Silk Pillowcases: The Benefits and Why You Should Stop Sleeping on Cotton Pillowcases

If you have been sleeping on a cotton pillowcase for years, then you may want to learn about all the damage it has done to your skin and even your health over the years. And if you wake up with bed-hair, did you know that it could be caused by your cotton pillowcase? Below outlines the main reasons why you should ditch your old cotton pillowcase and switch to a silk pillowcase.

1. Absorbs away your expensive face cream and serum
Due to it’s absorbent capabilities cotton will absorb away your night cream, while silk will not absorb anything from your face. What’s the point of applying an expensive cream at night when most of it will be absorbed by your cotton pillowcase?

2. Dehydrates your skin and hair
Not only will cotton absorb away your night cream, it will also absorb your skin’s natural moisture, making it highly unsuitable for those with dry and sensitive skin (especially eczema). Silk promotes proper moisture balance as it won’t absorb moisture.

3. Creates premature fine line and wrinkles
Wrinkles are caused by the loss of collagen and elasticity. If you are constantly applying repeated pressure against this collagen such as rubbing your face against a rough cotton pillowcase, this will cause the collagen to breakdown and eventually lead to visible lines. Being rough, cotton will encourage friction from all the tugging and stretching against your face. There is no friction when you sleep on silk - your face will glide smoothly over it. Also, silk contains a natural protein and 18 essential amino acids which speed up the metabolism of skin cells. This helps your skin repair and delays the ageing process.

4. Clogs your pore and causes acne
Cotton pillowcases can soak up a lot of dirt, oil and creams from your face. This build-up of bacteria will clog your pores and cause acne. Therefore, you must wash your cotton pillowcases more frequently.

5. Causes dry, frizzy hair and promotes hair breakage
You will be doing damage to your hair every night when you toss and turn on a cotton pillowcase. The friction caused by rubbing cotton against your hair will cause breakage. With a silk pillowcase, your hair will just glide over it’s surface. Being anti-static silk can also extend the life of your blow dry by two days.

6. Prone to dust mites and mould.
Dust mites will thrive on all the dead skin cells, dirt, sweat and oil on your cotton pillowcase. This may trigger asthma and other allergies. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, does not attract dust-mites and repels mould.