Most of us think about our heart, lungs, and skin when we talk about health. But a lesser-known structure inside your body may be just as important: the interstitium, a newly described network of fluid-filled spaces woven throughout your connective tissue.

And surprisingly, this hidden system is directly connected to something you interact with for eight hours every night, your bedding.

In this short guide, we break down what the interstitium is, why scientists are paying attention to it, and how non-toxic, organic bedding like AIZOME can support a healthier skin environment.

What Is the Interstitium?

In 2018, researchers using advanced imaging techniques discovered that many tissues contain tiny, fluid-filled channels supported by a collagen network. These spaces were previously invisible because they collapse during standard tissue preparation.

A study published in Scientific Reports described this network as a "highway" for fluid movement that sits under the skin, around organs, and along blood vessels. It appears to act as a shock absorber, a drainage pathway toward the lymphatic system, and a structural support system for our connective tissue.

Understanding the interstitium gives scientists a new perspective on how the body regulates fluid balance, distributes pressure, and responds to inflammation.

Why This Matters for Skin and Whole-Body Health

The interstitium lies directly beneath the skin. This means the health of your skin barrier, the thin, protective layer you interact with every day, can influence the environment of the tissues underneath it.

Factors that affect the skin (like irritants, allergens, moisture, and inflammation) can indirectly impact the spaces that connect to the lymphatic and immune systems. When the skin stays calm, hydrated, and free from chemical stress, the tissues beneath it can function more smoothly.

This connection makes everyday skin contact more important than most people realize, especially during sleep.

The Link Between Bedding and the Interstitium

You spend roughly one-third of your life in bed. During that time, your skin is in constant contact with sheets, pillowcases, and blankets.

Studies show that harsh textile chemicals can irritate the skin, disrupt the barrier, and trigger inflammation, effects that can ripple into the layers underneath.

This is where non-toxic bedding becomes more than a lifestyle preference. It becomes part of your overall wellness strategy.

How AIZOME Supports a Healthier Skin–Interstitial Environment

AIZOME approaches textiles differently, using organic cotton and medicinal plant dyes instead of synthetic chemicals.

Here's how that supports skin and deeper connective tissues:

1. Zero Toxic Finishes

AIZOME avoids all synthetic dyes, resins, and chemical treatments. This reduces exposure to irritants that can disrupt the skin barrier or cause inflammation.

2. Naturally Calming Plant Dyes

Indigo, madder, and other plant dyes used by AIZOME have historical and modern evidence showing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These help maintain a calmer skin surface.

3. Better Sleep Supports Natural Repair

Deep sleep is when the glymphatic and interstitial systems help clear waste and restore fluid balance. A soothing, chemical-free sleep environment helps you stay asleep longer and drop into more restorative sleep cycles.

4. Breathable Organic Cotton

Organic cotton regulates temperature and moisture, preventing sweat buildup and friction that can irritate the skin and underlying tissues.

The Bottom Line

The discovery of the interstitium helps us understand just how interconnected our body really is. Skin health isn't only skin deep, it affects the fluid networks that support immunity, healing, and balance.

Choosing non-toxic, organic, plant-dyed bedding is a simple way to support a cleaner, calmer environment for both your skin and the tissues beneath it.

Your body does the healing. Your bedding can help make that easier.