5 Types of Fabric That Worsen Acne-Prone Skin

When selecting your OOTD, you can easily get caught up in how stylish your top will look with your new jeans. But it's also important to consider how your clothing will affect your skin. Certain types of fabric can worsen conditions like body acne, rashes, and other skin irritations. Here are five materials to avoid so you can confidently wear your outfits without worrying about breakouts.

Excited for sweater weather? Before you break out your favorite wool garment, consider this: wool is a common culprit of skin irritation and can worsen issues like bacne. It may also trigger eczema flare-ups or cause general skin itchiness. Opt for a softer alternative, such as merino wool, which is gentler on the skin. And remember, if it itches, don't hesitate to ditch it!

Bamboo is another natural fabric that can spell trouble for your skin. While clothing made from bamboo may feel silky-soft, this grass, in its natural state, is actually stiff and rough. To transform bamboo into a softer fabric, the process involves using chemicals such as carbon disulfide, sodium hydroxide, and sulfuric acid to create rayon fiber.

Don't let your skin get bamboozled! Opt for fabrics made from 100% cotton without added synthetic materials, which can trap heat and exacerbate acne. Choosing breathable fabrics will help prevent excess sweat and oil production, leading to fewer breakouts.

Synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic, rayon, acetate, nylon, and polyester, are treated with thousands of toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the skin. A study on the health risks of substances found that polyester had the highest concentration of harmful substances.

Polyester and nylon are commonly used in workout clothes due to their quick-drying properties. However, your athleisure attire’s water-resistant advantage comes at a cost. These fabrics lack breathability, trapping heat, odor, and acne-causing bacteria against the skin. When working out, it's important to wear cool, breathable clothes that minimize friction on the skin.

Ensure that your gym bag includes cotton T-shirts and post-workout essentials like Eskinol Pimple Relief Facial Wash, infused with cica from Korea and green tea extracts to soothe and cleanse acne-prone skin. After cleansing, apply Eskinol Pimple Relief Serum to help fade pimple marks and brighten skin, giving you confidence in your healthy, glowing skin all day in any outfit.

Types of fabric that are wrinkle-free, even those made from natural materials, can also be problematic for acne-prone skin. They get their crease-free properties from formaldehyde, a harmful chemical that can cause dryness and disrupt the skin's protective barrier.

If you're struggling to find time to iron your work shirts, consider switching to steaming your clothes instead. Wrinkle-free fabrics may not be compatible with your skin, so one more chore on your list may not be so bad compared to exposing your skin to chemicals.

Scoring a designer piece at your local ukay-ukay can be an exciting experience but consider how vintage fabrics might affect your skin. Any fabric that has not been thoroughly cleaned or stored can harbor dust and other skin irritants that may trigger a flare-up.

To avoid aggravating your acne, thoroughly disinfect any used clothing before letting it touch your skin. While your vintage Chanel may give off Grace Kelly vibes, it’s not worth it if it makes your breakouts worse.

Now that you know which types of fabric to avoid, it's time to talk about what you can wear. Skin-saving fabrics such as organic cotton, cashmere, hemp, and linen are gentle on the skin, as they are breathable and have excellent moisture-wicking properties. Most of these fabrics are naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic, making them a safe choice for those with sensitive skin.

While there is no definitive evidence that silk can banish breakouts, it can help repel live allergens such as dust and pollen that may worsen acne. Thanks to its tightly woven fibers, silk also retains your skin's natural moisture and reduces friction on the skin. Additionally, it's thermoregulating, making it the perfect wardrobe staple for summer and the cooler Ber months.

Several factors may contribute to the worsening of acne. These include hormone fluctuations, stress, and your skincare routine (or lack thereof). The types of fabric you wear can also contribute to your condition. Being aware of the side effects of certain textiles will help you make better fashion choices that go beyond following the latest trends. You’ll not only slay but also keep acne at bay.