We spoke with two owners of mulberry silk bedding to sort the fact from the fiction and confirm what benefits you can really expect from silk pillowcases.
What is Mulberry silk?
The first thing to know is that silk is measured in mommes. A quality silk pillowcase or silk bedding will show a level of 19 mommes or higher.
Mulberry silk is a high-quality silk that is considered the silk equivalent to Egyptian cotton.
The Benefits of Silk For Skin
"I love my mulberry silk pillowcase! It's been great for my eczema and dry skin; it leaves my skin feeling more hydrated than my cotton pillowcase, not to mention the extra bonus of helping with slowing down the wrinkles. I've gifted one to almost all my friends over the years; it's something that as women we often won't buy ourselves, it seems like too much of an indulgence - but everyone deserves a little bit of luxury in their lives, I think." ~ Emma B.
Silk Pillowcases Help Keep Skin Hydrated
Silk is much less absorbent than cotton, which means that the expensive night cream we splurged on stays exactly where it’s supposed to – our skin, and not our bed linen. In this way, silk can help skin retain its natural moisture, keeping it soft and supple.
So does this mean that silk is anti-aging? In some ways, yes. Skin that is well hydrated is plumper and smoother than dehydrated skin. In addition, the smooth surface of silk creates less friction than other materials, and pulls on skin less, helping to reduce the appearance of fine facial lines and wrinkles.
For this reason, we’re also a big fan of silk eye masks. They are a luxurious treat for the delicate skin around the eyes, and make a beautiful gift for a loved one or as a treat for yourself.
Silk Bedding Is Naturally Hypoallergenic
Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s a great choice for those of us with sensitive skin and allergies. It can also help with acne. The smooth surface of silk is gentler on the skin than coarser fibres, and so helps keep irritation down. Silk pillowcases also absorb much less oil from skin, making them more hygienic for acne-prone skin.
However, it’s a myth that the amino acids and natural protein that silk contains actively improve skin. While amino acids are great in our beauty creams, these proteins aren’t transferrable to the skin from our silk pillowcase or silk bedding.
Silk Bedding Regulates Body Temperature
Natural fibres such as cotton, linen and silk are breathable, and so help to regulate your body temperature while we sleep. Silk is also a natural heat regulator, with the added benefit that it wicks away moisture instead of absorbing it, keeping us dry and comfortable during the night.
The Benefits of Silk For Hair
“My mulberry silk pillowcase has helped to keep my hair soft, moisturised, and free of tangles. Even my hairdresser has commented on what good condition my hair is in, with much reduced breakage! Also in the summer months, it brings a whole new meaning to the 'cool side of the pillow'. The silk is naturally cool to the touch, and it's a genuine delight during hot nights. In fact, my husband (who naturally runs hotter than me) kept pinching mine so often, I’ve had to get him one of his own!” ~ Joanna S.
Silk Pillowcases Prevent Frizzy Hair
While silk bedding cannot magically repair split ends (we’ll have to keep going to the hairdresser for that), its smooth texture creates less friction, so you can say goodbye to morning bedhead. For those of us with dry, brittle, or naturally tangle-prone hair, a silk pillowcase is a godsend.
Silk Bedding Helps Keep Hair Healthy
Did you know, silk contains the same naturally occurring proteins as hair? As we’ve already mentioned, silk is also less porous than cotton, so it also helps to keep hair hydrated. Sleeping on a luxuriously soft set of silk bedding will reduce friction and moisture loss, preventing hair from becoming dry and brittle, so you wake up with healthy, sleek and shiny hair.
Perfect if you have a sensitive scalp or dry hair, or coloured hair that needs a moisture boost.
Ultimately, the answer as to whether silk pillowcases are good for your skin and hair is a big, luxurious, YES. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable to regulate your temperature during all seasons, kind to your skin and hair, and of course, irresistibly comfortable.
Take a look at our range of silk pillowcases and silk bedding, all made from 100% pure mulberry silk in 19 mommes.
