13 hair and skin benefits of sleeping with silk pillowcase

Recently I shared my experience of sleeping on a silk pillowcase daily, for a year [Link]. I noticed positive changes in both my hair and skin. Today, I’ll share more the benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase, besides the disadvantages of using a silk pillowcase is pretty straightforward.

What are the disadvantages of a silk pillowcase

I can only think of two, laundry and the price tag. I have always been an advocate of handwashing your silk [Link], but if you are not as particular you can still use a washing machine and laundry bag to wash your silks [Link].

Silk pillowcases are definitely an affordable luxury, but it is still pricier than cotton pillowcases.

But I think the multiple benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase far outweighs the two disadvantages. Let’s get into the benefits!

Silk pillowcase benefits for hair

I have seen major improvement on my hair, just by changing out my cotton pillowcase to a silk pillowcase. My hair is generally healthier, it is less dry, less frizzy, and less prone to breakage and spilt ends. Here are some ways how silk pillowcases benefit our hair and scalp.

Do silk pillowcases prevent hair from drying out

Silk does not absorb moisture from our hair, by doing so it allows our hair to stay hydrated.

On top of not absorbing moisture from our hair, it does the same for our scalp, keeping our scalp happy. Dry and flaky scalps often lack moisture, silk pillowcases help this condition by not taking away even more moisture from our scalp.

Do silk pillowcases help with greasy hair

Greasy hair is often caused by dry scalps. Not everyone’s scalp gets flaky when it is too dry. For some, the body produces more sebum, resulting in an oiler scalp and hair.

Using a silk pillowcase will help reduce the greasiness over time. But do look into getting suitable shampoos for an oily scalp too, the silk pillowcase will supplement your scalp care routine, but it cannot replace a good shampoo.

Does a silk pillowcase help with frizzy hair

Cotton fibres from cotton pillowcases snag hair at a microscopic level and can create frizzy, tangled hair. Silk has long smooth fine strands, which does not snag hair. Silk is also anti-static, which helps reduce frizz. In fact, have you ever wondered…

why do black women use silk pillowcases

I am not being racist, I’m serious! Women with textured and curly hair have been sleeping on silk for years to keep their braids and blowouts preserved for longer without adding frizz. I am not saying ALL black women do it, but that many have done so and with good reason!

Curly hair does not retain as much moisture as straight hair and is more prone to breakage. Using a silk pillowcase helps retain the moisture, reduce friction and in turn, result in healthier hair!

In fact, on top of silk pillowcases, there are silk hair wraps or hair turbans, but that’s for another day.

Can silk pillowcases prevent split ends and hair breakage

The smooth surface of silk will prevent tangles and frizz which leads hair breakage and damage. However, hair conditioners, hair oils and regular trims are also essential to prevent split ends and keep our hair healthy. The best way to prevent split ends is to combine the use of a silk pillowcase, hair care products, as well as handling and styling our hair with gentle care.

Do silk pillowcases help with hair loss

Everyone sheds hair throughout the day. There are many factors attributing to hair loss, genetics, stress, illnesses, handling our hair roughly or excessively tugging at our hair. A silk pillowcase may prevent split ends but preventing hair loss is a bit of a stretch.

Unless, like me, your hair loss is attributed to aggressively brushing out tangles in the morning. A silk pillowcase will help reduce hair tangles, which means less aggressive hair brushing. In this instance, sleeping on a silk pillowcase may just help with you hair loss.

Silk pillowcase benefits for acne and skin

It took 3 months before I saw any benefits to my skin. My acne cleared up significantly, especially in the summer. I had clearer and less oily skin. Most interestingly, sleep lines and creases went away!

Here are some ways how silk pillowcases can benefit acne sufferers and help improve our skin.

Do silk pillowcase help with acne

It has been mentioned by beauty gurus, perhaps your grandmother or aunt. But a recent clinical trial actually showed that sleeping on a silk pillowcase reduces pimples and may be better for your skin, compared to sleeping on a cotton pillowcase.

Do not forget though, a good skincare routine is still key to preventing breakouts and acne.

Silk pillowcase benefits for acne

Silk pillowcases provide a cleaner surface to sleep on as it is naturally hypoallergenic. Silk as a fabric is naturally resistant to dust mites, fungi and bacteria; which are the usual causes of skin irritation and acne.

In fact, friction from cotton pillowcases on pimple-prone skin can create more inflammation, making acne worse.

Do silk pillowcase keep skin hydrated

Silk fibres do not absorb water well, largely because it is made from protein fibres. Cotton however, absorbs water well.

As such, sleeping on a silk pillowcase instead of cotton helps to retain moisture in the skin, allowing our skin to stay hydrated. This is even more apparent in winter when our skin needs the most moisture.

Keep in mind that the silk pillowcase does not actually hydrate our skin, it helps retain moisture. It does however allow our moisturizer to stay on our face instead of being absorbed by the pillowcase. So, remember to apply your facial moisturisers!

Curious about why silk is so amazing? Read more about what silk is and how they are made [Link].

Does silk pillowcase help with wrinkles

According to Dr. Neal Schultz, a dermatologist from New York and author of It’s Not Just About Wrinkles,  silk pillowcases provide a smooth surface with little friction which tugs less on the skin; compared to a traditional cotton pillowcase.

Have you ever woken up in the morning with wrinkle like creases on the side of your face? Tossing, turning and sleeping on your side causes them, but a smooth surface like silk helps to reduce creases and prevent excessive wrinkles in the long run

However, age related wrinkles cannot be undone or prevented entirely by a silk pillowcase!

Are silk pillowcases anti-aging

Silk pillowcases can prevent sleep lines and creases which may cause premature skin wrinkles. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can also help retain moisture in our skin, which helps us look more youthful. However, wrinkles are only one aspect of skin aging. You will still need a good skin care regime to prevent premature aging.

Are silk pillowcases suitable for those with sensitive skin

Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, it repels dust mites, fungus, mould, which may cause allergic reactions or cause flare ups in eczema and psoriasis sufferers. Although your silk pillowcases may be hypoallergenic, do check that your other beddings, like your bedsheet and mattress, are suitable for your sensitive skin too.

Can a silk pillowcase prevent skin inflammation

Silk is cool and breathable. Keeping our skin cool reduces the chance of skin irritation and inflammation. It does not sound like much, but if you have sensitive skin, keeping your skin cool might prevent redness and skin inflammation.

Are the benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase worth it

I think it is an affordable luxury. If you are skeptical like I was, start with 1 or 2 silk pillowcases, sufficient to wash and use in rotation. If not for the hair and skin benefits, take it as an indulgence, it is always nice to sleep on something cool and smooth.

I appreciate my silk pillowcases the most in summer, when the hot and humid weather gives me the most skin and hair issues. If your skin is sensitive and temperamental like mine, give the silk pillowcase a try!