As a general rule, it’s best to change your pillowcases:
*Once a week** (ideal for most people)
*Every 3–4 days** if you have oily skin, acne, or sweat a lot
*Every 2–3 days** if you suffer from allergies (dust mites, hay fever, asthma triggers)
Even though it might feel like “just a pillowcase”, it’s one of the most used textiles in your home — your face and hair rest on it for hours every night.
Why You Should Change Your Pillowcases Regularly
Over time, pillowcases collect:
- natural oils (sebum)
- sweat
- dead skin cells
- hair products (leave-in conditioner, sprays, oils)
- bacteria and allergens
If you leave pillowcases too long between washes, it can lead to:
❌ breakouts and clogged pores
❌ itchy or irritated skin
❌ unpleasant odours
❌ increased allergy symptoms (especially in warmer months)
For general hygiene advice, the NHS highlights the importance of keeping personal fabrics clean as part of a healthy routine:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-keep-clean/
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How Often to Change Pillowcases for Acne-Prone Skin
If you’re prone to spots or breakouts, your pillowcase can play a bigger role than you think.
**Best routine for acne-prone skin:**
⭐ **Every 3 days** (or even every 2 days during flare-ups)
Because your face sits directly on the fabric, any build-up of oil, sweat, and bacteria can transfer back onto your skin.
Tip: If you’re trying to improve your skincare results, changing your pillowcase more frequently is one of the easiest upgrades.
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How Often to Change Pillowcases If You Have Allergies
If you struggle with allergies, pillowcases should be changed more often.
**Best routine for allergy sufferers:**
⭐ **Every 2–3 days**
Dust mites and allergens can build up in bedding and may trigger symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or watery eyes.
A helpful UK resource on dust mite allergies is Asthma + Lung UK:
https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/house-dust-mite-allergy
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What’s the Best Fabric for Pillowcases?
Choosing the right fabric matters just as much as how often you wash it.
100% Cotton Pillowcases (Best All-Round Choice)
For everyday comfort and breathability, **100% cotton** is one of the best options. It’s:
- naturally breathable
- comfortable year-round
- gentle on the skin
- easy to wash and care for
If you’re looking for premium cotton pillowcases that feel soft and look timeless, explore Limasso’s collection here:
https://limasso.co.uk/collections/pillow-case
How Often Should You Wash the Rest of Your Bedding?
Pillowcases tend to need the most frequent washing, but the rest of your bedding also matters.
If you want a full routine, you may find this guide helpful:
https://limasso.co.uk/blogs/news/how-often-should-you-wash-sheets
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Quick Checklist: When You Should Change Pillowcases More Often
You should change your pillowcases more frequently if:
- you sweat a lot at night
- you sleep with wet hair
- you use hair oils or styling products
- you have acne-prone or sensitive skin
- you have pets that sleep on your bed
- you suffer from allergies
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Final Answer: How Often Should You Change Your Pillowcases?
To keep things simple:
⭐ **Once a week** is ideal for most people
⭐ **Every 3–4 days** for acne-prone or oily skin
⭐ **Every 2–3 days** for allergies or sensitive skin
It’s a small change, but it can make your bed feel fresher, cleaner, and more comfortable — night after night.
If you’d like to refresh your bedding, you can browse our 100% cotton pillowcases here:
https://limasso.co.uk/collections/pillow-case
