As temperatures drop and your winter layers come out, you might suddenly be dealing with stubborn breakouts along your cheeks, jawline or chin. While cold weather, shifts in your skin care routine and holiday stress can all play a role, you may be overlooking another surprising culprit: your scarf. According to dermatologists, winter scarves can quietly create the perfect storm for irritation and breakouts. If it touches your skin all winter long, it deserves the same level of hygiene as your pillowcase or makeup brushes . To understand what’s really going on – and how to stop it – we spoke with Dr. Corey L. Hartman , founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, and Dr. Kseniya Kobets , director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in Elmsford, New York. How your winter scarf might be causing acne Scarves collect everything they come into contact with throughout the day, trapping “dirt, oil and impurities within the fabric, and then transferring those impurities to the face,” Hartman said. The result is acne or skin irritation. “Scarves can also give minor friction irritations or burns, especially if the scarf uses an itchy fabric,” Hartman added. “These small irritations in the skin are microtears on the skin’s surface, which then enable acne-causing bacteria to penetrate the skin barrier.” What looks like acne on the lower face isn’t always traditional acne, either. “Wearing scarves could trigger other conditions like folliculitis, contact dermatitis or acne mechanica,” Hartman noted. True acne tends to be the culprit “when you see an increase in blackheads or whiteheads on the chin, neck and cheeks.” Scarves can create microtears on the skin’s surface that enable acne-causing bacteria to penetrate the skin barrier. On the other hand, “acne mechanica is caused by pressure applied to the hair follicle, leading to whitehead breakouts around the hair follicle, similar to folliculitis,” he added. “Contact dermatitis usually looks more like a rash, with pink itchiness and sometimes pink, scaly welts,” Kobets explained. “Folliculitis can sometimes mimic acne, but often folliculitis bumps are monomorphic (which means they’re all the same size), and if you look closer, they are usually around a hair follicle.” Winter weather itself makes everything worse. “Cold, dry winter air can make scarf-related breakouts more likely,” Hartman said. “With less moisture in the air, the skin overcompensates by boosting sebum production on the skin.” Pair that with fabric irritation, and breakouts become far more likely. Kobets agreed, noting that “skin barrier dysfunction is often exacerbated by wind and cold weather and the dryness of air-conditioned indoor environments during the winter.” How to prevent winter scarf-related acne Luckily, there are several dermatologist-approved ways to reduce your risk of scarf-induced acne. “If you are noticing a change in your skin in any way after pulling out your winter scarf, it could mean your scarf needs a wash, or you need to choose a different fabric,” Hartman said. “Scarves should be washed each week if they are being used daily or multiple days a week,” Hartman explained. “The general rule of thumb is to wash it every three to five uses.” Any visible dirt, oil or makeup buildup indicates that it should be cleaned immediately. “The same goes if someone is sick – wash the scarf right away.” Product buildup also plays a role. Kobets pointed out that sweat or heavy skin care and hair care products can remain on the scarf. If you store your scarf on an unclean surface, such as the floor or inside your car, it can also accumulate bacteria, Kobets said. All those factors should influence how often you wash your scarves. Pay attention to your laundry detergent, too. “I would avoid overly fragrant fabric softeners, dryer sheets or drying aids as the increase in fragrance may not lead to breakouts, but could lead to skin irritation or sensitivity,” Hartman added. If you’re in the market for a new scarf, certain fabric choices are smarter for your skin than others. “Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon and acrylic are more likely to cause breakouts as they can trap sweat, oil and dirt in the fabric and don’t allow the skin to breathe,” Hartman said. Wool can also be problematic for some. “Pure wool products can be extra irritating on the skin,” noted Kobets, adding that “even the sensation of discomfort can irritate someone’s skin.” “Natural cotton or combination materials would be more likely to breathe, especially if someone sweats a lot,” she said. Other winter accessories that can cause breakouts Scarves aren’t the only winter accessories that can irritate skin. “Earmuffs, similarly to scarves, stay on the skin for hours and can cause contact dermatitis or folliculitis, especially if not washed in a while or if skin oil, dirt, or other skin or hair products accumulate around that area,” Kobets said. Hats, gloves, and even coats deserve attention, too. “It’s important to wash winter gloves and other accessories frequently,” Hartman said. “Gloves should be washed every three to four wears, and do your best not to touch your face when wearing gloves so as not to transfer bacteria from your gloves to your face.” He recommended washing hats and balaclavas weekly, and cleaning outerwear regularly. “I would wash or dry-clean your coat one to two times per season,” Hartman added, “or immediately if you notice it looks or smells unclean.” Related... 7 Skin Changes A Doctor Would Never, Ever Ignore HuffPost Editors Have Levelled Up Their Skincare With These Products 8 Of The Best-Reviewed Skin Tints At Boots For That Your-Skin-But-Better Glow