Clean House: The Top 5 Skin Saboteurs Hiding in Your House

You cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize the right way, you avoid harsh formulas like the plague, and you’re not picking at your zits. Your skin care routine is by most accounts unblemished—so it seems, anyway. Not so fast. There’s a chance that all of your skin care efforts are in vain, and your complexion is suffering in secret. Below, board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com expert, Dr. Dendy Engelman weighs in on five everyday items in your house that may be wrecking your skin, without you even realizing it.

“Anything that transfers dirt and oil to your skin—like your pillowcase—can lead to acne and skin irritations. This is called acne mechanica, a type of acne that is the result of materials or objects touching your face. When you allow your pillowcase to remain unlaundered, you risk a buildup of hair product residue, dirt, makeup residue, dead skin cells, oil, and anything else from the environment that your skin could have come in contact with to transfer onto your skin,” Engelman explain. She suggests washing your pillowcase every other week or switching pillowcases before going to bed after heavy product use.

“Cell phones can lead to breakouts the same way a dirty pillowcase can. In fact, there might be even more bacteria on your phone since you’re out and about with it all day. Throughout the day, our hands come into contact with so many things—from doors to pens to keyboards—that it’s hard to even keep track. These all have bacteria and can transfer from your hands to your face. So, even though it's difficult, focus on eliminating facial contact with your hands. If possible, clean your phone every evening with an antibacterial wipe,” she says.

Anything that transfers dirt and oil to your skin—like your pillowcase—can lead to acne and skin irritations. This is called acne mechanica, a type of acne that is the result of materials or objects touching your face.

“After you use a makeup brush, it collects oil and dead skin cells. You then leave it out or place it inside your cosmetics case where it can also collect dust, bacteria, and whatever else you just sprayed in the room," Engelman says. "When you use that same brush the next day, you have essentially put all that back on your face and matted it in with foundation/blush/powder. You’ve created an environment for bacteria to fester.” Be sure to clean your makeup brushes and sponges regularly, to keep bacteria at bay. 

Loofahs can be breeding grounds for bacteria, Engelman says. If you use one, be sure to change it often.

“Dirty blankets, sheets, towels, scarves—anything that comes into contact with skin—can lead to breakouts. It’s possible that some people are less prone to breakouts, so washing your sheets can be less regular. Do so anyway since you can prevent other germs from transferring to you.”