One simple part of almost everybody's sleep routine could in fact be ageing you decades overnight, and one TikTok reveals what you can do to avoid this potentially worrying trend.
Sleep is one of the most important part of everyone's day, as it ensures that you're properly restored and ready for the day ahead.
Experts have revealed the risks with using your phone in bed, and napping at the wrong time of day could have life-threatening consequences, but there might be one key factor that you've not yet considered.
Skincare routines are something that many people do right before hitting the hay, and it often involves using expensive products that help restore your visage and prevent the negative effects of aging.
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That could all be going to waste according to one TikTok though, as your pillowcase could be harming your skin and ageing it decades every single night without you even knowing.
How does your pillowcase age your skin?
As reported by the Independent, a TikTok shared by user @meetargie reveals that using a cotton pillowcase can be harmful to your skin and complexion, despite the benefits it can bring to your sleep.
Cotton is by far the most used material for pillowcases across the world, and there's a good chance that they're on your bed right now.
Higher quality and more expensive versions are often considered luxury, but you might want to opt for an alternative soon.
"I got called out for using a cotton pillowcase because I didn't know how much bacteria it was haboring, and they were right," the TikTok explains.
"Cotton pillowcases harbor 1,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, and it's these bacterias that contribute to acne breakouts, clogged pores, redness, and irritation."
You certainly wouldn't think to sleep on a toilet seat, but the moisture and bacteria absorbing properties of a cotton pillowcase might actually be worse for your skin in the long term.
This can be especially useful if you have acne, as many have experienced improvements in the health of their skin when switching out their pillowcases more often or opting for alternatives.
What are good alternatives to cotton pillowcases?
From the perspective of skin health and appearance the most popular recommendation is that you opt for a silk or satin pillowcase, as the softer and smoother surface is allegedly better for avoiding wrinkles and lines on your face.
Pillowcases with greater friction - which is what you'd typically find with cotton - are also more likely to spread bacteria and aggravate your skin as you sleep, so opting for a silk or satin alternative has been shown to provide results for some.
Silk pillowcases can tend to be on the more expensive side of things as it's generally a pricier material, but satin can provide a nice middle ground that's cheaper and holds many of the same benefits.