Whether we realise it or not, the bed linen we choose can impact sleep quality. And sheets made from natural fibres, such as linen, cotton, and silk are generally best for regulating our temperature, and giving us a peaceful night’s rest.
Silk, in particular, takes sleeping to a whole new level of luxury. But, given its labour-intensive production processes, it can be costly.
However, you can get the feeling and benefits of silk less expensively, by combining your cotton sheets and covers with silk pillowcases. Not only does sleeping on a silk pillowcase feel lovely, cool, and smooth, but it’s also believed to have benefits for hair and skin.
Let’s take a look at some of these.
1. Draws less moisture from skin and hair
Silk doesn’t absorb as much moisture from your skin and hair as cotton – which is great news for those wanting to wake up with a dewier complexion and silkier hair.
When you think about the amount of time, money and effort that goes into nourishing dehydrated skin and hair with cosmetic products, it seems counterintuitive to sleep on something that could potentially undo the good work you’ve done.
There’s also evidence that natural silk contains traces of Sericin. This is a naturally occurring protein deriving from silkworms which may have a moisturing effect. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that this benefit is likely to be minimal, as most of this protein is lost during the silk production process.
2. Minimises skin creasing
Have you ever had the experience of a beauty therapist saying that they can tell which side you favour when sleeping?
This is because the preferred side tends to have more creases. It seems that repeated and persistent contact with a crumpled surface can start to etch its story onto your face – or at least, onto one side of it if you’re a side sleeper.
As the skin matures, it loses elasticity, so when it’s squished into the same position over a number of hours, lines may start to form and, over time, stay. But, because silk provides a smoother surface, many believe that silk pillowcases can minimise this ‘creasing’ impact.
3. Gentler on sensitive skin
Apply friction to any irritated area and it will become further irritated – like the further damage caused by scratching an itch. Therefore, if you have irritated or inflamed skin, it may help to sleep on a smooth surface, as rougher textures have the potential to cause further abrasion and even itching.
In fact, many people choose certain fabrics, textures, and even laundry detergents on the basis of how they react with their sensitive or irritable skin, so it makes perfect sense to take the same measures with your face.
4. Longer-lasting blowdries
If you’re trying to extend the life of your blowdry – or any hairstyle for that matter – many hairstylists will recommend sleeping with your hair wrapped in a silk scarf.
A silk pillowcase performs a similar function. By reducing friction and allowing your hair to ‘slither’ as you sleep, it will better retain its bounce and shape. Blowdries also tend to go limp when they’re exposed to moisture and, as we’ve seen, a silk pillowcase is a great moisture-repeller.
5. Smoother, shinier hair
It’s not called a ‘bed head’ for nothing, and it’s not just blow-dried hair that benefits from slumbering on a silk pillowcase. Thanks to its soft and low-friction texture, silk can help anyone to wake up looking relatively ready for the day.
Not that there’s anything wrong with a bed head – after all, it’s a tousled look that some people take hours trying to achieve. And if it’s good enough for Dame Helen Mirren to share on social media, it’s definitely good enough for us! But, even so, if your morning routine is rushed and you like to leave home looking ‘done,’ a silk pillowcase can save you valuable ‘getting ready’ time.
Though it’s not just about your morning routine – it’s also about the longer term health and condition of your hair. Silky hair is less likely to catch and/or rub on surfaces it comes into contact with, helping to reduce breakages and split ends.
People with curly hair may also find sleeping on a silk pillowcase useful as they’re said to help retain the hair’s natural bounce, without causing frizz or tangling. This is largely due to the fact that curly hair tends to be drier – because oils can’t travel down the hair shaft as easily as on straight hair – and a silk pillowcase can help hair retain moisture.
6. Reduced hair loss
As collagen levels reduce with age, hair can begin to show signs of thinning. While this is completely natural, sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help to protect fragile hair from breakage and keep looking as thick and as lustrous as possible, even through various hormonal changes.
Additionally, where hair loss has occurred, the friction-free surface of a silk pillowcase can protect delicate regrowth from breakage.
7. Better sleep
We know that sleep is essential for health, including healthy hair and skin, and that there are ways to increase the likelihood of getting some solid rest. One of these involves being cool, which can help us fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep for longer.
Because silk fibres have natural temperature-regulating properties, silk pillowcases can help with this. They can also offer some relief and comfort when hormonal heat flashes strike.
Things to remember when choosing a silk pillowcase
Not all silks are created equal and the sad truth is that you get what you pay for. Search for ‘silk pillowcase’ on Amazon and you’ll find that many satin pillowcases come up, as well as silk ones.
As a guide, experts recommend choosing pillowcases labelled ‘100% Mulberry silk.’ This means that the silk has been derived from a silkworm that feasts exclusively on the leaves of the mulberry tree. Mulberry silk is stronger, smoother, and softer than other varieties of silk and is famous for its durability and lightweight quality.
Something else to look out for is the momme count. Momme – often abbreviated to mm – refers to silk’s weight measurement and, just as a higher thread count in cotton makes for a more luxurious feel, the higher the silk’s momme, the better quality it is. In general, look for a momme in the region of 20 to 28.
Finally, some may wish to avoid silk products altogether, as, sadly, many silkworms die in the silk extraction process. In this case, satin can make a decent alternative, although it’s not as breathable as silk because it’s made of synthetic materials; so may not be suitable for hot sleepers.
Final thoughts…
Some claims made by silk pillowcase manufacturers should be approached with caution. For example, sleeping on silk can’t reverse signs of ageing – but, it can help to prevent new creases from forming.
In other words, a silk pillowcase isn’t a magic bullet, though it may help to protect skin and hair and retain moisture, as well as giving us better, cooler sleep. Silk pillowcases look and feel luxurious too, which in itself can help you to feel great.
With that said, remember that quality is key, so if you decide to splash out on silk pillowcases, try to buy the best you can afford. Not only will your purchase last longer, but you’ll also reap more tangible benefits from it.
For more inspiration, check out our article; 7 important minerals for your skin, hair, and nails.
Do you use a silk pillowcase? If so, have you noticed any improvements to your skin and hair? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.