Is your sleep mask wreaking havoc on your complexion?

Discover a dermatologist’s top tips on how to clean an eye mask to prevent breakouts and skin irritation.

Theres truly only one downside.

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(Compared to all the high-cost sleep tech, its also one of the most affordable.)

This is especially great for light sleepers.

With all this good, can sleep masksdamageeyes?

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board-certified dermatologist atMedical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgeryin New York

(Hygienic sleep accessories for the win!)

That goes for all varieties.

Thats why cleaning eye masks often is a must.

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Theres also cotton, memory foam, satin, and silkthe latter of which is her top pick.

This minimizes the potential for sweat build-up, she says.

Bamboo is a great pick, which has naturaltemperature-regulatingand moisture-wicking properties.

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Of course, everyones skin needs are different, so how often to wash a sleep eye mask varies.

To save you time (and water!

Even though you might have to do a little extra laundry, itll be more than worth it.

Black hair woman wearing a grey and white bra giving herself a deep cleansing session with a face brush and Gatineau skincare face wash lotion, after her shower. Studio skincare portrait over isolated background.

board-certified dermatologist atMedical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgeryin New York

By using an eye mask, youll sleep better at night and feel more energized during the day.

Cleaning eye masks, step by step

1.

Check the care instructions

Before you do anything, be sure to read the eye mask fabric care instructions.

A curvy woman applying cleansing balms and smiling to her reflection in the mirror.

For example, most memory foam eye masks cant be washed, periodonly spot cleaned.

Fill the sink with soapy, lukewarm water

To prepare for hand-washing, fill your sink with lukewarm water.

Swish the water around to create a soapy solution

3.

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A key aspect of eye mask fabric care is to avoid wringing the material.

Improper sleep mask maintenance can damage the eye mask or cause it to lose its shape.

Allow the eye mask to air-dry

Set your eye mask flat on a clean, dry towel to dry.

Place a second towel on top of it and gently press down to absorb any excess water.

Once its completely dry, its ready to use.

Or, store it in a clean and dry environment for later.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my sleep mask?

Sleep mask maintenance is key for good skin health.

So how often do you wash a sleep eye mask?

With that being said, those with extra sensitive skin may need to wash their eye mask more frequently.

Can sleep masks harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly?

Yes, sleep masks can harbor bacteria that can lead to irritation, breakouts, or other skin-related issues.

Thats why its crucial to learn how to wash a sleep eye mask properly.

How does cleaning a sleep mask improve sleep hygiene?

Are all sleep masks machine washable?

No, not all sleep masks are machine-washable.

The same goes for memory foam.

Or maybe youre learning how to wash a silk eye mask where hand-washing is preferred.

What is the best method to wash a sleep mask?

When youre sanitizing sleep gear, choose to hand-wash with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.

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