Something as simple as making the change from cotton to a silk pillowcase can have many benefits, improving the appearance and feel of the skin and hair.
Purchasing a silk pillowcase is a small investment that can make a huge difference in terms of wellbeing. There are many reported advantages to using silk pillowcases over cotton, and it is even claimed that sleeping on cotton pillowcases is the second greatest cause of skin aging after sun damage, because of the way that cotton, as well as other fibers, such as polyester, steal moisture away from the skin. This can, in turn, lead to lines and creases. This article will discuss the two main benefits to sleeping on a silk pillowcase: Visible improvement to the skin and the hair.
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Silk Pillowcase: Beneficial for the Skin
Many people are familiar with the sensation of waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror and noticing “creases” in the facial skin. For young adults and teenagers, these creases vanish relatively quickly, but as we age, the skin loses elasticity, and the creases can become more stubborn, lasting several hours. The cotton causes friction on the skin, effectively “ironing in” any wrinkles.
The solution to this problem is simple apart from using creams like Amanda Jo Organic Bunny, and the effects are immediate: Sleep on a silk pillowcase. A silk pillowcase is cool to touch and feels luxurious. The silk will help the skin retain moisture and silk fibers are incredibly smooth, even when examined under a microscope, so will not cause any drag or friction on the skin.
Silk is a perfect material for eczema sufferers to sleep on, as it is naturally hypoallergenic and inhospitable to dust mites. It also has the properties of preventing the growth of micro-organisms, bacteria and mould, so decreases the incidence of secondary skin infections in susceptible individuals such as eczema sufferers who already have a compromised skin barrier. Skin moisture is retained and skin is kept cool as the individual sleeps, and they will get a better quality of sleep, as coughing and scratching caused by dust mite allergy will be minimized.
Dermatology experts encourage patients who have just had cosmetic surgery to sleep on a silk pillowcase, and the silk pillowcase has been a “must-have” beauty essential for Hollywood starlets for decades.
Silk Pillowcase: Beneficial for the Hair
The same principles noted above apply to the hair. Cotton bedding can cause friction with the hair cuticle and can produce irreversible damage to the hair shaft, causing frizz and split ends. Hair is tangled and messy on waking, the classic “bed head” syndrome. Many leading hairdressers encourage their customers to sleep on silk fabric as a way of taming the hair and making it easier to manage.
When sleeping on silk, the hair actually becomes shiny and smooth. That is why it has long been recommended to rub the hair with a silk scarf to tame it quickly. After sleeping on silk, the hair requires minimal brushing and looks as if it has received a conditioning treatment. Silk amino acids are now a popular ingredient in hair care products because of the ability of silk to improve the appearance of the hair.
Caring for a Silk Pillowcase
A silk pillowcase should be hand washed at 30-35°C. Care should be taken to use a detergent specifically for use on silk items, as not all laundry products are suitable. The pillowcase should be hung to dry naturally and not tumble dried. It can be ironed in a very cool setting. Some irons have a specific setting for silk fabric.
With care, a silk pillowcase can survive everyday use for several years. They are more susceptible to wear and tear than cotton and the fabric will inevitably thin out over time, before eventually becoming damaged and torn. However, when weighed up against the cost of expensive night creams and hair conditioning treatments, a silk pillowcase represents excellent value for money as a beauty treatment and produces wonderful, noticeable, results.
