It doesn’t matter how long you work in the beauty industry, there are still surprises every so often. I have just discovered that silk pillowcases are a beauty product. Not only that, but beauty journalists have been trying out different ones to see which one is best. (It turns out to be our friends from This Is Silk.)
It is tempting to think this might be a cunning plan on behalf of the writers who have come up with a way to get paid to sleep, with the added benefit of being able to claim for bed linen on expenses. But it isn’t too far fetched a claim. At least one dermatologist has proposed that Silk pillowcases are smoother and softer than traditional cotton pillowcases, which may help reduce friction and irritation on the skin. This can be particularly helpful for people with sensitive skin or those prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles.
There’s also the possibility that since silk pillowcases are less absorbent than traditional cotton pillowcases, they may be less likely to harbor bacteria and oil that can contribute to acne breakouts.
The gold standard for claims like this would be a controlled trial of silk pillowcases against cheaper materials. I wouldn’t be surprised if silk did show some benefit, but until there is data we need to keep an open mind. The thing I can believe even without evidence is that getting a good night’s sleep is good for the skin. It seems to be good for everything else and I think it must be good for skin as well. So if you like silk pillows and they help you get your forty winks, why not?
