Do you sometimes wake up with breakouts on your face - and you wonder why you have all these pimples on your face all of a sudden? While acne and pimples are quite common, the root cause can be more than just beyond your diet and/or medical issues. The sheets you sleep on greatly contribute to the health of your skin as well. 

Sleep is the time when your mind and body rejuvenate; it is a time when your skin gets refreshed and prepped for the next day. The term ‘beauty sleep’ means more than just sleeping well - it also means investing in sheets that contribute to keeping your skin healthy. 

For a peaceful night’s rest, it is absolutely vital that the sheets you choose for your bed are soft, comfortable, and designed for your skin type.

What Bedding Should I Get for My Skin?

According to dermatologists, silk pillowcases are best at keeping your skin tight and soft. Silk helps keep your skin cool and comfortable throughout the night and is also less irritating to the touch for patients suffering from eczema. Silk bed sheets and pillowcases are super breathable and aid in keeping your temperature down if you get hot during the night. 

While silk bed sheets do help keep your skin healthy, it is also important to note that healthy skin is only achievable if you regularly wash your sheets as well. It is also important to remember that using bed sheets that help your skin retain moisture is also beneficial as it keeps your skin hydrated even through sleep. 

Even though cotton is the most popular choice that people opt for when choosing their bedsheets, it may not necessarily be the right option. Cotton causes friction and can suck moisture from your skin rather than retain it. This can be the reason why you sometimes wake up to dry, flaky skin. It is even worse for patients who have extremely dry skin or eczema. 

Metals in Bedding 

Did you know that brands often add metals to the sheets you sleep on? According to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, copper in bedsheets can aid in anti-aging, an interesting fact that most people are unaware of. 

Along with that, silver is also quite beneficial as it has antimicrobial properties that keep your skin protected from harmful bacteria. When meshed together, both copper and silver are anti-inflammatory and help in wound healing, with copper significantly boosting collagen production. 

Here’s the catch, though: with the amount of frequent washing your bedsheets go through, most of the metallic infusion is lost, so it is better to just shower more and do your laundry less. 

Getting Rid of Sleep Wrinkles

The lack of collagen production causes wrinkles, and while there are many reasons wrinkles develop, one of the main ones is squishing your face into a pillow every night during sleep. 

Many dermatologists recommend silk or satin pillowcases because they tend to be soft on the skin and reduce friction. They also minimize facial creases, lines or imprints on your face when you wake up (aka pillow face!) 

However, it is not only the pillowcase that can affect your skin; the position you sleep in also plays a huge role in forming sleep wrinkles. While it is best to sleep on your back to protect your face, it is also equally important to get a good night’s rest. Sleeping on your back can cause other issues such as acid reflux, sleep paralysis and snoring. There are several options in the market for those looking for age-defying pillows - but the sheet you currently use should also be skin-friendly.

Choosing the Right Sheets

After coming home from a long, exhausting day, the only thing you would want is to cozy up in a comfortable bed with soft sheets. There is nothing worse than climbing in bed, only to be irritated by rough, coarse sheets that make you itch. There are numerous kinds of skin conditions ranging from eczema, sunburns, psoriasis to chickenpox, urticaria, and so on. Such conditions inflame the external skin barrier, and if exposed to harsh materials, you run the risk of damaging your skin. 

Every individual has different skin types and sensitivities. A fabric can irritate your skin but be comfortable for the other. However, if you were to gauge what materials are generally rough on the skin, dermatologists state that fabrics such as linen, wool, and flannel can cause adverse reactions in people with sensitive skin. Synthetic fibers are always rougher and worse for sensitive skin types, while natural fibers are gentler on the skin. 

Overall, most dermatologists can agree on the fact that breathable fabrics with a higher thread count are far better for a comfortable night’s sleep. For this purpose, satin, silk, and 100% cotton sheets with a high thread count are recommended to save your skin from friction and irritation. 

5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Bed Sheet

Before you add that bedsheet to your cart, there are several considerations that you must make when you select one for your room. We have listed down some of the important things that you should keep in mind when buying a new bedsheet, so let’s go over them one by one:

Fabric

First and foremost, the fabric that you intend to buy is the most important factor you should consider. As mentioned previously, the fabric you should look for must be suitable for your skin type. Materials such as linen, wool and synthetic cotton can be harmful to sensitive skin as they are rough and can make your skin dry. 

They also cause more friction and are more likely to speed the aging process. On the other hand, pure cotton, silk and satin bed sheets are more breathable, softer and better for people with allergies, medical conditions and asthma. 

Thread Count

As much as the fabric of the bedsheet matters, the thread count is equally important. A higher thread count means the fabric is smoother, denser, and durable. Most top-rated bed sheets have a thread count of between 300 and 500, but a higher thread count doesn’t necessarily mean high quality. Apart from the thread count, you need to take into account other factors, too. 

Weave

This aspect of a bed sheet must not be ignored. The weave determines the feel, look and longevity of the sheets, which is highly crucial when you’re planning to invest in a high-quality one. Flannel, sateen, percale and jersey knit are some weave types in the market, so do your research on them and how suitable they are for your skin before purchasing. 

Finish

The treatments that sheets go through after they’re woven are also important. Shrinkage control, wrinkle resistance and mercerizing are some finishing touches given to bedsheets to make them last longer and provide better sleep. 

Budget

Higher priced bed sheets don’t necessarily mean the best quality, but that does not mean you should settle for cheap bed sheets. When it comes to taking care of your skin, you should be prepared to spend a little more on your sheets. Search for good-quality bed sheets and keep a budget in your mind when shopping so you know what to expect.

Act now to save your skin! 

It is important to keep in mind that bed sheets are crucial for skin health because most of us spend one-third of our day sleeping. However, this must be done while also maintaining a healthy diet, using sunscreen regularly, and avoiding touching your skin unnecessarily to prevent germs from entering your pores. Investing in good-quality sheets is no short of investing in glowing, healthy skin. Stay fresh, stay healthy, and stay soft!