The silk pillowcase benefits for skin and hair
Everyone is aware of the advantages of a good night's sleep: it not only strengthens the immune system and helps getting rid of stress as well as those dark circles under the eyes, but also gives a fresh, rested look, not to mention the extra boost of energy in the morning. But what happens to your skin, while you’re sleeping? Have you ever woken up, for example, with a sleep wrinkle on your face?
We spend about a third of our life in bed and tend to sleep – about 7-8 hours every night - on our sides, which can irritate and wrinkle the facial skin. Moreover, dermatologists can confirm, that it is also easy to tell simply by observing the creases on the face, which side we predominantly sleep on. According to surveys, about 99.9% of the population sleeps on cotton pillowcases. The main handicap of cotton is that it is not slithery enough, so the fabric constantly rubs and pulls the delicate parts of the face and the neck. As our skin ages, it becomes more and more irritable as well as less elastic, therefore it will take for sleep wrinkles even longer to disappear. If you don’t prevent them in time, they will develop slowly but surely into permanent lines on your face.
Only certain pillowcases made of a very soft, delicate fabric such as natural mulberry silk are able to counteract the rubbing of your skin as well as the appearance of those bothering creases. There has been a lot of talk lately about the benefits of using silk – but what are these benefits exactly?
Silk has an anti-aging effect
First of all, silk contains natural proteins and 18 essential amino acids which speed up the metabolism of skin cells and help to slow down the aging process this way. This is of great importance all the more, since the skin regenerates itself during the night, producing new cells twice as fast as during the day.
Secondly, the fine texture of silk prevents the emergence of sleep wrinkles, which has resulted from the constant friction of the facial skin with your cotton pillowcase, since the surface of cotton is much more rugged, than the surface of silk.
Silk dehydrates less than cotton
One of the main properties of cotton is its capacity to absorb liquid up to 30% of its weight. In the case of silk the absorption rate is only about 11%. Therefore, it dehydrates the epidermis much less than cotton does, so it keeps the skin naturally hydrated during the night. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase not only makes your skin look prettier and softer, but also preserves its freshness and youthfulness.
Silk is hypoallergenic
Silk also has hypoallergenic properties, which means a natural resistance against dust mites, mold, and fungus in addition to many other allergens, so it’s perfect for those who suffer from asthma or any other allergies.
Furthermore, silk doesn’t tend to pick up as much pore-clogging bacteria as cotton does, so if you use a silk pillowcase, you can also expect a clearer skin.
Moreover, enzymes contained by silk help to fight small imperfections on the facial skin such as have an important role in acne control. Namely the skin can breathe much better and rests on a more hygienic surface. Due to its numerous antibacterial qualities the use of silk is particularly advised in cases of severe acne, eczema or sensitive skin conditions.
Your silk pillowcase is beauty cream-friendly
You apply facial night cream every evening before going to sleep, but still can’t see the miracle effect? It is probably your cotton pillowcase’s fault rather than yours, since cotton, as mentioned above, can absorb a lot of water, so it more than likely soaks up your night cream as well.
Unlike cotton pillowcases, silk doesn't drink up creams, oils or other face care products: after you’ve applied them before going to bed, you can enjoy their regenerating, long-lasting effect during the night.
Silk is amazing for hair
In addition to doing good to your skin, silk is also amazing for hair. The properties of the fabric your pillowcase is made of are very important for keeping your beautiful and healthy hair the way it is. The moisture wicking property of silk regenerates and restores the beauty in your hair, keeping it in an excellent condition, while you’re sleeping. A silk pillowcase is made of perfectly smooth fibers in contrast to cotton pillowcases, which have a much coarser texture that can cause breakage and makes your hair tangle or frizzy.
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase hinders any kind of mechanical irritation. Moreover, silk fibers have a similar structure to human hair, containing 97% amino acids and 3% waxy and fat fibers. This will reduce split ends and thereby significantly reduce hair damage such as hair loss.
Last but not least, silk functions as a humidity sensor, creating a protective barrier that keeps your hair properly hydrated, by absorbing far less sebum produced by your hair.
Silk is excellent temperature controller
Cool when it's hot outside, hot when it's cool: silk also works as a natural heat controller. It allows your body temperature to be perfectly maintained while you're sleeping which is specifically appreciated by people with frequent hot flushes and night sweats or with delicate, inflamed or sensitive skin.
The struggle of trying to keep cool in the summer, tossing your head on the pillow over and over again in order to find a little cool spot is just about to stop for good! All you have to do is lay your head down on your silk pillowcase or slip between silk sheets and it will provide a convincing proof, how comfortable and refreshing silk can be during the hot season.
When it comes to the cold season, you will also appreciate the cozy, warming comfort of a silk duvet and its awesome capacity to keep body warmth without having to feel choking or sweating.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to ditch that cotton pillowcase of yours – it has been damaging your skin and hair for so many years, so now it is time for a change and regeneration! If you choose silk instead, you won’t ever regret your decision! We wish you a nice rest!
Empire of O'Z
