How Often You Should You Wash Your Pillowcase?

The reason you're struggling with acne and breakouts could be right under your nose (or, well, head). Your pillowcase might be to blame for pimple struggles, so make sure you know how often you should clean your pillowcases for clear skin if you've been having issues. Once I started doing so regularly, I noticed vast improvement.

If you follow a strict nighttime beauty routine but still wake up with irritated skin, it's time to evaluate your pillow situation. Dr. David E. Bank, director and founder of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, told HuffPo, "Acne mechanica is any type of acne that is the result of material or objects touching your face. When your pillowcase isn't laundered or changed regularly, a build-up of dirt and oil from the environment as well as your skin and hair touching the pillow is transferred back to your skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes." No fun, huh?

So exactly how often should be washing your pillowcases? FutureDerm advises at least once a week, while both Dr. Bank and beauty product maker Kari Gran advises giving your pillowcases a deep clean every two to three days. Eek! You know what this means? It's time to stock up on pillowcases. Hit up those holiday sales, because who really has time to wash their pillowcases that often?

The way you clean your pillowcases matters just as much as how often, so I've scouted a few pointers to remember.

1. Skip Dryer Sheets

Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent, $14, Amazon

Even if they're fragrance-free, Dr. Banks shared that the softening agents in dryer sheets can trigger acne. Just focus on using a sensitive skin fragrance free detergent.

2. Consider Silk Pillowcases

100 Percent Pure Silk Pillowcase, $19, Amazon

According to XOVain, silk sheets are a great option since they don't absorb and trap oils in the way that cotton pillowcases do.

3. Exfoliate Regularly

Pumpkin Oatmeal Glow, $48, Bambu Earth

If you exfoliate your face weekly, less skin cells can get trapped in your pillowcase! The above is my absolute favorite brand for sensitive acne-prone skin.

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Images: Courtesy of Brands