The UK spends a lot of money and time investing in skincare, so much so that the skincare market reached an estimated £1.782 billion in 2023. This is forecast to surpass £2 billion by 2028.
It’s also very popular for people to conduct a nighttime skincare routine – from the likes of washing their face and cleansing to applying night moisturiser and oils. However, if your bedding and washing products are damaging to your skin, it could mean that your skincare process is getting cancelled out.
That’s why Jonathan Warren, bed expert and director of Time4Sleep has shared how to ensure your bedding isn’t damaging your skin, and with the average Brit spending a whopping £556 on skincare a year, these tips could save you a lot of money in the future.
- Bedding fabric should be selected depending on your skin type
Jonathan shares: “It’s important to make sure you spend time considering whether your choice of bedding is right for your skin, because if your bedding material is agitating your skin and causing irritation, then your expensive skincare routine is wasted.
“If you’re prone to sweating at night, a cotton material may work better for your skin. This is because cotton is a very breathable material and allows your skin to have freedom when sleeping.
“Other options, like silk and satin, are gentler and naturally have less friction and contact with the skin, as well as being hypoallergenic. This will also make it less likely that any skincare products you’ve applied, such as night cream or oil, are less likely to get removed by your pillow material.”
- Cleaning often does not mean cleaning well
Jonathan comments: “Leaving your bedding on for an extended period of time can accumulate dust mites, bacteria and oils from your hair and skin, so be sure to wash sheets frequently.
“Washing your bedding a minimum of once a week in the summer, and a maximum of once every 10 days in the winter, will help maintain a clean surface to lay your head on every night, as well as reduce the possibility of allergens irritating skin.
“Also remember, if you have a soft material headboard or bed, such as linen or velvet, you will need to frequently be cleaning and washing that material – although your skin won’t directly be laying on it every night, bacteria and dust can still develop and surround the air you sleep in.”
Dr Hana Patel, NHS GP and resident sleep expert at Time4Sleep, adds: “Allergic contact dermatitis is the most common skin side effect found with the use of fragrances. People who suffer from eczema may find that scented detergents make their symptoms worse, and in general are a group of substances that are difficult to avoid in daily life. If you have a skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, you should avoid strongly fragranced detergents and fabric softeners, as they can cause irritation.
“You should approach your bedding selection and detergent purchasing like you would your skincare – reviewing ingredients, reading reviews and testing the product.”
- Pillowcases can be the answer to your skincare prayers
Jonathan shares: “For people with oily skin or those who are prone to getting acne, pillows and pillowcases that can help regulate temperature and can help to improve skin healthiness.
“Cooling pillowcases can reduce clogged pores as well as make your sleep more comfortable, and reducing the amount you sweat during the night. Not only are they great for skincare routines to keep skin dry and cool, but they can come in handy for the hot summer nights.
“Bamboo is known for its antibacterial properties, as well as being soft, breathable and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for skincare.”
- Approach your bedding differently with the seasons
Jonathan says: “In the summer, opt for a breathable linen to help let your skin open up to the air circulation. In winter, you might use the likes of a heated blanket, or prefer bedding materials which retain heat better, so look for cotton fabrics.
“You may want to add heavy knit-like blankets to keep warm, but as long as the base cover and pillow that will be in contact with your skin is cotton and fragrance-free you should maintain healthy skin.”
For more information about Time4Sleep, visit: https://www.time4sleep.co.uk/
