When we think of skin and hair essentials, a slew of products like serums, moisturisers, cleansers, leave-in treatments, and conditioners likely spring to mind. However, the key to clear skin and healthy hair may lie in – or rather on – where you lie down for the night. An increasing number of beauty conscious citizens have been swapping out their cotton and bamboo pillowcases in favour of a silk pillowcase.
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The beauty benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase
While sleeping on a silk pillowcase may not be a panacea for your beauty conundrums, it does provide some pretty real skin and hair benefits. The key allure of a silk pillowcase for skin and hair benefits is the lack of friction it provides in comparison to traditional bedding materials like cotton, linen, and bamboo. Here are top 5 reasons we’re making the switch to silk.
1. Fights wrinkles and fine lines
Ever wake up with creases on your face? Sleeping on your face or side compresses the skin, resulting in lines and creases in the morning. Though these fade during the day, over time they can eventually form permanent wrinkles and fine lines. While sleeping on your back is the prime position to reduce wrinkle formation, it can be difficult for many people to actually fall asleep in this position. Enter silk; the smoothness of a silk pillowcase prevents your skin from wrinkling or creasing as you sleep, allowing you to wake up looking fresh the next day and preventing sleep-induced wrinkles!
2. Smoother, healthier hair
The same lack of friction also benefits your hair; comparatively coarser materials tug on your hair during the night, causing issues for those with curlier or more textured hair prone to frizziness and knots. When you sleep on silk, instead of rubbing against coarse materials all night, your hair glides smoothly against it. This minimises frizziness and prevents split ends, tangles, and breakage.
3. Hydrated skin
Absorbent fabrics like cotton and linen draw in your skin’s natural oils (as well as the serums and moisturisers you apply before bed) while you sleep, which can result in dull, dry skin. Silk pillowcases are less absorbent, with their smoothness meaning they’re less likely to absorb moisture from your skin; meaning your beauty products can actually do their job while you sleep.
4. Reduced acne and skin irritation
The naturally hypoallergenic properties of silk makes it the ideal material for those with sensitive skin. Savvy silk pillowcase brand Silvi have treated their silk pillowcases with antibacterial silver ions, eliminating bacteria that causes acne and inflammation.
5. Temperature regulation
During the warmer months, naturally breathable silk wicks moisture away, keeping you dry and cool throughout the night. Plus, silk retains heat when it’s cold, allowing you to sleep comfortably all year round. Sleeping on silk can be particularly beneficial for perimenopausal and menopausal women experiencing hot flashes.
Silvi Anti Acne Silk Pillowcase
Words by Arabella Johnson
Feature image courtesy of Mikael Jansson for Vogue
