How often should you wash towels and sheets? Dermatologists offer advice

We use our bath towels, hang them to dry, then we often don't give them a second thought. So, just how often should you change them out?

"Not as frequently as I would like to for sure." said Cass Bernard of Woodland Hills.

What about bedsheets?

"Probably once every two weeks," said Sam Nuzzaci of Los Angeles.

Your pillow cases?

"I try to change them at least once a week," said Sreejith Nair of Burbank

These are important questions because of what can be growing on your towels.

"During the day, your body's accumulating environmental pollutants and sweat," said Dr. Han Lee, a board certified dermatologist with the Comprehensive Dermatology Center in Pasadena.

Plus, your dead skin cells are all nutrients for bacteria and fungus and they attract dust mites. These microbes can break down your skin's natural barrier.

"That might be a portal of entry for these types of bacteria," she said.

At Make-Up Designory in Burbank, artists change and clean towels and brushes after every single use.

"Sanitization is number one in beauty," said Bernard.

While Lee said you don't have to be that strict, there are general rules. For bath towels, she recommends changing them after two to three uses. But if your bathroom is so humid that your towels don't dry, get a new one each time.

"It could be a good environment for mold or bacteria to linger," said Lee.

"I always prefer to never wipe myself off with a wet towel, just because it's like that doesn't feel sanitary," said Nair.

What about bed sheets?

"The general recommendation is about every week, maybe even more often if it's your pillowcase," said Lee.

That's the general rule, but she says it all depends: If you get night sweats, sleep with a pet or with someone else, you may need to change sheets more frequently.

"It's a lot of laundry," said Nuzzaci.

To keep linens fresh longer, Lee's advice is to go to bed clean: Wash your face or shower before bedtime, and sleep in breathable materials.

"Like natural cotton, linen, bamboo sheets tend to have a little bit of an antimicrobial property to it," Lee said.

When in doubt, change it out.