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Everybody knows the power of a good night’s sleep. Consistent poor sleep has a negative impact on collagen production, increases cortisol (a stress hormone that can trigger acne) and lowers PH levels, which can increase skin dryness and sensitivity.
There are lots of ways to improve your sleep and your skin, and turns out one of them is investing in a silk pillowcase.
Silk pillowcases can help with your actual sleep because silk fibres are temperature-regulating. According to the Sleep Foundation, we sleep best at 18.3 degrees celsius — but most of us sleep in bedrooms or under blankets that keep us far warmer. Simply, with a silk pillowcase you’re always sleeping on the cool side of the pillow.
More to the point, swapping cotton for silk directly benefits skin and hair. Silk provides a frictionless surface, that makes for less incidental exfoliation of the skin or cuticle roughage of your hair while you toss and turn.
They help your complexion retain moisture, as they are less absorbent than cotton pillowcases, which also means they don’t hold on to bacteria and oils in the same way a cotton pillowcase will. Some pillowcases, as you will see, have additional skin-beneficial ingredients.
We’ve rounded up the best silk pillowcases for a nighttime beauty boost.
Silvi
Silvi, Anti-Acne™ Silk Pillowcase
Consider this one of the world’s first “active” pillowcases. Meet Silvi’s Mulberry silk Anti-Acne™ Silk Pillowcase ($89).
Silvi’s silk pillowcases contain blemish eradicating ingredients that work while you sleep.
The key is antibacterial silver. It’s clinically proven to eliminate 99.7% of bacteria linked to acne, breakouts and inflammation.
Silvi also offers a Vegan-friendly Bamboo Anti-Acne Pillowcase ($69) made of 100% bamboo lyocell.
SilkySilky, 19 Momme 100% Pure Silk Pillowcases
Want to try a silk pillowcase but on a budget? SilkySilky’s high-quality, 19momme 100% Pure Silk Pillowcases ($30) is a fabulous option.
Wondering what “momme” refers to? Momme is a Japanese word used as a measurement for silk. The higher the momme count, the denser the weave of the silk.
Generally, silk pillowcases use between 12-30 momme — anything above and the silk will have a stiff “raw silk” finish.
SilkySilky’s pillowcases address a common problem in the category: they can slip off pillows that are too firm (typically pillowcases designed specifically for neck support).
SilkySilky pillowcases are equipped with a hidden zipper that keeps your pillowcase firmly in place, no matter how “active” your sleep cycle.
Papinelle, Silk Pillow Slip
Papinelle’s Audrey Boxed Silk Pillow Slip ($90) make for a gorgeous gift — each of the five shades comes with a matching case. Made of 100% mulberry silk, the pillowcases are naturally hypoallergenic and incredibly soft.
Go-To Skincare, Face Case Silk Pillowcase
For a cute, quirky silk pillowcase that takes care of your mug, look no further than Go-To Skincare’s Face Case Silk Pillowcase ($65).
Their 100% mulberry silk has a 22 momme count, making this a high-quality option.
It’s hard to pick a favourite from the 449 five-star reviews on the Go-To website but our personal favourite is “so soft, it’s like sleeping on a kitten.” Another happy customer reports the product has been a “game-changer” for their curly hair.
Goia Casa, Two Sided 100% Mulberry Silk Hypoallergenic Pillowcase
Gioia Casa’s Two Sided, 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcases ($37) are highly rated for their quality, price, and their zip closure. Reviewers also rave about the pillow’s frizz-fighting and knot-avoiding abilities.
They are also available in a whopping 14 shades, so no matter your bedding, you can find a match.
Nidra
Nidra Silk Pillowcase
Ready for some aesthetic, ethical luxury? Nidra, Face Saver Case Pillowcases ($120) are made of 100% Ahimsa Silk. Ahimsa “Peace” Silk is cruelty-free silk. Traditional silk production involves the destruction of the silkworm’s cocoon.
The Ahimsa method of silk production offers an alternative.
Worms are allowed to hatch from the cocoon, extending the silk production timeline as larvae will take an extra 7-10 days to emerge. Ahimsa Silk is a slower, more challenging and ultimately, more expensive method of silk production.
Nadira silk is ethically sourced from rural India, supporting a predominantly female cottage industry of farmers, spinners and weavers.
If this doesn’t make you sleep easy, the stunning colours and design will. From rich terracotta to deep olive and inky indigo, these are the most *aesthetic* silk pillowcases we’ve come across.
Zimasilk
Zimasilk 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcases
Zimasilk 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcases ($40)are 19 momme, OEKA certified silk with the lusted-after hidden zipper detail! Available in eight colours these come in Queen (20x30inch) King (20×36 inch) and Standard Size options.
