How you wash, and how often you wash, your bed sheets impacts the look, feel and health of your skin.
A natural skin care routine goes beyond the products that go directly on your skin – your cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and makeup. It includes proper nutrition, drinking plenty of water, exercise, and even clean bed sheets.
That’s right, how often you wash your sheets – as well as how you wash them – can greatly impact your skin.
Let’s start with some stats
The average person will spend a third of their life in bed
We shed between 30,000 & 40,000 skin cells every hour
Between 4 & 17 different species of fungi can be found on pillows of various ages
This study found that sheets left unchanged for one week had 24,631 more bacteria on them than a bathroom doorknob
That doesn’t sound great. BUT, it is normal, and most microbes found in our environment are not harmful. However, they should be kept in check. This is because when inhaled they can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies.
They can also impact the look and health of your skin. Here’s how
Breakouts. From the moment you put those fresh bed sheets on, bacteria begins to build up. And you being on your bed speeds this up. Of course, bacteria is normal and part of our daily lives, but as it builds up over the course of the week (or longer) it can lead to whiteheads and pimples as you sleep, or exacerbate existing acne. And if you go to bed without cleansing your face – particularly if you have make up on – it will only make matters worse.
Skin irritations & Eczema. As the week goes on your bed sheets and pillow cases continue to attract bacteria. When you go to bed, the mixture of bacteria, dirt that has transferred from your skin and clothing, and any greasy ointments or creams that you’ve applied all soak into the sheets. And your skin is now rubbing against this. The friction can lead to skin irritations and exacerbate eczema.
Fungal & bacterial infections. We all sweat, at least a little bit, while we sleep. And that sweat doesn’t just evaporate. It gets trapped in your sheets and pillow cases. This is one of the main reasons your bed becomes a prime place for fungi to grow. In turn, this can lead to things such as asthma, but it can also lead to jock itch and skin lesions. And who wants those?
Dust mites. If the above isn’t motivation enough, this one might be. Dust mites – they’re part of the spider family – and they feed on the dead skin we shed at night. They accumulate in any place that isn’t cleaned regularly. If you’ve got enough of them, they will leave welts on your skin.
That’s not all. How you wash your sheets also plays a role in healthy skin.
Not all laundry detergents are created equal. We recommend using a natural, organic where possible, laundry detergent for your sheets and clothes. These won’t be laden with harsh, skin irritating chemicals. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it will absorb everything that is put on it. So instead of the most powerful detergent that promises to keep everything the cleanest and brightest, opt for something that is gentle and natural, and just be sure to spot clean and wash each week.
Avoid adding any extra “pollution” to your bed sheets at night by cleansing your face and neck, using nourishing, non-greasy products, and washing your bedding in gentle but effective natural detergents.
