Share

Is your pillowcase giving you bad skin?

accreditation
Image source: Shutterstock
We all know that we should change our bedding very regularly – especially in the heat of summer. Yet as, well, life happens, we tend to forget.

Night after night, before we go to bed and we think, ‘ag, what’s another night? 

Thing is, those prone to skin problems and hair breakage should make sure their pillowcase is not the item responsible for slowly attacking them while they sleep.

What you can do to prevent this nightmare:

Change your pillowcase regularly

Like any kind of material, your pillowcase can become a cesspool of dirt and grease. Remember to change your pillowcase very regularly (about once a week), to insure that your face rests on a clean surface while you sleep.

Now, there’s no use in washing your pillowcase, if you don’t wash your face properly. Cleanse your skin before you go to bed, to avoid further clogging of the skin. No sleeping with your make-up on, ever!

It's all in the fabric

Cotton pillows are really great when it comes to absorbing moisture. While this is a plus for those who drool, it is not as hospitable for your skin.

Just imagine the scenario, Step 1: you spend your nightly beauty regime applying expensive night creams, serums and eye creams.

Step 2: you go to bed, turn off the light and gently rest your head on your pillow.

Step 3: just like THAT the creams all get sucked into your pillow.

Oh, what a waste.

A lot of people say that silk pillowcases are much better for those prone to acne and skin issues; yet The Huffington Post’s article on this stresses that it only matters that your pillowcase is made of natural fabrics, as they breathe more easily.

I say, invest in well-made bedding at all times. You do spend a lot of your life in bed, so why not make it as comfortable as possible?

Don’t use fabric softener

According to Dr. Bank, interviewed by The Huffington Post, one with acne-prone skin must refrain from using fabric softener on pillowcases. Even fragrance-free softeners can leave behind a waxy residue that can cause clogging of the pores.

Your hair can also be affected by your pillowcase

According to Bustle, sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can be a big no-no for your hair. The fabric is much less malleable; this means that both your hair and your skin struggle to move freely when you toss and turn. This leads to more hair breakage, tangling and the compression of wrinkles.

If you have hair that is prone to tangling and breakage, maybe try a silk or satin pillowcase. Slippery sure, but your hair is free to glide.

And, less bed-head!

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE