If you suffer from acne, especially on your body, it is common to search for the cause of the acne so you can stop your breakouts. If you think you tend to break out more at night, there could be a couple of reasons. Many people wonder whether wearing a shirt helps acne or causes flare-ups.
So, does sleeping without a shirt cause acne?
Sleeping without a shirt does NOT cause acne; in fact, it is quite the opposite. While some people may be uncomfortable sleeping in the nude, sleeping without a shirt gives your skin a chance to breathe and can actually help skin conditions like acne, eczema, and dry skin.
Health Benefits of Sleeping Shirtless
When you sleep without a shirt, you give your skin a break from the irritation of rubbing clothes that it suffers throughout the day. This can be a healthy opportunity for your skin to breathe and for areas like your back, normally covered with clothing, to get much-needed oxygen.
Sleeping naked will also help you better regulate your body temperature. This will reduce sweating at night, so your sheets will stay fresh longer. Sweat can cause bacteria build-up that can clog your pores and cause acne.
Studies have shown that sleeping naked improves circulation, leading to healthier skin.
How to Avoid Acne While Sleeping
If you can’t seem to get your acne under control, certain bad sleeping habits may be the cause of your breakouts. Try changing these behaviors for clearer skin:
Wash Your Sheets Regularly
If you don’t wash your sheets regularly, they can hold bacteria that cause acne. Bacteria build-up is common in regular cotton sheets, which are woven in a way that the fibers can easily trap sweat and bacteria. Experts recommend washing your sheets at least once a week. If you don’t have time to wash all your sheets every week, at least change your pillowcases.
Sleeping on your Back
If your face tends to break out, try sleeping on your back, so your face isn’t buried in a pillow for most of the night. This will allow your pores to stay open and your skin to breathe.
Check Out Our Other Articles on Sleep Detectives:
- Is Sleeping in Your Clothes Bad for You? Here’s Our Recommendation…
- Does Sleeping Without a Shirt Help You Lose Weight?
- Does Sleeping Without a Shirt Cause Acne?
Set Your Thermostat Low
It is best to sleep in a cooler room. If you run hot or sweat when you sleep, your sweat can build up in your sheets, creating bacteria that will clog your pores and lead to angry breakouts. Avoid wearing socks to bed and any other clothing that may cause your body temperature to rise.
Take a Shower Before Bed
Before climbing into bed for the night, take a shower to wash away all the dirt and oils built up on your skin from the day. Getting into a clean bed with clean skin will reduce the risk of bacteria causing breakouts.
Invest in Silk Sheets
Silk sheets and pillowcases are great for your skin. The smooth fabric prevents creasing and wrinkles on your skin and creates less friction than regular cotton sheets. Less friction on sensitive skin will reduce angry breakouts and ease other skin ailments. An added benefit of silk is that it will adjust to the temperature in your room, so you will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
What If I Need to Sleep with a Shirt?
If you can’t get comfortable sleeping naked and need to have a shirt on, there are still ways to avoid acne breakouts. Always put on a clean shirt for bed, DO NOT wear the shirt you have been sweating in all day. Choose a lightweight cotton shirt that will be gentle on your skin. Try to wear a loose-fitting shirt that allows your skin to breathe.
Final Thoughts
Sleeping without a shirt DOES NOT cause acne. Sleeping without clothes is actually very healthy for your skin and can improve several skin conditions like acne and eczema. To avoid breakouts while sleeping, wash your sheets regularly, shower before bed, and if you have to wear a shirt, make sure it is clean and loose-fitting.
