Should You Use a Silk Pillowcase?

The silk pillowcase craze Is in full swing.  Silk pillowcases can be quite expensive.  Does it really help your skin and hair?  Is there any scientific evidence or is it just hype?  I’m on a mission to answer your questions.  

There are a few well agreed on facts about silk…

It’s smooth. The most commonly touted silk is mulberry silk which comes from the Bombyx mori silkworm moth’s cocoon.  These silk fibers are naturally smooth filament fibers, so textiles made with silk have a naturally smooth texture.  

It does not absorb much moisture.  Many of the claims for skin and hair come from this property of silk.  Depending on your skin and hair type this may or may not be a benefit.

HAIR .  So, first let’s talk about hair.  Since silk does not absorb much moisture, theoretically hair products and natural oils stay in your hair better.  This leads to more luster and shine. Well moisturized hair should be less brittle, less frizzy and have less breakage.  However, for those with naturally oily scalp, this may be a downside of a silk pillowcase.  Sadly, a silk pillowcase will not prevent the natural course of hair loss in any way.  If you’re suffering from hair loss, check out our other articles about that below. 

SKIN.  Beauty claims about silk pillowcases abound.  These are based on the two premises above. 

Less wrinkles. First, because silk is smooth, it wrinkles less and therefore causes less wrinkle on your face from sleeping.  While a silk pillowcase might help a small amount, sleep position is a bigger factor.  For less wrinkles, lay on your back.  If you’re like me, sleeping on my side with my hand under my face, you’re going to make wrinkles no matter how fancy your pillowcase.  Sorry.

Improved skin texture and tone.  This claim comes from the premise that silk absorbs LESS of our products and natural oils than other textiles such as cotton.  This may be true, but applying a rich, non-comedogenic moisture like Cerave should suffice.  

Anti-inflammatory and Hypoallergenic.  Many people are irritated by different textiles.  Usually, it is laundry detergent and fabric softeners in the textiles that cause trouble, not the textile itself.  If you know certain textiles irritate your skin, avoid them.  For instance, I don’t think anyone would choose a wool pillowcase. 

Antimicrobial.   There is little actual scientific data to support the antimicrobial claims for silk pillowcases.  Washing your face before bed and washing your pillowcase weekly should suffice.

What to look for in a silk pillowcase?  According to many articles I read, silk quality is often measured by the “momme count”.  The Momme count can range up to 30, with a higher number indicating higher density and weight of the silk fibers.  However, other things can be added to the textile falsely elevating this number.  Silk is also graded on a scale of A to C, with grade A silk being more smooth.  One simple thing to look for is a certification of the Global Organic Textile Standard which means the textile is made with at least 70 percent natural fibers.  

Do I use a silk pillowcase?  Not yet.  That is one of the reasons I wanted to do the research for this article.  I’m getting older, and I need all the help I can get.  After doing the research for this article, I’m less convinced that I need a silk pillowcase.  The scientific evidence just isn’t there.  But, maybe I’ll splurge someday and get one. 

How about you?  Do you or a family member use a silk pillowcase?  Tell me all about it on social media or comment below.  Happy Sleeping

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