Why Your Towel Might Be Secretly Irritating Your Skin
We often think about what goes on our skin, such as cleansers, serums, and moisturisers, but rarely about what we use to dry it.
The truth is, your towel might be doing more harm than you realise.
Towels are Bacteria Magnets
After every shower, towels absorb not only water but also dead skin cells, oils, and environmental particles. When they remain damp, they create a warm, humid environment that is ideal for microbes to thrive.
Studies have shown that towels can develop biofilms and bacterial communities that lead to odours and reduced cleanliness over time (Analysis of Biofilm and Bacterial Communities in the Towel, 2023).
When towels are not dried properly between uses, bacteria and fungi can multiply rapidly, potentially contributing to skin irritation and breakouts.
The Cleveland Clinic also recommends hanging towels out to dry fully after each use, as moisture encourages microbial growth.
How Dirty Towels Affect Your Skin
Using a towel that is not truly clean can cause or worsen conditions such as:
- Acne or backne
- Rashes and redness
- Fungal infections
- General irritation for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive or reactive skin, your towel’s hygiene could be the missing link in your skincare routine. Reusing a damp towel may expose your skin to lingering microbes that can exacerbate breakouts or irritation.
Your Skin Deserves Better
At Bulbul, we reimagined the humble towel through the lens of science and design.
Our Copper Towels use ionically bonded copper fibres that naturally inhibit microbial growth. Research confirms that copper-infused fabrics display strong antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, two common skin bacteria (Antibacterial Activity of Copper Particles Embedded in Knitted Fabrics, 2022).
Other studies show that copper oxide coatings on textiles can effectively eliminate microbes while remaining safe for daily use (Antibacterial Cotton Fabric Functionalized with Copper Oxide, 2020).
- Better hygiene
- Fewer laundry cycles
- Longer-lasting freshness
It is the kind of care your skin quietly deserves.
Simple Care Tips for Healthier Towels
Even the best towels need a little care to stay at their best. Here are a few expert tips:
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Keep them dry between uses
Hang your towels in a well-ventilated area to prevent dampness. Allowing them to air out reduces bacterial survival rates (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
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Dry in the sun whenever possible
Sunlight provides natural ultraviolet rays that help reduce microbial contamination on fabrics. Exposure to sunlight has been shown to lower bacterial presence on textiles (Sunlight Exposure Reduces Microbial Contamination on Clothing, 2014).
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Avoid fabric softeners
Fabric softeners can coat fibres and reduce absorbency. Research also notes that surface treatments can alter textile properties and trap residue (Review of Softener Effects on Textiles, 2015).
Following these steps helps your towels and your skin stay fresh and clean.
The Smarter Way to Dry Off
Our copper-infused towels are self-sanitising, odour-resistant, and long-lasting. They are designed to make daily life simpler, cleaner, and more comfortable, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Because the path to healthier skin does not end in the shower. It continues with the towel you trust.
🛁 Discover the difference at Bulbul