Do you suffer from sensitive skin or allergies? If so, you're not alone. Many people experience skin reactions such as stinging, burning, itchiness, redness or tightness when exposed to skincare or household products.
In this post, we will answer some of the most common questions that people have about sensitive skin and allergies and talk about how changing your bed sheets to luxurious bamboo sheets can be beneficial.
Common questions you may have about sensitive skin and allergies
Below, we answer some of the most common questions on sensitive skin and allergies.
What is sensitive skin?
Skin sensitivity is a common problem that many people experience. It is characterised by skin reactions such as stinging, burning, itchiness, redness or tightness due to exposure to certain skincare or household products. Dermatologists diagnose sensitive skin by looking for specific signs, such as pustules, skin bumps, skin erosion, very dry skin that fails to protect nerve endings in the skin and a tendency towards blushing and skin flushing.
How to determine if I have sensitive skin?
The best way to determine if you have sensitive skin or if something else is causing your skin condition is to consult a dermatologist. This is especially important if you find yourself experiencing symptoms of sensitive skin or allergic skin reactions such as itching, dryness or redness.
What causes allergic reactions and sensitive skin?
Causes of sensitive skin reactions can include skin disorders or allergic skin reactions — such as eczema, rosacea or allergic contact dermatitis — overly dry or injured skin that no longer protects nerve endings and excessive exposure to skin-damaging environmental factors such as sun, wind and excessive heat or cold.
Genetic factors, age, gender and race differences in skin sensitivity may also contribute to skin reactions, but these are less well-defined.
What tests are there for sensitive skin and allergies?
Medical tests for sensitive skin are limited to patch testing, which can identify signs of allergies that may be causing or contributing to sensitive skin.
Can you get sensitive skin and allergic reactions from your bedroom?
Many people can experience allergic reactions to their own bedrooms. This is due to the dust mites that live in layers of dust and in the furnishings in your house. Even with regular vacuuming, cleaning of air conditioning filters and changing sheets, dust mites can still find a foothold in mattresses and pillows.
Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that thrive in areas with moderate to high humidity. They feed on human skin cells, so high-traffic areas such as beds and sofas make for a cosy home. Dust mites can cause various symptoms such as congested nasal passages, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, sore throat, cough and skin irritation, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory health issues.
Sensitive skin is a very common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. Apart from seeing a dermatologist, it can also be helpful to assess whether your bed might be causing an unwanted reaction. Consider swapping your old linens with bamboo sheets — they can be incredibly beneficial for those with sensitive skin and allergies.
What you need to know about bamboo sheets
Bamboo sheets that are labelled as "bamboo" are often made of rayon, lyocell or modal fabric that is derived from bamboo fibres. These sheets share similarities with cotton in terms of their softness, breathability and durability.
The fast-growing nature of bamboo and its ability to thrive without the need for pesticides, fertilisers or irrigation make bamboo sheets a popular choice for those seeking sustainable bedding options. This also gives bamboo sheets a slew of skin benefits and makes sleeping a more comfortable experience.
For eco-conscious shoppers, bamboo linen or bast bamboo fibre may be a preferable choice. Bamboo bed sheets undergo a chemical-free mechanical process, which can greatly benefit those using them who might have sensitive skin and allergies.
When it comes to bamboo sheets, the materials used are not the only factor that distinguishes one set from another. The weave of the sheets also affects their texture and performance. The three most commonly used weaves in bamboo sheets are percale, sateen and twill.
- Percale weave uses a one-thread over and one-thread under pattern, creating a lightweight fabric with a matte finish that is crisp and breathable. This makes it a popular choice for hot sleepers.
- Sateen weave has one thread under and three to four threads over, producing a silky feel and a lustrous sheen. It also resists wrinkles and drapes well over the bed.
- Twill weave has diagonal parallel ribs, similar to denim. It is a durable weave that adds a stylish texture to the fabric.
Overall, bamboo sheets offer a sustainable and comfortable bedding option. The chemical-free manufacturing process of bamboo sheets gives those using them a handful of skin benefits.
How bamboo bed sheets benefit those with allergies and sensitive skin
Aside from being an eco-friendly, sustainable choice, bamboo bed sheets come with allergies benefits. They are naturally hypoallergenic, soothing for sensitive skin and have moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and comfortable all night long.
Let’s take a closer look at the skin benefits of using bamboo sheets:
Naturally anti-bacterial, non-irritating and non-allergenic
Bamboo fibre is naturally anti-bacterial, which can help keep bacteria off your skin while you sleep. This can protect the skin from breakouts caused by microorganisms, such as acne. Bamboo bed sheets are also non-irritating and non-allergenic, which benefits those who have allergies. Parents can feel confident tucking their babies in bamboo sheets as well.
Luxurious feel
There are a lot of skin benefits using bamboo sheets, one of which is that it includes an anti-static effect that provides a luxurious feeling on the skin. In addition, this causes less friction, which makes bamboo sheets better suited for sensitive skin. If you want to bring a five-star experience to your own bedroom, it’ll do you well to get indulgent bamboo sheets.
Helps you sleep sweat-free
Bamboo sheets are 3-4 times more absorbent than cotton bedsheets, making them perfect for those who tend to sweat while they sleep at night. The bamboo fabric absorbs sweat from the skin and evaporates it quickly, so “hot” sleepers won't have to worry about the discomfort of soaked bedding.
And because your sheets won’t be soaked with sweat, there’s less chance of pesky bacteria and fungus growing in them. This, in turn, can help prevent pimples and other upsetting skin reactions. With bamboo bedsheets, you are guaranteed quality sleep, better skin and less cranky mornings.
Insulates your skin
People using bamboo sheets can look forward to skin benefits like insulation. Bamboo fibre has the unique ability to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer (though actually, they’re perfect for all four seasons!). Its superior insulation is due to its hollow microfibres. With bamboo bed sheets, your skin won't have to work as hard to keep your body warm or cool while you snooze.
Soothes skin conditions
The silky smooth texture of bamboo fibre can help soothe pre-existing skin conditions like eczema and sunburn. Those with allergies benefit from using bamboo sheets as it doesn’t irritate the skin as much as synthetic fibre sheets.
The skin benefits of bamboo sheets aren’t just limited to those with sensitive skin and allergies. The skin repairs and renews itself as you sleep at night, and with bamboo bed sheets helping you to achieve better quality sleep, you can look forward to having healthier skin.
Check out Super Sleeper Pro for luxurious and high-quality bamboo sheets
Experience the skin benefits of bamboo sheets with Super Sleeper Pro’s superior range of luxurious bamboo bed sheets. Our bed sheet selection carries a wide variety of sleep essentials that will transform your sleep experience.
Our products are carefully crafted with long-lasting materials that provide you with the support you need to sleep like a baby and wake up feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the day. We take pride in our quality materials and streamlined shopping experience, including a money-back guarantee and swift, careful shipping.
Check out our Sleep Research blog for more sleep tips and tricks and contact us if you have any questions about our products. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to better rest with Super Sleeper Pro!