10 Reasons To Choose Cotton Sheets for Sensitive Skin
Looking for the best sheets for sensitive skin? Discover why cotton is one of the best options.
There's nothing worse than dry, itchy or irritated skin when you're trying to sleep. Whether your skin is particularly sensitive or tends to flare up when seasons change, there’s no denying it can be an uncomfortable experience.
When it comes to looking after sensitive skin, the right set of bed sheets is as important as your skincare favourites.
Still not convinced? Read on for ten reasons why soft, cooling cotton sheets could be part of your skincare routine.
1. Smooth feel
High-quality cotton sheets can feel smooth and soft right from the first use. This sets them apart from sheets made from other materials which can be a little more textured, or take some time to soften. The smooth feel of cotton helps to prevent irritation to sensitive or inflamed skin.
2. Breathability
Cotton is a naturally breathable fabric that circulates air and regulates your body temperature while you sleep. Cotton's breathability also prevents overheating and excessive sweating, both of which can cause irritation and skin chafing.
3. Easy to wash
High-quality cotton sheets are easy to care for, and can be washed regularly without getting damaged thanks to the fabric's durability. This is especially beneficial for people who experience night sweats and may need to wash their sheets more often to keep them clean and free of allergens like mildew and dust mites.
4. Sleek texture
Percale is a type of cotton fabric that has a sleek texture that minimises friction against the skin. This is thanks to percale’s tight, criss-cross weave, which gives it a uniform texture and smooth, matte finish. This smooth, sleek texture makes percale sheets great for people with dry or irritated skin.
5. Hypoallergenic
Organic materials like cotton and linen are naturally hypoallergenic. Cotton sheets are less likely to trigger allergic reactions or irritate sensitive skin than their synthetic counterparts.
6. Can keep dust mites out
Tightly woven cotton fabrics, like percale, can help prevent dust mites from making a home in your bed sheets by providing a physical barrier. While this can't completely prevent dust mites it can help to reduce the allergens they produce, which are known to inflame skin and cause irritation.
7. Moisture-wicking
Cotton's moisture-wicking properties make it a great fabric for sensitive skin. Cotton sheets reduce skin irritation and friction from sweat by absorbing perspiration from the skin and helping it to evaporate into the air while you sleep. Cotton’s moisture-wicking properties not only reduces irritation from friction, but also helps to prevent dust mites which need constant humidity and moisture to survive.
8. Affordability
Cotton sheets are often more affordable than other natural materials, and as gentle bedding, can have a significant positive impact on your sleep – a crucial part of overall good health. This makes cotton sheets an excellent practical choice that's good for your skin and your wallet.
9. Aesthetic
High-quality cotton sheets don't just feel great on the skin, but they also contribute to a sleek, polished look for your bed. Think hotel-style bedding complete with crisp corners and neat lines.
10. Cool to touch
Percale cotton sheets are cool to the touch thanks to the fabric’s smooth, matte finish. This makes percale cotton excellent for sleeping comfortably during the warmer months. Percale sheets are also suitable for sensitive or inflamed skin, as their smooth, cooling texture helps to prevent friction and further irritation.
Things to look out for
While cotton sheets are a great choice for sensitive skin, not all cotton is equally gentle or hypoallergenic. For the best results, opt for organic cotton.
Conventionally-produced cotton sheets may carry trace amounts of pesticides and chemicals, or dyes made from harsh compounds which can irritate the skin and trigger allergic reactions. Organic cotton bedding avoids this problem by avoiding the use of such chemicals.
Other tips & tricks
There's plenty you can do to make sure your cotton sheets are friendly to sensitive skin.
Here are a few tips and tricks:
- Wash your cotton sheets before first use: This helps to remove potential residues from the production process as well as any dust or irritants from packing, storage and transport.
- Wash your sheets regularly: Regular washing helps to prevent the growth of mildew in your sheets, kills dust mites and gets rid of allergens that naturally accumulate with use.
- Always choose OEKO-TEX and GOTs certified sheets: Organic certifications like OEKO-TEX and GOTs ensure that your cotton sheets are organic and free of harsh chemicals.
- Get the right size sheets for your bed: Picking the right size sheets for your bed is a must for comfort. Too small and sensitive skin may be exposed to thicker or rougher bedding items like blankets. Too large and the sheets may uncomfortably bunch up, reducing their breathability and creating friction.
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