Acne occurs when sleeping: Uncover the secret of pillowcase dirt

Pillowcases harbor dirt that is invisible to the naked eye, but can sometimes transfer to our faces and turn into annoying pimples. How can we make pillowcases only serve as our sleeping angels without threatening our faces?

Pillowcases hold dust, dirt and oil

Even if you never go to bed with makeup or hairspray on, pillowcases can easily harbor dirt and grime if they are not cleaned and replaced regularly, leading to mechanical acne - the face comes into contact with unclean objects, causing pores to become clogged or infected, causing acne.

Does it have something to do with the fabric of the pillowcase?

No matter what fabric your pillowcase is made of, cotton, linen or silk, fabric can hold dirt, so pillowcases of all fabrics should be changed regularly.

Please note that some pillowcases use bleaching powder or dyes during the production process, which can easily irritate sensitive skin.

The way your skin is affected by a pillowcase varies from person to person. But no matter what the cause of your acne breakouts — hormones, genetics or stress — a dirty pillowcase can only make things worse.

Refer to the following 3 suggestions to prevent pillowcases from threatening your face

1. Wash your face every night before going to bed

This way, dust, dirt, and makeup residue from your face won't get on your bedding.

2. Use pillowcases made of natural fabrics

Natural materials breathe better and won’t transfer oil to your face. If you've been using an acne treatment that contains peroxide or retinol benzoyl, make sure your pillow is white, as these products can settle into your pillowcase and bleach it.

3. Wash your pillowcase every two to three weeks

This way, you can ensure that you're not sleeping on a pillow that's accumulated days of dirt and facial oil. Be careful when washing; liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets can leave a waxy layer on your pillow that can clog your pores. So, avoid adding softener when washing your pillow. If you must use one, it is best to use a fragrance-free softener.