Keeping your skin clean requires more than just a great cleansing routine

You take great care of your skin. You’ve researched your skin type, done your homework when it comes to ingredients and safe and effective skin care brands, and you eat right and stay hydrated. But maybe you’re still unsatisfied with your skin care results. Maybe it’s a hormonal issue, or maybe your carefully-researched skin care routine needs a tweak. Or maybe it’s something even simpler.

Could your linens be causing breakouts?

Perhaps one of the last things you consider when your skin isn’t looking its best, your linens might be to blame for breakouts and other skin issues that appear despite all your best efforts. Most of the time, washing your sheets and pillowcases once a week in hot water with a gentle detergent will be enough to keep the bacteria, dead skin cells, and other debris at bay. But if you perspire a lot at night, have oily skin, use heavy moisturizers before going to bed, or – heaven forbid – fail to remove your makeup one night, you may need to change your sheets more frequently. Or at the very least, change out your pillowcase every few days. The same goes for your towels and washcloths. Once used, a towel or a washcloth should be washed before being used again. Warmth and moisture give bacteria the perfect breeding ground, and you don’t want to expose your skin to excess bacteria.

The items that touch your skin should be clean and free of bacteria

While linens (sheets and towels) are some of the most common culprits due to moisture and warmth causing bacteria, you should be aware that anything that touches your face can transfer dirt, oils, and/or bacteria – which can cause breakouts or other issues. Think about how frequently you talk on your cell phone… and how often it touches your face. Or the scarf you pull out every winter – does it get washed regularly? Are you constantly touching your face with your hands? All of these things can transfer oils and bacteria onto your skin. Makeup tools and brushes also spread dirt and bacteria if they’re not cleaned properly and regularly. Something you rarely think about could be undermining your carefully-crafted skin care regimen. Be sure to consider everything that comes into contact with your skin – and make sure those items are kept clean.