Breaking out? Here’s why bedding can cause acne & how to fix it

Anyone with acne knows the struggle of searching high and low for skin remedies, but surprisingly, the solution might have been with us all along. In fact, we might have been lying on top of it.

Our bedding—especially what it’s made of and how we treat it—could be causing us to break out. While research is still developing on this topic, everything we know about what causes acne points to bedding as a culprit. The pros agree, too. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner told SELF magazine, “Especially if you aren’t washing your face, dirt and oil can build up in the fabrics of your pillowcases and sheets over time.”

With spring cleaning in full swing, now is a great time to refresh your bedding with organic, breathable pillowcases and sheets. Keep reading to get the whole story on bedding breakouts and how to avoid them. Your skin will thank you.

Photo courtesy of Avocado.

Why Bedding Causes Breakouts

You’re breaking out between the sheets—but why? Turns out, it’s a combination of what your bedding is made of, how often you wash it, and specific lifestyle factors like skincare regimen and climate. Let’s break it down.

Not all bedding material is acne-friendly. Depending upon what it’s made of, your bedding could be trapping heat, bacteria, and germs without you knowing it. Steer clear of fabrics like flannel, fleece, microfiber, and wool, even in the colder months when they seem especially cozy and inviting.
We should probably be washing our sheets more. Bacteria buildup could multiply if you aren’t washing or replacing your bedding enough. Going over a week without washing your sheets and pillowcases is a recipe for dirt, dead skin, and other acne-causing particles to camp out in bed with you. Believe it or not, fabric softeners can irritate your skin and worsen acne—so opt for dryer balls or air drying.
Our beds are only as clean as our bodies. If we aren’t sticking to a consistent skincare routine, we’ll carry the day’s dirt and oil with us to bed. Not showering or cleansing our faces at night can turn our beds from dreamy to dirty. If you do shower before bedtime, consider drying off completely to avoid excess moisture on your sheets, which can welcome more bacteria.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as sweat. People who exercise frequently or live in hot, humid environments are more prone to perspiration—and often bring it to bed with them. The combination of sweating, not cleansing before bed, and allowing dirt and oil to absorb into bedding is a triple threat for acne-prone skin.

making the bed with avocado percale organic cotton sheets in sage

Photo courtesy of Avocado.

It might sound like a lot of information, but the message is simple: Improving your risk of breakouts is so easy you could do it in your sleep. Here’s how.

Acne-Proof Your Bedding

If you’re trying to avoid breakouts, look for bedding that’s organic, light, and breathable. Organic cotton is a smart choice for its durability and practicality without sacrificing comfort. We recommend cotton bedding with a sateen finish and 400 thread count or higher to eliminate the risk of irritation. Silk is another great choice. Not only is silk naturally antibacterial, but it’s also temperature-regulating by nature. Because of this, premium silk can even help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote healthy skin and hair.

Both cotton and silk fabrics are ultra-cooling, which combats the buildup of heat and sweat that often causes bed-borne breakouts.

Don’t Forget About Your Pillowcase

After all, it’s the closest thing to your face while you sleep—so it could make or break your breakouts. Investing in a breathable, organic cotton or silk pillowcase should be your first step. When it comes to washing your sheets (which should happen once a week), don’t forget to include your pillowcases in the laundry. Consider having a backup pillowcase set for laundry days or for when you’re traveling. And don’t let perfection be the enemy of good: If you’re behind on laundry, simply turn your pillows over to extend the life of your unwashed sheets.

Wash Your Sheets Often And Correctly

The general rule of keeping your bedding breakout-free is to wash it once a week—but take your lifestyle into account, too. Do you live in a humid place? Do you sweat more than average? Do you have naturally oily skin? Ask yourself these questions to tailor a laundry schedule that suits you. Then, try the following:

Make a calendar alert so you don’t forget to wash your sheets at least once a week.
Habit-stack your laundry routine with something else (like answering emails, making a doctor’s appointment, or finishing a podcast) to seamlessly fit the chore into your day.
Avoid detergents with fragrances and dyes that irritate your skin. Try to replace fabric softeners altogether with dryer balls or air drying.
Whenever possible, use heat to kill the bacteria that’s embedded into your sheets. This can be challenging because we’re often told to wash our bedding with cold water to increase its lifespan. If this is the case, toss your sheets into the dryer for 15 minutes on the hot setting.

Cleanse Your Skin Every Night

If you’re worried about bedding breakouts, fight acne-causing bacteria and oils at the source: you. Stick to a consistent skincare routine like you’re washing your face—or better yet, your entire body—every night before bed. Use a gentle cleanser with non-comedogenic ingredients, which can help avoid irritation and clogged pores. After showering, dry yourself off completely to prevent bringing excess moisture with you to bed. If your skin is extra sensitive, oily, or dry, or if you want to be sure you’re using the correct skincare products for you, your dermatologist is always the best person to ask.

Get The Clear Skin of Your Dreams

It’s easy to forget that we spend one-third of our lives in bed—so our quality of sleep (and what we’re sleeping on) can make a huge difference. It might not always be obvious, but we can actively improve our well-being even when we’re at rest. With organic, breathable bedding that cools and soothes us in our sleep, we’re creating a domino effect that starts in bed and continues throughout the day, impacting things like our mental health, productivity, and, yes, our skin.

Photo courtesy of Avocado.

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Kelly is a freelance writer from New York’s Hudson Valley. She gravitates toward stories about art, culture, food, and thoughtful living, and always aims to bring a fresh perspective to the page.