Nothing beats some time away in another country, having a break from regular life. However, as great as jetting off on holiday is, it can sometimes come with its disadvantages. Many people have experienced what is known as a holiday breakout, suffering from unexplained skin irritation. 

Now, a skincare expert has uncovered the reasons why it happens and how to prevent it. You might think it has something to do with the wrong skincare products, aeroplane air, or a change in climate, but actually, it is much simpler than that, and with small actions, holidaymakers can make all the difference.

According to Ryan Porter from Fat Cow Skincare, the threat to your holiday glow is right on your hotel bed, and he says that travellers should change or cover their hotel pillowcase the moment they check in.

While your hotel room may look spotless, the pillowcases could harbour a cocktail of skin irritants, which is the ultimate disaster for sensitive skin.

Ryan explained: “Most people don’t realise that hotel linens go through industrial washing process using harsh detergents and bleaches that can leave residue on fabrics. These chemicals can cause immediate reactions like redness, dryness, and irritation especially for people with sensitive skin.”

However, it is not just the cleaning products that pose a threat. Hotel pillowcases can accumulate bacteria, dead skin cells, and oils from previous guests, even after washing.

The expert explained that hotels’ high turnover often means linens can be reused multiple times between deep cleans, creating the perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.

While hotels do follow cleaning protocols, the reality of quick turnarounds means corners can sometimes get cut. Pillowcases might be spot-cleaning instead of being fully laundered or washed at temperatures that kill germs, but don’t remove all residue.

Ryan says that “industrial-strength detergents,” which often contain sulfates, optical brighteners, and fragrances, are designed for efficiency rather than skin health. Therefore, they trigger allergic reactions and disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.

Dust mites are another concern. The microscopic creatures thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on dead skin cells. Exposure to dust mites can lead to inflammation and breakouts for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

The impacts of sleeping on contaminated pillowcases can show up within hours. Acne flare-ups are the most common issue, particularly around the cheeks and jawline, where faces make direct contact with the fabric.

Allergic reactions are another risk, with them varying from mild redness to itching and severe swelling and hives. Even if you don’t typically have sensitive skin, the combination of travel stress and exposure to unfamiliar irritants can trigger unexpected reactions.

Fortunately Peter has given a few recommendations to give that layer of protection. The “gold standard solution” would be to bring your own pillowcase, one that is made from natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo. The pillowcase should be washed with “gentle, fragrance-free detergent” before travelling.

If you have no room in your suitcase then a clean cotton t-shirt slipped over the hotel pillow will also work as it creates “an instant barrier between your skin and potentially irritating fabrics”.

The final option is simply requesting fresh linens at check-in and asking specifically when they were last washed. “Most hotels will happily provide freshly laundered pillowcases if you explain you have sensitive skin,” he added.

“The simple act of bringing your own pillowcase of covering the hotel one creates a clean, fresh surface for your skin. It’s such a small step that can literally make or break your holiday glow. I always tell my clients – You wouldn’t eat off a dirty place, so why would you sleep on a dirty pillowcase?” he concluded.