inside out not only keep the material from shedding or colors from fading but helps thoroughly wash away any accumulated debris.
Despite all that we know about acne, there is currently no published research showing that dirty pillowcases cause acne breakouts. That said, they may still play a role in breakouts. The bottom line is that regularly washing your pillowcase can be part of acne prevention because it helps keep your face clean.
The fibers in your cotton pillowcase suck moisture out of your skin leading to drier, duller skin tone. Dry skin can lead to more fine lines. More fine lines make you look older.
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.
Silk reduces skin irritations, a major benefit to those who have sensitive skin, allergies, or skin conditions. It also locks in hydration, leading to plump skin cells and fewer wrinkles.
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. Anna Chacon, a board certified dermatologist.