IS YOUR SCARF GIVING YOU SPOTS?

The colder months, shorter days and dry air can wreak havoc on your skin, but there may be another reason you’re experiencing Experiencing breakouts – and many people are unaware of its cause.

Experts warn that your drab scarf may be contributing to spots on your chin, back or chest.

Most people forget to wash the accessory regularly, even if it is worn daily, ie Dirt and grime can build up.

Dr. Merrin Patterson, dermatologist and cosmetic doctor at Woodford Medical, tells Femel that you should wash your scarves as often as you wash your clothes to prevent breakouts.

“If you wear tight clothes, especially if you’ve worn them before and haven’t cleaned them, they can trap sweat and increase friction and in turn cause stains,” he said.

‘Particularly if the material is man made such as polyester. Cotton products work best as they allow your skin to breathe and sweat to evaporate easily.

Supporting her opinion, Pamela Marshall, clinical esthetician and co-founder of Mortar & Milk previously told women’s Health: ‘We cling to our scarves to keep ourselves warm in winters. I imagine it is used frequently, and I bet, rarely washed.

‘If you are wrapping this nasty item around your neck on a daily basis, it is pretty clear why you might be experiencing neck acne.’

Blemishes are formed when our pores become clogged which is often due to a mixture of sweat, oil or dirt.

As well as making sure your scarf goes in the wash regularly, Dr. Patterson recommends extending your daily cleansing routine for your face to your neck to beat scarf acne.

‘A good skin cleansing routine is important and a good habit to have, as it helps to cleanse the skin of makeup, sweat and bacteria, even for those scars that make your skin more prone to acne,’ she adds. Not on the face.

‘To combat the problem, we’d recommend a good cleanser with salicylic acid.

‘This is because it doesn’t just strip your skin and strip away healthy lipids which will only cause more damage and increase inflammation. Rather it repairs and cleanses the skin barrier.

‘It can be used not just on your face, but also on your body if you have spots.’

Other items of outerwear shouldn’t be neglected either—especially coats that can be exposed to countless dirty conditions, from mud in the park to filth on public transportation.

The coat should be washed at least once and ideally twice per season before being put away for the summer.

This includes down jackets, leather jackets, and wool coats, as they do not come into direct contact with the skin as often as other clothing.

However, fleece should be washed after every six or seven wears as they tend to be hard on the body or if you wear them with a T-shirt or vest your skin may come in contact with the fabric.

Hats and gloves are the items that have the most direct contact with the skin, so they should be washed frequently. They are also the things most people forget to wash.

They come in direct contact with facial oils, perfume build-up, as well as germs you pick up with the gloves, so you should wash them at least once a week.