There are many causes of breakouts, and your pillowcase could be one of them. The best way to enjoy a peaceful night's sleep is to wash your pillowcase often, probably a lot more often than you actually do. Lingering makeup, dirt, bacteria and oil can build up on your pillowcase, sticking to your freshly washed face when you lay your head down to sleep.
Much like buying a bra with matching underwear, you always have to buy more than one pair of underwear so you can be matching for more than one day. Pillowcases are much the same. You need to buy more than the one pillowcase that comes with the bedding set. The more frequently you change your pillowcase, the less dirt, bacteria and oil can stick to your freshly washed skin.
Besides washing your pillowcase there are other preventative measures you can take to avoid breakouts.
1. Use pillowcases made of breathable fabrics – Cotton is one of the most popular pillowcase materials is cotton. It’s cool and absorbent to sleep on, comes in various thread counts, and is easy to wash. Linen is a high quality, lightweight and breathable. Silk is smooth and kind to your skin. It will improve not only your skin but also your hair. A silk pillowcase will help you achieve softer, smoother skin and hair.
2. Avoid fabric softeners - Liquid fabric softener can leave behind a waxy residue that blocks pores.
3. Thoroughly wash for face at night – performing a double cleanse with cosmeceutical products will remove all dirt, make up, bacteria and oil while treating the skin to prevent future breakouts.
Pillowcases are not the only consideration to preventing breakouts while you sleep. While pillowcases should be washed every 2-3 days, your pillow itself has an expiry date. Pillows should come with a 'use by' date printed on the pillow or the pillow tag. Pillows are made from different materials, giving them different expiry dates. This is a rough guide to the lifespan of your pillow:
Feather: 18-36 months
Memory foam: 18-36 months
Synthetic down/down alternative: 18-24 months
Polyester: 6 - 24 months
Down: 2+ years
Remember to double cleanse your face every night before bed, wash your pillowcase without fabric softener every 2-3 days, check the expiration date on your pillow and replace earlier if required. If there are noticeable, permanent stains from body sweat and oil, you need to change your pillow to avoid causing breakouts.
These are some of the cleansers True Dermal recommend:
Epicure Gentle Cleanse. Medik8 Gentle Cleanse. Mesoestetic Facial Gel Cleanser