\t\tWhat Causes Yellow Pillow Stains?\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cSweat, natural skin oils, saliva, dead skin cells, and moisture from wet hair gradually soak through the pillowcase and into the pillow, creating that familiar yellow discoloration over time,\u201d board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shamsa Kanwal told Tom\u2019s Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t \tRelated story<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tTeen Screen Time Spikes in Summer. Here’s How to Bring It Down in Time for School\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t<\/a><\/p>\n \n\tSweat and sebum (your skin\u2019s natural oils) oxidize when exposed to air, which contributes to yellowing. If you tend to get hot while you sleep<\/a>, the extra sweat can make stains worse. Face creams, makeup, and leave-in conditioners can also leave residue, so a freshly washed pillowcase won\u2019t necessarily keep everything from reaching the pillow itself.<\/p>\n \n\tAs for how much moisture we lose overnight, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon Dr. Shawn Nasseri told The Healthy<\/a> that we lose an estimated half a liter to a liter of water during eight hours of sleep, roughly one to two U.S. pints, through breathing and perspiration. The amount varies depending on factors like body size, metabolism, and room temperature.<\/p>\n \t\tCan Your Pillow Affect Your Skin and Allergies?\t<\/p>\n \n\tYour leave-in conditioner could be doing more than staining the fabric. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)<\/a>, oils in some conditioners and styling creams can clog pores and cause breakouts along the hairline, forehead, and neck. That residue can stick to bedding, too. When a hair-care formula is causing acne<\/a>, the AAD recommends washing pillowcases and sheets and discontinuing the formula.<\/p>\n \n\tIf you have eczema, the balance of bacteria on your skin can affect your symptoms. Research reviewed by the National Eczema Association<\/a> found that higher levels of Staphylococcus aureus, a type of staph bacteria, were associated with more severe flares. That doesn\u2019t mean a yellow pillow is to blame, but it helps explain why bacteria are part of the conversation about eczema.<\/p>\n \n\tAllergies are another reason to look after the pillow underneath the case. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid bedding, and their allergens can trigger sneezing, congestion, and asthma symptoms. If you\u2019re allergic to dust mites, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology<\/a> advises washing bedding weekly and using dust-mite-proof pillow covers. Look for that specific protection if you have a dust mite allergy; a standard washable protector isn\u2019t necessarily allergen-proof.<\/p>\n \t\tHow to Keep Your Pillow Cleaner\t<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cI would wash pillowcases at least once a week, and more often if you sweat heavily, have oily or acne-prone skin, or use a lot of hair and skincare products,\u201d Kanwal said. Let your skin, sweat, and bedtime routine guide whether you need to change it sooner.<\/p>\n \n\tShe also recommends a washable pillow protector to help keep moisture and residue from reaching the filling. For skincare, she advises applying it at least an hour before bed.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cProducts that have not fully absorbed before bed can transfer onto the pillowcase and eventually seep into the pillow,\u201d Kanwal said. If moisturizer is usually your last step before climbing into bed, try applying it earlier in the evening.<\/p>\n \n\tLet your hair dry before bed when possible, too. Dampness trapped against the pillow can encourage bacterial growth and yellowing. Wash the pillow itself according to its care label \u2014 some can go in the machine, while others need spot-cleaning. Make sure it\u2019s dry throughout before putting the case back on.<\/p>\n \t\tWhen Should You Replace Your Pillows?\t<\/p>\n![\"Teen](\"https:\/\/www.sheknows.com\/wp-content\/themes\/vip\/pmc-sheknows-2020\/assets\/public\/lazyload-fallback.gif\")
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