Can sleeping on your stomach cause acne?
If you’re prone to outbreaks of acne, it’s important to consider the impact of your sleeping position. Many people are curious if their preferred sleeping position is causing the acne they are suffering from. One position that is thought to be particularly bad for those with acne is sleeping on one’s stomach.
What is the Connection Between Sleeping on Your Stomach and Acne?
Some people may claim that there is no direct connection between acne and sleeping on one’s stomach, but there has been research that suggests otherwise. Studies indicate that when a person sleeps in a stomach-down position, the pressure applied to the face irritates the skin, which can in turn lead to breakouts or cause existing acne to worsen. It has also been suggested that sleeping in this position may block oxygen flow and cause an increase in sebum production, which can cause clogged pores.
What Are the Benefits of Sleeping on Your Back?
While sleeping on your back is not always the most comfortable option, it does have several benefits for preventing and treating acne. For starters, the pressure of your body weight will be evenly distributed when lying in this position, instead of one certain area carrying the brunt like when sleeping on your stomach. Furthermore, when lying flat on your back, your face will also not be in contact with your pillow, eliminating any potential friction or irritation from fabric on your skin.
How Does Sleeping Position Affect Acne?
The way a person sleeps can impact the severity of their acne. Some of the factors that play into this include whether or not the pillowcase is clean and free of dirt and particles, how much time is spent with your face in contact with the pillow during sleep, and even the humidity or changes in temperature of the room while sleeping. As previously mentioned, sleeping on one’s stomach can also play a role – by pressing down on the skin with one’s weight, it can create friction or cut off circulation, both of which can result in breakouts.
What Causes Acne in the First Place?
While external factors (like the ones mentioned above) can certainly aggravate acne symptoms, it’s important to keep in mind that there are a variety of underlying causes for the condition. Excess oil production, genetic predisposition, and even hormonal changes can all be contributing factors. If you’re looking to reduce your likelihood of experiencing breakouts, it’s important to identify some of these underlying causes and address them accordingly – through skincare products or diet, for example.
How Can You Avoid Acne While Sleeping on Your Stomach?
If you’re someone who prefers sleeping on their stomach, there are still ways to take care of your acne while in this position. First off, make sure you’re changing your pillowcase regularly and opting for breathable fabrics such as cotton. Additionally, make sure to elevate your head slightly – this will reduce pressure on your skin and provide more oxygen circulation. Finally, keep in mind that regularly washing your face before going to bed is extremely important in order to remove any dirt or bacteria that might be causing further irritation.
Tips for Changing Your Sleeping Position
Changing your sleeping position can take some getting used to, and it isn’t always easy to switch from a position you’ve been using for years. To make the transition a little easier, try sleeping with a pillow between your knees to reduce strain on your lower back. If you feel comfortable using props, you can use pillows to gently ease yourself into sleeping on your back – simply place a pillow beneath your knees and hips to support them.
Is There Any Evidence to Suggest That Sleeping on Your Stomach Causes Acne?
The research is mixed on this particular issue. Some studies have suggested that sleeping in this position can have an adverse effect on acne symptoms – mainly due to the pressure posed on skin when lying stomach-down – while others have not. Without conclusive evidence either way, this issue remains somewhat contentious.
Does Sleeping on Your Side Have Any Impact on Acne?
Sleeping on one’s side is generally considered less harmful than sleeping on your stomach when it comes to acne. This is because side-sleepers often find themselves with their face and torso tilted up slightly – helping to reduce pressure and irritation caused when lying face-down. However, it’s still important to change your pillowcase regularly and wash your face before bed.
Are There Other Ways to Reduce Acne Symptoms?
There are several other things you can do in order to reduce acne symptoms – some of which are related to sleeping habits such as regularly changing your pillowcase and washing your face prior to bedtime. However, making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and reducing stress levels can also have a positive impact on acne levels.
Ultimately, sleeping on one’s stomach can have an effect on acne – but it isn’t the only contributing factor. By paying attention to other lifestyle habits, such as diet and keeping pillowcases clean, you will likely be able to reduce your odds of experiencing breakouts. As always, consult with a dermatologist if you believe you’re suffering from acne due to any particular cause.
