How Silk Pillowcases Can Benefit Your Skin and Hair

How Silk Pillowcases Can Benefit Your Skin and Hair

stacks multi color mulberry silk pillowcs with aqua blue background

Do you wake up from sleep with a dry face and hair? Do you get up from the bed and scare yourself with your bedhead? Instead of looking like you rested, do you look haggard even if slept for eight hours?

You may not know it but your bedding could be the problem, particularly your pillowcase. It’s most likely time to make the switch from cotton or polyester pillowcases to silk pillowcases.

You might be asking, what does this small fabric have to do with your beauty sleep?

Well, an increasing number of people recommend using silk pillowcases for both a night of restful sleep and its benefits to a person’s skin and hair. Let’s discuss them.

What is the science behind silk?

Silk is a fabric that is naturally created from the nests and cocoons of insects like silkworms, beetles, bees, hornets, and ants.

Silk is considered a symbol of elegance and luxury for three reasons:

  1. the process of getting the raw materials and processing it into a fabric is a long, costly, and labour-intensive process so high-grade silk is expensive;
  2. its soft texture feels great on the skin; and,
  3. its strength and durability match even the most durable, synthetic fabrics.

In China, where this material was first produced, silk used to be reserved only for the Emperor and the imperial family. Then it spread across the world, especially during the Industrial Revolution when manufacturing innovations allowed the mass production of silk fabric.

Today, one of the most sought after silk is made from silkworms that are fed mulberry leaves. This type of silk is odourless, contains high breathability aspects, and capable of naturally regulating temperature and resisting pests and allergens.

Also, manufacturers and industry experts use momme (pronounced as moe-mie) to measure the durability and thickness of silk products.

What are the benefits of using a silk pillowcase?

The experts from Silk7 list the following advantages of silk pillowcases:

Silk allows the skin to retain moisture. So you will wake up with skin as hydrated as when you went to bed. Wouldn’t you want to wake up with a dewy, youthful-looking fresh face instead of dry, tight skin?

Meanwhile, cotton or polyester pillowcases tend to absorb or even suck moisture from the skin. Just imagine how much moisture you lose if you sleep for eight hours?

  • Silk’s satiny texture does not rub against your skin so it will not tug, stretch, or scratch your skin even if you toss and turn a lot when you sleep. This prevents sleep creases from forming on your skin.
  • Silk prevents bad hair days. You probably wake up every day with a poofy hair because of the friction from your cotton pillowcase.

Since a silk pillowcase is smooth, your hair will keep its shape while you sleep. Also, no friction means less hair breakage or brittle hair. It will not stop breakage completely, but it can lessen the damage your hair gets from rubbing against the pillowcase.

Can you sleep with wet hair on a silk pillowcase? Absolutely. Cotton is porous so it absorbs water into the pillow. A silk pillowcase will not do this. Your hair will naturally air dry without losing its hydration. Plus, the slippery material can prevent tangles and frizz from forming while you sleep.

This benefit is also a godsend if you suffer from a flaky scalp since moisture stays on your head and not on your pillow.

  • It’s hypoallergenic and prevents dust mites, fungus, and mould from attacking your pillow. So it’s perfect for those who suffer from night allergies.

If your pillow already infested by mites, fungus, or mould (wash it!), a silk pillowcase can protect you from these allergens.

  • It adjusts to the season and regulates temperature. It stays cool during summer and warm during winter. This would be a dream for anyone who sweats a lot during summer and who easily gets cold during winter.

How much does a silk pillowcase cost?

If you’re looking for silk pillowcases in NZ, a silk pillowcase generally costs from $40-$100. Generally, buyers aim to invest in quality rather than quantity.

If the fabric is created from real silk and produced through traditional methods, then there is no way that it will be inexpensive. If the price is in the lower end, then there is a big chance that the product is made from low-grade silk and created with machines.

What do you consider when buying a silk pillowcase?

Since buying a silk pillowcase needs a good amount of funds, you would want to use your money on something that will help you get a good night’s sleep and last for a long time. So, keep these tips in mind when you make that step to switch to silk.

  • Price. A mass-produced silk pillowcase could carry some allergens from the cocoons and machines that it was made from. Also, its durability might be less. Do you want something that you can use for just a few times or something that will last for years?
  • Momme. A good silk pillowcase is between 16 and 22 momme. A product in this range can guarantee a satiny and heavy fabric. Anything made below this range is good for clothing while those above it are used for draperies.
  • Type. Aim for a product made from mulberry-fed silkworms. If you’re going to invest, why not invest in the best?
  • Reviews. Check the feedback from fellow customers. Some companies declare that their products are 100% silk, but customer reviews that give you a better insight into how the pillowcase feels and if it works as advertised.

How do you care for a silk pillowcase?

As stated above, silk is a durable material. So, you don’t have to worry about caring for your silk pillowcase. Just make sure that you use a mild detergent and line dry instead of using the machine dryer. If you can, hand wash the pillowcase or launder it with your other delicates.

Summary

The best silk pillowcases have several benefits for your skin and hair: moisture retention, hypoallergenic properties, and temperature regulation. Plus it feels great to lie down on a satiny pillowcase.

Invest in a set that will give you restful sleep for years to come.