We all know that beauty sleep is a real thing. Getting several hours in dreamland can benefit your health in a number of ways, many of which show up in your skin. Aside from the obvious reduction in dark circles and rejuvenation that can come with quality sleep, there are many other beauty benefits that can be attributed to a healthy sleep schedule. The skin repairs and regenerates during the night, so the skincare products you apply before bed can be extremely effective during a nice, long sleep.
Part of good sleep hygiene is the environment created in the bedroom, from temperature to humidity levels, smells and bedding — and silk pillowcases are having a moment right now because they offer unique beauty benefits. These luxurious bedding items are not only a treat for the senses, but also offer a host of benefits for your hair and skin. Let’s explore how silk pillowcases can improve your beauty routine and improve your overall well-being while you sleep!
What is silk? | How silk pillowcases benefit the skin | How silk pillowcases benefit hair | Additional benefits of silk pillowcases | Vegan silk | How to choose and care for silk
What is silk?
Silk it is the strongest natural fiber used in the textile world. It is mainly made up of a protein called fibroin, which is what some types of insect larvae secrete to make their cocoons. Most of the real silk in the world comes from Bombyx mori larvae, which are worms that live in mulberry trees. Today, silkworms are farmed and silk is manufactured in factories, but the basic process used to make the fabric has remained very close to its origins, dating back thousands of years to ancient China. Prized for both its softness and durability, the fabric is considered a luxury by many and is used to make everything from scarves to dresses, underwear and curtains.
The benefits of silk for the skin have long been understood, but have only become mainstream in recent decades. Because silk is more expensive to manufacture than synthetic fabrics and other natural materials such as cotton, the silk bed was considered extravagant. These days, thanks in part to social media trends, silk pillowcases have become more popular and more affordable.
How silk pillowcases benefit the skin
Gentle To The Touch
If you’ve had the pleasure of feeling silk in person, then you know that it has an incredibly soft and smooth feel. No wonder it provides such a subtle touch to your skin as you sleep! Unlike other common bedding fabrics that can cause irritation (linen and polyester, among others), silk pillowcases offer a smooth and soothing surface that minimizes friction (aka pulling on the skin as you toss and turn). This reduces the risk of skin irritation, which is especially useful for those with sensitive skin or people with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or acne.
Reduce facial wrinkles and sleep lines
This smooth texture allows your skin to glide easily over the pillowcase, reducing pilling sleep lines and wrinkles. With regular use, silk pillowcases can help maintain a more youthful and refreshed appearance and let you wake up with fewer wrinkles on your forehead or cheeks. While your facial wrinkles won’t diminish overnight, you may wake up with a smoother face thanks to the reduction of sleep lines that other fabrics can cause. This is especially true for side and stomach sleepers!
Help keep skin hydrated
Silk pillowcases provide moisture retention properties to the skin. Not only does this fabric help retain your skin’s natural moisture and prevent over-drying, it’s less likely to absorb moisture from the skin — including any skin care products you’ve loaded up on before you hit the sheets. This can be especially beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin, especially in the winter months. By allowing more moisture to stay on the skin and not be wiped off, silk pillowcases contribute to a healthier, glowing complexion.
How silk pillowcases benefit hair
Reduce frizz and breakage
Because silk is naturally smoother than other fabrics, resting your strands on the soft surface of silk pillowcases minimizes friction on your hair, reducing frizz and breakage. Unlike cotton or other rough fabrics that can cause hair to frizz and tangle, silk allows your hair to glide gently as you sleep, keeping your hair smooth and easy.
Keep hair moisturized
Just like on skin, silk helps natural oils stay in your hair, preventing dryness and promoting healthy, hydrated strands. By retaining moisture, silk pillowcases can help reduce hair damage and promote overall hair health. And since you spend about a third of your life with your head on the pillow, this can make a big difference to your hair’s moisture and hydration levels.
Prevent tangles and bed head
Tossing and turning during sleep can lead to tangled hair and a messy head in bed in the morning. The soft and smooth surface of the silk pillowcases allows your hair to glide effortlessly, minimizing tangles and helping you wake up with a smoother mane.
Additional benefits of silk pillowcases
Hypoallergenic properties
Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. Silk pillowcases are less likely than cotton or synthetic fabrics to harbor dust mites, bacteria and other allergens, providing a cleaner and healthier sleeping environment. That said, there are plenty of other places where these nasty things can hide. Make sure you wash your sheets regularly and add a mattress protector to the mix.
Temperature regulation
Silk has the ability to regulate temperature, keeping you cool in hot weather and warm in colder climates. And unlike cotton and flannel which are known to absorb moisture like sweat, silk does not. This can contribute to a more comfortable and restful sleep, allowing your skin to regenerate overnight.
Longevity, Durability and Comfort
In addition to their luxurious feel and many benefits, silk pillowcases are also known for their durability and longevity. With proper care, they can retain their luxurious feel for a long time, making them a worthwhile investment in your beauty routine.
Vegan silk
There are vegan alternatives to silk that can mimic the luxurious texture of traditional silk without relying on silk-producing insects. Plant-based alternatives include Tencel, which is derived from the pulp of eucalyptus trees and provides most of the same benefits of silk, including a soft, slippery feel, durability and hypoallergenic properties. Other plant-based silks come from pineapple fiber, banana fiber and bamboo.
Tips for choosing and caring for silk pillowcases
Types of silk to look for
When choosing silk pillowcases, choose high-quality mulberry or charmeuse silk. These varieties are known for their softness, durability and superior quality.
Washing and care instructions
Silk pillowcases require gentle care to maintain their softness and shine. It is recommended to hand wash using a mild detergent or machine wash on a delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals that can damage the silk fibers. Air drying is the best method to maintain the integrity of the silk fabric.
Have you experienced the numerous benefits of silk pillowcases? Leave a note in our comments or join the conversation on social media.
