The 6 Best Fabrics for Acne-Prone Skin, From Cotton to Tencel

But wait — why do fabrics matter when it comes to your skin? Isn’t acne prevention about washing your face and keeping your pores clean? Yes, but the fabrics you encounter on a daily basis matter too. Your skin is constantly in contact with fabric, from the clothes you wear to the sheets you sleep on, and that fabric could be trapping sweat or bacteria, which can then turn into acne. So, yes, there is such a thing as the best fabrics for acne-prone skin, and we’re here to break them all down for you.

• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut

“Fabrics can soothe or sabotage your skin,” Dr. Gohara tells Teen Vogue. “Some materials trap sweat, oil, and bacteria or create friction that leads to irritation and breakouts, while others let your skin breathe and recover.”

Take, for example, your pillowcase — it’s absorbing oil and dead skin from your face, leftover makeup or sunscreen, hair products, and sweat, and you’re exposing your face to that night after night.

In fact, you could be exposing your skin to acne-causing bacteria without even knowing it. Dr. Gohara says the back, chest, shoulders, thighs, butt, and face most frequently come in contact with fabric; even the smallest parts of your clothing or bedding can cause acne. “Straps, seams, waistbands, pillowcases, and even headbands can rub or trap sweat in those high-friction zones, increasing the likelihood of irritation or breakouts,” she elaborates.

And it’s not just about your clothes — how you care for them matters too. Your laundry habits can make a major difference in keeping your skin clean, and this can impact a lot more than your bedsheets and towels. Dr. Gohara says that if you’re noticing breakouts along your hairline or temples, your headband or hat could be the culprit. Try washing them more frequently to see if it helps. If you have sensitive skin, stay away from heavily scented detergents and opt for fragrance-free alternatives instead. Furthermore, towels and bedding should be washed in hot water to kill acne-causing bacteria.

Whether you’re dealing with zits on your back, shoulders, and butt, recurring breakouts on your forehead, or a little bit of everything, focusing on breathability, using fabrics made of natural materials (and washing them frequently) can be a game-changer for clearer skin. Ahead, learn more about the six best fabrics for acne-prone skin.

You know how your favorite old cotton T-shirt always makes you feel happy and comfortable, or just good? There’s a reason for that. Cotton is a natural fiber that is versatile and breathable, making it a daily essential for everyone, especially for acne-prone people. One hundred percent cotton sheets and towels are a good place to start revamping your bathroom and bedroom, as are cotton denim, cotton T-shirts and dresses, and cotton underwear and bras or bralettes.

If you use a cotton terry towel, make sure you’re hanging it correctly so it dries fully, not leaving it in a pile on the floor; that’s a guaranteed bacteria breeding ground. In addition, ensure you’re using clean towels and washcloths whenever possible and washing them in hot water.

Your activewear of choice may also be at fault. Dr. Gohara recommends choosing fabrics like cotton or bamboo whenever possible, including at the gym. “You may notice more breakouts around areas where fabric rubs and traps moisture, like under a sports bra, especially those with wide, compressive straps,” she says.

A bra with thinner straps may reduce friction, and swapping your athletic-material tops for a cotton tank or T-shirt is a more breathable option. If you typically skip underwear with leggings or yoga pants, Dr. Gohara says that combination of sweat and friction is “a recipe for buttne.” If you’re noticing more bumps on your butt, it might be a good idea to wear cotton underwear with your workout gear or swap your spandex leggings for cotton. Let your workout clothes dry fully if you’re planning to wear them again; toss them in the wash if not.

When it’s time to wash and dry your face, Dr. Gohara suggests muslin, a breezy cotton fabric often used for lightweight summer tops and dresses or baby blankets and wraps.

“Towels and washcloths can support your skin care routine — or undo it,” she says. “If they’re rough, not washed frequently, or shared, they can irritate skin and spread bacteria.” She recommends keeping a stack of muslin or baby washcloths, which are made with ultra-soft cotton terry, in your bathroom and using a fresh one each day. “Always pat dry — never rub — and make sure they’re soft and clean.”

Clean is the key word here, especially with the towel you use to dry your face. “Drying your face with a used towel is like using a gym sock — don’t do it!” says Dr. Gohara. After all, you’ve just cleansed your face of dirt, makeup, and debris, so why would you re-expose your clean skin to oil and bacteria? A clean, dry towel is always best.

Bamboo fabric, which is made from the pulp of the bamboo plant, is a popular choice for bedding because it’s extremely soft, lightweight, and breathable — ideal for summer, especially if you don’t have air conditioning.

“Bamboo fibers are naturally smooth and round, which makes them incredibly gentle on the skin,” says Dr. Gohara. “This smoothness reduces friction, helping to prevent irritation, especially for those with sensitive or easily inflamed skin, like acne.” Bamboo also has moisture-wicking properties, so it can pull sweat away from the skin.

You spend a lot of time in bed. Sleep is essential for your brain, body, and skin, but your pillowcase could be contributing to your acne in a major way. Swapping out your usual cotton or poly blend pillowcase for a silk — not satin — version can be beneficial for your face and your hair.

“Silk is smoother and less absorbent than cotton, so it creates less friction and doesn’t soak up skincare products or oil as easily, making it great for acne-prone or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Gohara.

Silk is more expensive than satin, but it’s worth the splurge if you can swing it. “Cotton can still work well, but it holds onto more oil and bacteria, especially if not washed often,” Dr. Gohara explains. She recommends flipping your pillow to the “clean” side mid-week and washing it at least once or twice a week.

Do you sleep in a sleep mask to block out excess light? The same rules apply; cotton or silk is better for your skin than polyester-based satin. Wash your mask frequently, whether by hand or in the washing machine, and let it air dry.

Another natural fiber, linen is great for the summertime because it’s lightweight and so breathable. Linen tops, pants, and dresses “float” away from the body and wick away sweat and moisture, so they’re a great option for sticky, sweaty days — especially if you’re prone to body acne! Some people like linen sheets, though others find them a bit too “natural”-feeling. (Linen can feel scratchy at first, but it does soften up over time.)

Tencel, a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp, is also known as lyocell and is soft, comfortable, and durable. It’s becoming more and more popular for both clothing and home goods, including bedding, as it feels silky and cooling. “Like bamboo, Tencel’s fibers are also round and uniform, which minimizes skin friction and makes it ideal for reactive or breakout-prone skin,” explains Dr. Gohara. “It's naturally breathable and regulates temperature well, helping to reduce sweating and clogged pores.”