The Skincare Secret That’s Been Hiding in Your Linen Closet

Waking up with linen lines imprinted on your face is no fun, but it’s hard to resist the urge to snuggle into a soft, cozy pillow at night. Especially since you’re, you know, asleep. But sleep-you doesn’t necessarily know what’s best, which is why she needs awake-you to be the voice of reason. And for both your sakes, it’s time to pull out those satin pillowcases you stuffed inside the closet long ago.

Here’s the deal: while classic cotton makes great workout gear and bath towels, it’s not the best material when it comes to pillowcases. In fact, the reason it makes such a great fabric for the gym or bathroom turns out to be the reason it’s not suitable for your bedroom at night — it actually wicks moisture away from your hair and face. What does that mean for you? Dehydrated hair tends to be coarse and brittle, and dry skin can lead to premature fine lines.

Cotton pillowcases can also cause acne because they aren’t smooth enough for your face to slide across with no resistance. “For people with acne, friction can be a big deal — it causes lesions to open and spread bacteria to the pillowcase,” Seven Brown, esthetician and owner of Harlem Skin & Laser Clinic, pointed out to the Huffington Post.

Sleep? Good. Acne, wrinkles, and brittle hair? Bad.

Before you resign yourself to a life of adult acne and frizzy hair, though, try this fix: swap your cotton pillowcases for satin ones. “Satin pillowcases help to prevent frizzing and roughing of the cuticle on any hair texture and can help to prolong styles, whether your hair is kinky, curly, wavy or straight,” Hair Rules Salon owner Anthony Dickey told HuffPost. Where your face is concerned, the premise is straight-forward. “As a 16-year licensed esthetician, I have been sharing solutions for acne and aging skin conditions on a regular basis,” beauty guru Lori Crete, president and founder of Spa 10 and host of the Beauty Biz Show, told Apartment Therapy. “I do recommend a satin pillow case as part of a complete home care regimen as they reduce friction that can cause breakouts and increase the signs of aging.”

If you want a less clinical explanation for why you should give your cotton pillowcases the boot, look no further than Kourtney Kardashian. “I always sleep with a satin pillowcase and I have done for like 20 years,” Kardashian told Cosmopolitan UK. “Khloe’s Godmother, who passed away a long time ago, used to tell us that we should always sleep with a satin pillowcase as it’s better for your skin and hair, so I have done ever since.” No matter what your personal feelings on the Kardashian clan, you’ve gotta give credit where it’s due — Kourt has a killer complexion.

Even better? You don’t have to spend like a Kardashian to enjoy the same benefits. Satin pillowcases can be purchased for an affordable price these days. Try Amazon, Target, or Bed Bath & Beyond if you don’t already have a set stashed in your linen closet. Your hair and skin will thank you later.