08/18/2026
🧼 Your skincare routine doesn’t stop at your skincare products.
You can invest in great products, get regular facials, and cleanse your skin faithfully—but what’s touching your skin every day matters, too. Think about it: your pillowcase, sheets, bath towels, workout clothes, sports bras, phone—and your hands are repeatedly coming into contact with your face, back and chest.
And yes, there’s actual science behind paying attention to these things. 🔬✨
One household study found MRSA on bed linens in 18% of the homes studied and on bathroom hand towels in 15%. Important context: these were households with a child who had a recent or active MRSA infection, so those percentages should not be interpreted as what you'd find in the average home. But the study does demonstrate how bacteria can make their way onto the fabrics and surfaces we use every day.
Another household study found that sharing a bath towel was significantly associated with increased transmission of Staphylococcus aureus—another good reason to keep your towel YOUR towel. 😉
And then there’s sweat.
Sweat itself isn't necessarily the enemy. But sweat + oil + bacteria + friction + tight clothing can create an environment that aggravates acne-prone skin. Dermatologists even have a name for breakouts caused by heat, sweat, pressure and friction: acne mechanica.
A few skin-smart habits I recommend:
🛏 Wash your sheets about once a week.
🌙 Change pillowcases 1–2 times per week—more often if you're oily, acne-prone or use a lot of hair products.
🧺 Don't share bath or face towels.
🫧 Use a fresh face towel/washcloth each time.
🏋️ Change out of sweaty workout clothes ASAP.
🚿 Shower after heavy sweating or exercise.
🌙 Never skip your nighttime cleanse. If you wear makeup and/or sunscreen, I recommend a double cleanse.
📱 Regularly clean your phone and other things that frequently touch your face.
✋ And one of the hardest ones: stop touching and picking your face! Our hands pick up oils, dirt and microbes from everything we touch.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends gently washing acne-prone skin up to twice daily and after sweating and using a clean towel to gently pat sweat rather than rubbing your skin.
Your skin doesn't live in a bubble. What touches it matters. It is your first defense against disease and infection.
Healthy habits + consistency + good skincare = happier skin. 💕
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