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10 Best Pillowcases for Acne-Prone Skin

It’s no secret that your pillowcase could be causing your acne. In fact, pillowcases are often one of the main reasons people break out.

Whether it’s because of the fabric or the buildup of oil and sweat, pillowcases can be a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.

But besides changing your pillowcases often, it’s also important to choose a pillowcase made from materials that are less likely to absorb stuff from your skin and help heal your acne while preventing future breakouts.

So, does such magic really exist?

Yes, it does, and in this article, you’ll find the ten best pillowcases for acne that will help you get rid of your breakouts once and for all.

How I Reviewed Each Product

With dozens of popular materials for pillowcases, the research for this article was nothing short of extensive.

However, while in the process of getting rid of my acne throughout the years of being plagued by this condition, I’ve learned that investing in a good pillowcase and changing it regularly are two of the most important things you can do for your skin.

That’s why I’ve decided to put together a list of the ten best pillowcases for acne, some of which I’ve personally tried and loved, and others through reading articles, reviews, and forums and compiling all the information into one informative article.

To make this list as helpful as possible, I’ve included a wide variety of pillowcase materials, all of which have been known to help with acne.

I hope you find this list helpful and get a better idea of what pillowcase material will work best for your skin!

Best Overall:
Slip – Silk Queen Pillowcase

Specifically formulated to help with acne, the Slip Silk Queen Pillowcase is made from the highest quality silk that’s cool to the touch and gentle on the skin. It’s also great for preventing wrinkles, so you can rest assured that you’re not only helping your acne but also your skin’s overall appearance.

GoodGlow Score

4.6 /5 5/5 Product Rating
anti-aging

Anti-aging

Shown to absorb significantly less face cream than cotton pillowcases*, so they can help keep your skin’s moisture and valuable face and hair products where they belong, on your face and hair.

pillows

Anti sleep crease

Shown to reduce friction, allowing skin to glide along the pillow, which can reduce pressure on creased skin.

Clinically Proven

Anti bed head

In laboratory testing, Slipsilk has been shown to reduce friction by 43% on average*, which can reduce stretching and tugging on hair and delicate facial skin.

Sensitive

100% Silk

Made from highest-quality Mulberry Silk to provide softness and luxury.

100% Silk

Slip Silk’s Queen Pillowcase is the top choice for anyone dealing with acne because this brand is famous for creating products to help with skin problems.

After dealing with acne for a significant portion of her life, Slip founder Fiona Stewart decided to create a solution to help heal her skin while sleeping.

After all, she’s a firm believer that acne can be treated even while sleeping as one of the main causes tends to be stress due to a lack of sleep, so it’s only logical that a good night’s sleep would help alleviate some of those breakouts.

The result of her creativity was a pillowcase made of 100% silk that’s gentle on your face and won’t absorb sweat, moisture, oil, or your skincare products while you’re sleeping, making it perfect for side of stomach sleepers that tend to put their face on the pillow.

What followed was cult popularity, including among A-listers such as Hailey Bieber and the Kardashians.

Besides proving their products won’t absorb what’s on your face, Slip also confirmed that their pillowcase creates up to 40% less friction than cotton pillowcases, which means unwanted creases that lead to premature lines and wrinkles are also a reduced inconvenience.

Long-fiber Mulberry Silk and non-toxic dyes also minimize inflammation on the skin, allowing breakouts to heal faster while also cooling the skin and making you less puffy in the morning.

Lastly, Slip Silk Pillowcase comes in various colors as well as queen and king sizes for a customized experience.

Slip Silk – Queen Pillowcase Pros:

  • High-end pillowcase that specifically targets blemishes and inflammation.
  • Made from 100% Mulberry Silk that offers a luxury experience.
  • Won’t absorb moisture, oil, and skin products from your face.
  • Creates less friction than regular cotton pillowcases to prevent premature lines and wrinkles.

Slip Silk – Queen Pillowcase Cons:

  • It’s pricey but a well-worth investment.

Best on a Budget:
Bedsure – Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin

Breathable and cooling, the Bedsure Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin is an excellent affordable option for anyone looking for a good quality pillowcase on a budget. In addition to being perfect for hot sleepers, it’s also great for people with sensitive skin as it’s gentle, non-creasing, and won’t absorb your skincare products.

GoodGlow Score

4.5 /5 4.5/5 Product Rating
pillows

100% polyester satin

Protect delicate facial hair from scratches, creases and tugs, and helping to reduce split ends.

detox

Leave skin hydrated

While other materials may tug at your hair follicles and strip your skin of natural, important oils, satin isn’t as drying as cotton.

washing-machine

Easy care

Turn Bedsure’s satin pillowcase inside out, place it inside a mesh laundry bag and wash with a mild detergent.

sheets

Smooth and easy texture

22 colors and 4 sizes to choose from (20×26,30,36,40)

Polyester, Polyester Blend

Made from 100% polyester satin, the Bedsure Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin offers a similar feel to silk but at a fraction of the price.

The material is soft, smooth, and shiny, which feels great on the skin and also helps reduce friction, meaning you won’t wake up with sleep lines across your face after catching some deep Z’s.

The Satin Pillowcase also has an envelope closure, making it easy to take on and off, and it comes in various colors and sizes to fit any pillow.

In addition, to being breathable and cooling, the Bedsure Satin Pillowcase is also machine washable for easy maintenance.

Bedsure – Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Pros:

  • Good-quality pillowcase for a tight budget.
  • Soft and similar to silk, providing a luxurious experience and a good night’s sleep.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free.

Bedsure – Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Cons:

  • None.

Best Silk: ZIMASILK – Mulberry Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Health

Best Silk:
ZIMASILK – Mulberry Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Health

The ZIMASILK Silk Pillowcase is a top-notch quality pillowcase made of 100% pure Mulberry Silk, which is the best type of silk you should look for if you want to save your skin from inflammation and acne. With almost half less friction than regular cotton pillowcases, you can stop worrying about those pesky sleep lines, premature wrinkles, or waking up with a red, irritated face.

GoodGlow Score

4.6 /5 5/5 Product Rating
Clinically Proven

Premium material

Both sides of Zima silk pillow case is constructed from 100% upgraded 19 momme Grade 6A mulberry silk.

pillows

No more bedhead

Prevents the tugging and pulling provided by ordinary pillowcases.

Protecting Skin

Non-absorbent

Surface of silk pillowcase helps your hair maintain naturally producing oils.

sheets

Multi size & color

36 colors and six sizes+ 180 Days Guarantee

100% Grade (6a) Mulberry Silk

The Mulberry Silk Pillowcase by ZIMASILK is made of high-quality silk with a thread count of 600 to provide resilience and durability while creating less friction than regular pillowcases.

Besides that, silk is also a hypoallergenic material, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

This pillowcase comes in a standard size that fits most pillows, as well as a queen size, and it has a hidden zipper closure to keep the pillow snug and in place without interfering with your sleep.

However, even though the ZIMASILK pillowcase is quite durable, it’s still recommended to be hand-washed only, unlike our top choice, Slip Silk, which can endure a good machine wash.

Lastly, compared to Slip, the ZIMASILK pillowcase is almost half the price, so it’s a good alternative if you’re looking for a high-quality but more affordable option.

ZIMASILK – Mulberry Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Health Pros:

  • Durable material that doesn’t crease and creates a smooth surface for your hair and skin.
  • Moisture-repelling and hypoallergenic.

ZIMASILK – Mulberry Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Health Cons:

  • Has to be hand-washed.

Best Satin:
Kitsch – Satin Pillowcase

The Kitsch Satin Pillowcase is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a vegan and more sustainable option than silk, yet still equally smooth, soft, and beneficial for hair and skin. Designed to be cooling and comfortable, this satin pillowcase provides a friction-free exterior that minimizes sweat and oil buildup.

GoodGlow Score

4.7 /5 5/5 Product Rating
Clinically Proven

Premium quality + kit

Quality pillowcase made from delicate satin fabric (Comes complete with a matching satin eye mask and a volume scrunchie)

anti-aging

Skin & hair benefits

This standard satin pillowcase glides smoothly against your skin, helping to reduce friction that can cause lines and wrinkles.

Scent

Cooling satin

Promotes healthy hair by allowing it to retain your hair’s natural oils, reducing dryness, breakage and tangles, making it the best vegan silk pillowcase for hair and skin.

pillows (1)

Vibrant colors and patterns

Stylish selection of 11 colors such as marble in two sizes (Standard/Queen and King)

As a long-time user of Kitsch Satin Scrunchies, trying out their pillowcase was a pure (as expected) bliss.

The Kitsch Satin Pillowcase pillowcase is made of delicate satin fabric, which gives it a smooth and soft feeling that is often compared to silk.

The downside of satin is that it’s not as breathable as silk, but if you’ve ever slept on a silk pillowcase, the difference is virtually undetectable.

Additionally to its skincare benefits, the satin cover will also prevent split ends and keep your strands silky soft by helping your hair retain moisture as you sleep.

Each package of the Kitsch Satin Pillowcase includes a standard size that fits most pillows as well as a queen size pillowcase with a hidden zipper closure.

However, given that the material is pure satin, the Kitsch Satin Pillowcase should only be washed by hand to prevent damage and material breakdown.

Kitsch – Satin Pillowcase Pros:

  • Made of delicate satin fabric that is smooth and soft to the touch.
  • Lightweight and cooling, perfect for hot sleepers.
  • Friction-free exterior helps to reduce sweat and oil buildup.

Kitsch – Satin Pillowcase Cons:

  • Has to be hand-washed and dried.

Best For Sensitive Skin:
Colorado Home Co – Silk Pillowcase

Infused with natural amino acids, the Colorado Home Co Silk Pillowcase is our top pick for anyone dealing with extremely sensitive and reactive skin. Cooling, soothing, and breathable, the 100% natural silk pillowcase will erase your skin issues while giving you a deserved night of excellent sleep.

GoodGlow Score

4.7 /5 5/5 Product Rating
Protecting Skin

Grade 6A silk

Highest quality silk available. Incredibly soft, light to touch, and breathable for a comfortable night’s sleep that’s also gentle on your skin.

Natural

No harsh chemicals and environmentally safe

The OEKO-TEX Certification (Standard 100) is a third-party test that ensures the highest quality standards are met and no toxic dyes are used in the manufacturing process.

Clinically Proven

22 Momme silk on both sides

Ensures better quality and durability even after machine washing.

sheets

Classy elegant colors

7 stylish colors such as Silver Lavender in one size (11’x17′)

100% Mulberry Silk

The Colorado Home Co Silk Pillowcase is smooth and gentle on sensitive skin and regulates its temperature so you can sleep comfortably without experiencing flare-ups.

What makes it more special compared to other silk pillowcases mentioned in this article is that it’s infused with 18 natural amino acids which prevent the loss of moisture, help boost cellular metabolism to bring your skin back to its normal function, reduce fine lines and wrinkles by remaining smooth and not creasing, encourage skin rejuvenation, and prevent acne-causing bacteria from proliferating.

Lastly, the ultra-soft feel of the Silk Pillowcase is good for hair protection, as the 100% natural material reduces friction and breakage and controls frizz.

Colorado Home Co – Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Pros:

  • Helps retain moisture and plumpness in the skin.
  • Prevents acne-causing bacteria from proliferating.
  • Infused with 18 amino acids to soothe sensitive and reactive skin.

Colorado Home Co – Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Cons:

  • Has to be hand-washed and hand-dried.

Best Vegan Pillowcase:
Bedsure – 100% Viscose Bamboo Pillowcase

If you are looking for a vegan pillowcase that still has your skin, hair, and a good night’s sleep in mind, the Bedsure 100% Viscose Bamboo Pillowcase is one you need to check out. Made from vegan, cruelty-free, and natural materials, this sustainable and eco-friendly pillowcase is moisture and odor-resistant, softer than cotton, and provides a cooling effect perfect for sweaty sleepers.

GoodGlow Score

4.5 /5 4.5/5 Product Rating
Protecting Skin

Best for people prone to allergies and rashes

Made from hypoallergenic bamboo-derived Rayon to prevent unwanted reactions.

Clinically Proven

Luxuriously silky and soft fabric

Has a soft surface to prevent skin and hair damage due to friction.

Scent

Breathable

Adds extra airflow while repelling against fluids, making the pillowcases extra breathable

pillows

Simple colors and silk touch

11 simple colors in three sizes (Standard, Queen, and King)

Sleeping on a silk pillowcase has many health and beauty benefits. However, one of the most significant downsides is that it’s not vegan.

Which is where the Bedsure 100% Viscose Bamboo Pillowcase comes in to save the day.

Bamboo is a hypoallergenic material, meaning it protects against allergic reactions while soothing reactive and inflamed skin.

Additionally, the Bedsure Bamboo Pillowcase has a silky smooth surface that prevents hair from breaking and frizzing due to friction.

This set includes two pillowcases and comes in grey, black, ivory, beige, navy blue, silver gray, teal, and white.

Bedsure – 100% Viscose Bamboo Pillowcase Pros:

  • Silky smooth and breathable material prevents hair breakage and skin damage.
  • Hypoallergenic and suitable for those with sensitive skin.
  • The set includes two pillowcases for an excellent price.
  • Comes in various colors.

Bedsure – 100% Viscose Bamboo Pillowcase Cons:

  • None.

Best Breathable Fabric:
Coop Home Goods – Cooling Pillowcase

Made from breathable and hypoallergenic materials, the Coop Home Goods Cooling Pillowcase is perfect for those who suffer from night sweats or hot flashes. Almost 50% more absorbent than cotton, this pillowcase is specifically designed to help you stay cool and dry throughout the night.

GoodGlow Score

4.5 /5 4.5/5 Product Rating
day

Best for sweaty sleepers

Made from proprietary Lulltra fabric (viscose rayon and cooling jacquard).

Scent

Innovative Cooling Technology

Exclusive Lulltra Cool fabric is 1.5 times denser than our standard fabric to Maintain a cool and comfy feeling while wicking heat away.

pillows

Cozy and cool side

To prevent slipping and sliding, uses cozy rayon jacquard on the reverse side.

Clinically Proven

Guarantee and warranty

100 days refund window + 5-year warranty to protect your rest.

Rayon

If you are a sweaty sleeper and are tired of seeing those yellow stains on your brand-new pillow, it’s time to switch to a pillowcase that’s designed to keep you cool and dry all night long instead of transferring your sweat onto your pillow.

As a fellow sweaty sleeper and someone who’s been dealing with acne for a good portion of my life, all I have to say is that I understand your struggles.

But, even though it might seem impossible, I assure you it gets better as long as you make the right changes.

Which is why you should check out the Cooling Pillowcase by Coop Home Goods.

This pillowcase is made of viscose rayon and jacquard blend that is soft yet highly durable, cooling, breathable, and moisture-wicking to help you stay dry and comfortable all night long.

The fabric is also hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin dealing with inflammatory conditions or allergies.

However, the only downside of this pillowcase is its stitched design, which some might find a little unappealing, so I wouldn’t say it’s for everyone.

But if you are looking for quality, durability, and something specific like a pillowcase to keep you cool and not exacerbate your acne, the Cooling Pillowcase by Coop Home Goods is definitely one of the best ones out there.

Coop Home Goods – Cooling Pillowcase Pros:

  • Made of a cooling, breathable, and moisture-wicking viscose rayon and jacquard blend.
  • Hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant.

Coop Home Goods – Cooling Pillowcase Cons:

  • The stitched design might not be loved by everyone.

Best For Eczema:
J Jimoo – Natural Silk Pillowcase

Made of 100% natural mulberry silk and infused with amino acids, the J Jimoo Natural Silk Pillowcase will provide you with a soft, non-scratching, and friction-free sleeping experience. This will, in turn, help reduce inflammation on the skin and keep inflammatory conditions such as acne and eczema at bay.

GoodGlow Score

4.9 /5 5/5 Product Rating
pillows

Best for inflammatory conditions such as eczema

Helps soothe inflammation and wrinkles by providing a friction-free surface.

Scent

Temperature regulation

Mulberry silk naturally regulates heat, which helps you maintain the correct body temperature

Clinically Proven

Great quality for reasonable price

Over 23,000 reviews with a 4.6 average rating

sheets

Unique high quality colors

20 colors and three sizes (Standard, Queen, and King) + 100 day guarantee

With over 22,000 (and counting) positive reviews on Amazon, the Natural Silk Pillowcase by J Jimoo is one of the most popular pillowcases on the site, and for a good reason.

Like all our top pillowcases selections for various needs, this pillowcase is made of 100% pure Mulberry Silk on both sides, making it incredibly smooth, soft, and gentle on the skin.

However, what makes this pillowcase an excellent option for those with eczema is the infusion of amino acids which can help the skin retain moisture and stay plump and hydrated, which will, in turn, bring it back to its normal function where it can better handle flare-ups.

Additionally, the Natural Silk Pillowcase can help maintain healthy and glossy hair by reducing friction and breakage and helping the hair hold on to its natural moisturizing oils.

J Jimoo – Natural Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Pros:

  • Infused with amino acids to help the skin retain moisture and stay hydrated.
  • Can help maintain healthy and glossy hair by reducing friction and breakage.

J Jimoo – Natural Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Cons:

  • None.

Best Hypoallergenic:
The Vegan Silk Store – Lyocell Bamboo Pillowcase

Best choice for those with allergies. The Lyocell Bamboo Pillowcase is also an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin who are dealing with inflammatory conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis, an itchy and uncomfortable condition that can be exacerbated if you are sleeping on a rough pillowcase.

GoodGlow Score

4.6 /5 5/5 Product Rating
Protecting Skin

Best for allergy prone

People prone to allergies and breathing difficulties caused by conditions such as asthma.

Natural

Chemicals don’t belong in bed

Closed-loop Viscose is sustainable and has lowest environmental impact.

pillows

Satin pillowcase for hair and skin

Silky texture gives you tangle-free hair and is gentle on Sensitive skin.

Made from organic eco-friendly lyocell Bamboo

Ultra soft, incredibly smooth, and good for you and the environment

Made of natural and hypoallergenic bamboo, the Lyocell Bamboo Pillowcase from The Vegan Silk Store is one that should be on your radar if you suffer from allergies and breathing issues.

Bamboo is already a great material to begin with, as I mentioned with the Bedsure Bamboo Pillowcase; however, lyocell is a soft and smooth fiber made from wood cellulose that’s often compared to silk due to how gentle and comfortable it is.

This set also carries the Stanford 100% Eco-Green certification by OEKO-TEX. This means it creates no harmful waste at any point in its production.

And it offers much more than being hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly.

The Lyocell Bamboo Pillowcases are also breathable, moisture-absorbent and fast-drying, thermo-regulating, and odor-resistant, so they stay fresh for long periods of time and are excellent for sweaty sleepers.

The Vegan Silk Store – Lyocell Bamboo Pillow Cases Pros:

  • Certified to cause zero harm to the environment.
  • Hypoallergenic and breathable.
  • Won’t exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.

The Vegan Silk Store – Lyocell Bamboo Pillow Cases Cons:

  • None.

Best to Prevent Hair Breakage:
Fishers Finery – Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

If you’re struggling with dryness, breakage, split ends, or just general hair damage and frizz, it might be time to consider switching to a silk pillowcase. In which case, the Fishers Finery’s Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase made of the highest quality long-strand silk is a durable, gentle, and friction-free option that will protect your hair and keep it looking shiny and healthy.

GoodGlow Score

4.6 /5 5/5 Product Rating
day

Best for:

Dry, brittle hair that’s prone to breakage and damage.

pillows

100% pure mulberry silk – Grade 6A long strand

Prevent wrinkles, regulates sleep temperature, protects hair damage & retains moisture.

Clinically Proven

Highly reviewed

Between magazine and tv features and also 4.6 rating out of 6,000+ reviews

sheets

Solid shiny colors

Comes in 9 colors and three sizes that are silky smooth and great for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

If you are looking for a pillowcase to help bring your dry, damaged hair back to life, and prevent friction, breakage, and frizz, the Fishers Finery Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase might be an excellent option.

Made from 100% long strand, Grade 6A pure Mulberry Silk, the pillowcase is soft, smooth, and has an insanely luxurious feel to it.

The high-end silk is also naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, giving it another bonus of being ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Additionally, the pillowcase remains dry and cool no matter how much you sweat at night, making it perfect for hot sleepers.

Lastly, it can also be washed in a machine on a gentle cycle, which is something that other silk pillowcases mentioned in this list cannot claim.

Fishers Finery Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is available in various colors, including burgundy, emerald green, sky blue, and taupe, and doesn’t come with hidden zippers that can potentially make you uncomfortable.

Fishers Finery – Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase Pros:

  • Highest quality silk materials that help prevent hair damage.
  • Excellent for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin.
  • Can be washed in a machine on a low cycle (although hand-washing is preferred.)
  • Excellent color variety.

Fishers Finery – Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase Cons:

  • None.

Cotton vs. Silk Pillowcases for Acne

Cotton is a natural component that’s excellent at absorbing moisture and oil from the skin.

However, compared to other fibers such as silk, cotton is more rough and abrasive and tends to breed more bacteria between its weave.

This happens because cotton fibers are excellent at absorbing heat. That abundance of heat creates a hospitable environment for some strains of bacteria to grow.

Once it starts to proliferate, the bacteria will create a biofilm on the pillowcase’s surface, making it more resistant to antibacterial detergents and softeners, making it harder to remove.

The bacteria will then remain on the pillowcase, where your face will come into contact with it every night, which could potentially lead to inflammatory skin conditions such as acne due to the overgrowth of bacteria.

In comparison, silk fabric has been extensively tested and confirmed to exhibit excellent antibacterial abilities against many strains of bacteria, including a few that live on the skin, such as Staphylococcus aureus, or the bacteria responsible for multiple skin conditions, including boils, and cellulitis, as well as exacerbating the appearance of acne and making pimples infected.

Silk vs. Satin Pillowcases for Acne

While satin feels pretty similar to silk and is a more affordable fabric, the latter is still a winner when it comes to being more suitable for acne and sensitive skin.

Satin doesn’t have any of silk’s antibacterial abilities, making it more prone to harboring bacteria, especially if not washed regularly and with a suitable detergent.

Furthermore, satin is not as breathable as silk, which, similarly to cotton, can trap more heat and moisture and increase the chances of bacterial growth between its fibers.

However, satin is still a better option for acne than cotton, so washing and changing the satin pillowcases regularly is pretty much all you have to do to ensure you’re placing your head on a clean and hygienic surface every night.

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillowcase to Prevent Acne?

A general rule of thumb is to wash your pillowcases at least once a week to prevent skin oil and bacteria that live on the skin’s surface as well as leftover cosmetic products, from accumulating on your pillowcases and causing or exacerbating acne.

Can You Wash a Pillowcase With Normal Laundry Detergent?

Laundry detergents are effective at removing the superficial accumulation of dirt and cellular debris from all types of fabric, but they might not be the best thing to use for washing your pillowcases if you are dealing with acne.

Laundry detergents contain waxy particles that stick to the fabric of pillowcases and can retain even more of the components you are trying to remove.

Excess skin oil, dirt, bacteria, and even fungi can accumulate on the waxy residues, making it even more difficult to clean them, leading to a higher risk of acne flare-ups.

Additionally, most laundry detergents contain irritating components such as fragrances and harsh surfactants that may very well remain on the fabric even after it fully dries.

These particles can irritate the skin when it comes in contact with them, leading to a higher chance of developing or exacerbating acne and other inflammatory skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, a type of eczema that flares up when the skin comes into contact with an allergen.

What is The Best Way to Clean a Pillowcase?

The best way to clean a pillowcase and make sure the accumulation of acne-causing debris is completely removed is by washing the pillowcase with white vinegar.

White vinegar has a low pH of 2.4, making it an excellent antibacterial and antifungal agent that can effectively kill the potentially pathogenic microorganisms living on your pillowcase without damaging its fabric.

Additionally, white vinegar also has excellent odor-removing properties, which can eliminate the smell of sweat as well as certain odors produced by bacteria that live in the mouth and find their way on our pillowcases through the saliva present in our night-time drooling.

One of these strains of bacteria is Porphyromonas gingivalis, which has been linked to the development of psoriasis and the disruption of the skin’s natural barrier, as well as skin infections; therefore, removing it from your pillowcases is definitely a good idea.

What is The Best Pillowcase Material for Acne-Prone Skin?

Research shows that two of the best pillowcase materials for acne-prone skin are silk and copper oxide fibers, which are materials that have excellent antibacterial and antifungal abilities that make it impossible for acne-causing particles to accumulate on the fabric surface and come into contact with the vulnerable skin.

Out of these two fabrics, silk is the most popular choice because it is soft, gentle on the skin, and incredibly breathable.

On the other hand, copper oxide fibers, although showing significantly better antibacterial properties, are harder to find and more difficult to check for the material’s purity.

In conclusion, if you are dealing with acne or are prone to developing skin inflammations and irritations, it’s best to opt for a silk pillowcase, as they are generally super long-lasting and most suitable for the skin, making it a worthy investment for healthier skin and more comfortable sleep.

What Pillowcase Materials Can Aggravate Sensitive Skin?

Harsh pillowcase materials such as cotton, bamboo, and linen can aggravate sensitive skin in some cases due to creating friction when the skin comes into contact with them.

Additionally, some of these materials, such as cotton and bamboo, are also good at retaining heat, which can aggravate sensitive skin that’s already prone to redness, flushing, and inflammation.

Can Pillowcases Cause Facial Wrinkles?

Pillowcases can not only exacerbate the appearance of existing wrinkles but can also cause new ones to form.

Existing wrinkles can easily become more prominent due to sleeping in a position that allows your face to sink into the pillowcase. Combine this with a harsh material like cotton that protrudes deeper into the skin and enables existing wrinkles to deepen, and you will likely notice those pesky lines way before their time.

On the other hand, new wrinkles can also form from repetitive sleeping positions and friction from the pillowcase, especially when, again, you’re sleeping on a harsh material that will force your skin to crease and form visible wrinkles.

Can Pillowcases Damage Hair?

Some pillowcases can not only aggravate sensitive skin and cause wrinkles but can also damage hair over time.

This happens due to tossing and turning at night, which leads to your hair rubbing against the harsh fibers of your pillowcase and becoming more susceptible to dryness due to friction and heat and breakage due to pulling and stretching.

Similarly to skin health, the best pillowcase materials for maintaining healthy hair are silk, satin, and copper oxide fibers, while the worst include cotton and linen.

Originally Published: January 09, 2024

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Analyzed by Simone Sydel

Hi, I’m Simone Sydel, a licensed esthetician and acne expert dedicated to helping others solve their skin issues including acne, eczema, and UV damage. I specialize in testing and reviewing the latest acne treatments and beauty products, offering honest, practical advice for skincare. I’ve helped hundreds of clients clear their skin and my skincare product reviews have been read by several hundred thousand people. Thanks for visiting!

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