The Surprising Item That Might Be Causing Your Breakouts

When it comes to acne and zits, there's only so much you can do. From double cleansing and glycolic acid or salicylic acid serums to monthly facials and home remedies, sometimes you just have to accept that they are a part of life and simply play the waiting game until they disappear. However, there's one particular item you own that might be causing your breakouts. The culprit? Your pillowcase.

Yes, your trusty pillowcase that you rest your tired head on each night could be causing your acne and zits. As Dr. David E. Bank, director and founder of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, explained to HuffPost, "Acne mechanica is any type of acne that is the result of material or objects touching your face." He continued, "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." Yuck.

You should swap out your pillowcase more often than you might think

To make sure your pillowcase isn't the cause of your breakouts, especially if you have body acne, you need to wash your sheets every week. And if you have oily skin, you should probably be swapping out your pillowcase for a clean one every second night, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, told SELF. However, Dr. Zeichner also notes that you need to also be careful about how much detergent you use when washing it. "If the detergent is not fully washed away, it can build up within the weave of the fabric and cause irritation, leaving you with itchy, red, peeling skin," he revealed to SELF.

If you're prone to breakout, being more aware of the cleanliness of your pillowcase may help prevent breakouts, acne, and zits. But as you know, it's unlikely to be the cure. You need to make sure you continue to keep up your skincare routine and take your makeup off before bed, too.