Are silk pillowcases good for your skin?
Silk pillowcases aren’t necessarily better than cotton or linen — those fabrics aren’t unkind to skin. However, silk is often considered a little gentler, particularly for people with sensitive or for people who suffer from acne or skin flair ups.
There is currently no UK-backed scientific evidence proving that silk pillowcases improve skin health or actually treat skin conditions. That said, the natural properties of pure mulberry silk are why many people are switching to silk pillowcases and silk eye masks.
Image: Pink Leopard Print Silk Pillowcase and Silk Scrunchie Set
How pure mulberry silk feels against skin
MYRN Silk use pure 6A grade mulberry silk in all silk pillowcases, which is known for being exceptionally smooth, soft, and lightweight. Silk's naturally smooth surface creates less friction against the skin compared to less smooth fabrics, like cotton or linen.
Because of this, silk may feel more comfortable for those who experience redness, inflammation or sensitivity from fabric rubbing against their face overnight. Silk allows your skin to glide more easily across the surface of your pillowcase.
Read more about why mulberry silk is the best type of silk for smoothness and reducing friction on hair and skin.
Silk and moisture: What makes silk different?
Silk is naturally less absorbent than fabrics like cotton or linen. This is often considered beneficial because silk absorbs less of your skin’s natural moisture, oils, and any skincare products you apply before bed. As a result, using a silk pillowcase can help skin feel more hydrated in the morning. Not only this - there will be less build-up of oils and residue on the surface of your pillowcase, keeping it feeling cleaner and fresher between washes and reducing the transfer of dirt and irritants back onto your skin.
Satin vs silk: Why they’re not the same
Although satin may feel smooth like silk, most satin pillowcases and eye masks are made from polyester, a synthetic fabric. Whereas pure silk is 100% natural.
Polyester is not naturally breathable and tends to trap heat and moisture between your skin and your pillowcase. This can leave many people feeling hot or sweaty during sleep, particularly in warmer weather. For those with sensitive skin, trapped heat and sweat may contribute to discomfort, irritation or skin inflammation.
Pure mulberry silk, by contrast, is a natural fibre that allows for better airflow and temperature regulation, which many people find more comfortable throughout the night.
Check your pillowcase is certified by OEKO-TEX
All MYRN Silk pillowcases are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified - this means that our fabric has been tested to ensure they don't contain any harmful chemicals or irritants from the manufacturing process. This certification is globally recognised and an important consideration when purchasing any fabric that may come into contact with your skin to ensure you are not exposed to anything that may irritate you.
So is a pure silk pillowcase best for your skin? If you suffer from sensitivity, inflammation or dryness, it's certainly worth making the switch and seeing how well it works for you.