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The dermatology and beauty industries have long contemplated which is better to sleep on for skin, silk or cotton pillowcases? There are ardent supporters for both silk and cotton arguing their point, but in reality, there is only one clear winner. Read on to learn more about the two fabrics and settle this age-old debate on silk vs cotton.
Silk vs Cotton Pillowcases: Settling the Debate
The Case For Cotton
As the traditional material to cover pillows, cotton is durable, easy to care for, wears well, and is affordable. For all these practical reasons, a high-thread count cotton pillowcase and cotton sheets are a popular choice for sleep.
However, there is a growing awareness of the many shortcomings of cotton.
Are Cotton Pillowcases Bad for Skin?
While cotton has remained a common choice for pillowcases, there are many drawbacks to this material. For example, the following are some cons of cotton. Like issues that can lead to skin issues and breakouts.
- Enlarged Pores/Acne Breakouts: Since cotton pillowcases are a bit rough, they can create tiny nooks and crannies in which dirt, pet dander, and pollen settles and collects. This attracts dust mites to each of the particles, which enlarges pores and leads to breakouts.
- Absorbs Skincare Products: Let’s face it, skincare products, especially the ones designed to be worn while asleep can be quite expensive. The last thing you want is for your high-dollar beauty cream to end up on your pillowcase instead of your skin where it belongs.
- Not Hypoallergenic: Cotton is not a hypoallergenic product and can cause redness, rash, and other issues.
- Dries Skin Out: This material can absorb moisture from the skin drying it out and leading to more skin issues.
Is Silk Fabric Better for Your Skin?
The preferable pillowcase alternative for optimal skin health is a real silk pillowcase for a variety of reasons. Silk not only has a luxurious feeling, but silk fabric also reduces friction, so it helps with skin conditions like eczema instead of exasperating them. It also absorbs less moisture than cotton, helping keep your skin hydrated.
The tight weave of the silk surface means it doesn't collect dust particles and dirt. This means silk fibers repels dust mites and won't clog pores or lead to acne breakouts for acne-prone skin.
Silk will also help the skin retain needed moisture and will prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, 100% mulberry silk fabric is all-natural and hypoallergenic which is ideal for sensitive skin.
Benefits of silk:
- Doesn’t collect dust and dirt
- Naturally hypoallergenic and breathable
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Reduces breakouts
- Helps skin retain moisture
- Will not cause rash or skin reactions
- Prevents wrinkles and fine lines
- Repels dust mites
Silk bedding as an investment
While it's true that silk carries a larger price tag than cotton, if you look at each pillowcase as an investment in your skin's health, you can see the value of sleeping on silk. You'll end up with smoother skin and fewer wrinkles over time. Not to mention you'll enjoy its soft feel every night.
If you're worried about caring for silk, you don't have to be. With Blissy’s machine washable 100% silk pillowcases, this becomes a nonissue as they are just about as easy to care for as traditional pillowcases. Just throw them in the wash with some detergent designed for delicates, and they're good to go. They'll also give you a perfect night's sleep as they are temperature regulating, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Bottom Line: Silk Wins
If you are asking yourself: are silk pillowcases good for skin? Then yes, silk is the clear winner for your skin and hair over the more traditional option of cotton when selecting a pillowcase for all the reasons listed above and more. We recommend Blissy's 22-momme weight mulberry silk pillowcase as the top choice for easy-to-care-for 100% mulberry silk pillowcases that will last for years to come.
