Why You Should Think About Switching To A Silk Pillowcase
Silk sheets used to be something you occasionally saw on the big screen. But lately, there has been a lot of gushing over the use of silk pillowcases for overnight beauty benefits. While a great moisturizer and a good night's sleep are essential for any beauty routine, experts suggest you should add in one more treatment. According to Good Housekeeping, silk pillowcases may help prevent wrinkles. Dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz tells Good Housekeeping, "We get 'crush wrinkles' from sleeping on our side/face, so we may get less of those when sleeping on silk." Minimizing morning creases can help prevent permanent wrinkles (via Wirecutter).
Switching to a smooth, silk pillowcase is also less abrasive on the skin. Dermatologist and medical director of MDacne, Dr. Yoram Harth, tells Healthline that silk is a non-absorbing material, so it rejects the dirt, bacteria, and natural oils that usually settle into your cotton pillowcase. Dr. Harth goes on to say that a person living with acne may benefit from adding a silk pillowcase into their routine because they "are gentler on the skin of people with acne or sensitive skin than rough cotton pillowcases." Manhattan cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman tells Wirecutter, "The bottom line is, any product that helps reduce the strain on the skin is beneficial."
How your hair benefits from a silk pillowcase
Silk head wraps have been used by women for years, with some wearing silk caps (or bonnets) for decades to avoid frizzing, breaking, or losing style (per Grazia). Hairstylist Charlotte Mensah tells Good Housekeeping that during the night we "toss and turn against abrasive bed linen which can aggravate our hair and cause moisture loss and breakage. Wrapping your hair in a silk scarf (or a ready-made turban) will help to promote healthier and shinier hair." A silk pillowcase is an alternative to wrapping your hair, with an added bonus of better skin (per Health).
More than a romantic prop for those movie scenes we love, silk pillowcases are making their way into bedrooms everywhere. According to The Oprah Magazine, a silk pillowcase may be worth the splurge as it can help minimize damage and frizz, as well as prevent moisture loss from hair and skin. Silk is measured in units called momme, and typically, a 19 momme count is perfect for a pillowcase and can range in prices to fit different budgets (via CNN).