Over the last few years, I have constantly been hearing various beauty bloggers and Instagram influencers discuss and promote the benefits of using a silk or satin pillowcase. Personally, I love a good beauty hack and knew that, if the benefits were true, swapping out my cotton pillowcase for silk or satin was right up my alley. However, being the skeptic that I am, I did a lot of my own research on satin and silk pillowcases before ditching the classic cotton. Check out everything I learned & ultimately what I purchased in the information below!
Silk vs Satin – What is the difference?
Silk: Silk is a natural animal protein fiber, created by certain larvae when spinning cocoons. One of the most popular and highest quality silks is mulberry silk. When comparing silks, note that unlike other fabrics, silk is measured by fabric weight (momme). The higher the momme, the more silk used to create the product.
Satin: Satin is a weave, meaning it is made up of different materials. Typically silk is one of several different fabrics in a satin weave. When purchasing satin products be careful to not mix up satin with sateen. Sateen is woven in a satin weave but typically contains cotton fibers (ick!).
Best Pillowcases for Hair
Both silk and satin pillowcases help protect your hair while you sleep. Unlike cotton pillowcases that leave a frizzy bed-head situation, satin and silk pillowcases do not draw the moisture and applied product out of your hair. Maintaining moisture is especially important for coarse or curly hair types. Along with increased moisture, the sleek material of silk and satin reduces the amount of friction on your hair while you sleep. Reduced friction helps protect your hair from split ends and breakage. So if you are like me and in the process of growing out your hair, a silk or satin pillowcase is going to help you get there faster.
On the off chance that you find sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase uncomfortable, look into buying either a silk or satin scarf or hair wrap. This way your hair will still benefit and not fall victim to the cotton pillowcase.
Looking for even more hair protection? Then you should also think about swapping your elastic hairband for a silk scrunchie. Specifically for those that prefer sleeping with their hair up, silk scrunchies further help prevent breakage and ugly hair creases.
Scroll to the bottom or click here to check out my #1 recommended silk pillowcase from Amazon! Or if you are thinking about trying out a satin pillowcase instead, click here!
Best Pillowcases for Skin
Ever go to bed and wake up the next morning with a road map on your face? Just like with hair, sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase reduces the amount of friction on your skin. The result is decreased skin irritation, redness, and dryness. Plus, unlike cotton, satin and silk pillowcases don’t absorb and leave your moisturizer and other applied products on your skin instead of being soaked up by a cotton pillowcase. Some research claims that satin is even more resistant than silk from absorbing products. Meaning, if you apply several different products before bed, a satin pillowcase may be the best option for you.
One benefit that silk has over satin is that it is hypoallergenic. This means that a silk pillowcase has a natural resistance to fungus, mold, and allergens. Thus, if you have sensitive skin, silk may further protect your skin against these irritants in comparison to satin.
Scroll to the bottom or click here to check out my #1 recommended silk pillowcase from Amazon! Or if you are thinking about trying out a satin pillowcase instead, click here!
Best Pillowcases for Acne
If you struggle with acne, a silk pillowcase may be a great and easy addition to your skincare regimen. Silk is a natural protein fiber made up of several different amino acids. Combined with it’s reduced friction, silk pillowcases help to reduce redness and improve overall skin complexion.
Best Pillowcases for Wrinkles
There are several different sources that claim silk and satin pillowcases help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. The theory is that because of the reduced friction, your skin is less likely to be tugged and pulled on throughout the night. However, most research states that ultimately the most important factor in preventing wrinkles while you sleep is actually your position. The best way to prevent wrinkles is by sleeping on your back, this reduces the amount of constant pressure on your face and neck throughout the night. Extended pressure on your face and neck results in the breakdown of collagen and thus, fine lines and wrinkles.
Conclusion & Recommendations
Here is another affordable option for a silk pillowcase that has some different color options!
slip is probably the most well-known brand for silk pillowcases and scrunchies. This brand is on the more expensive side, but I have heard nothing but excellent reviews from people who have tried their products!
Link to shop my recommended satin pillowcase option! Under $10 for a 2-pack!
All of the above pillowcase options come in all different colors and sizes!
Based on all of the research I read, I decided it was more than worth it to invest in a silk pillowcase. Personally, I like that the silk option is made of natural fibers and is hypoallergenic. Since using my silk pillowcase, I have already noticed a difference in my hair and skin. My hair is way less frizzy in the morning, even when I shower before bed. My skin is less dry and I have a more even complexion. I can honestly not recommend a silk or satin pillowcase enough. If you are on the fence, I would suggest purchasing a satin pillowcase first as they are much more affordable and have almost all the same benefits.