Benefits of Silk
Ever woken up with a ‘sleep-crease’ or a ‘sleep line’ on your face? While the creases usually go away later the same day, they are an indication of the damage that is done to your face when sleeping on a cotton pillowcase. And as we get older, our skin gets more fragile and the sleep lines take longer to disappear, eventually turning into permanent wrinkles. Ask any plastic surgeon or dermatologist! They will tell you that they can tell which side you sleep on from the creases on your face!
What’s the big deal about Silk Pillowcases?
We spend a third of our lives in bed. By the time we are 60, we will have slept for an average of 20 years.
Most of us are side sleepers and we spend 7-8 hours every night of our life sleeping in a position which will crease our skin. In fact, over 90% of people sleep on their sides and most people find it impossible to switch positions and sleep on their backs. During the restful sleep hours, skin makes new cells twice as fast as during the time that we are awake. As we age, our collagen and elastin grow less resilient meaning those creases can stay for hours or even permanently.
Virtually everyone (99.9% of the population) sleeps on pillowcases made from cotton. But, of course, the problem with cotton is that it does not slip, so the fabric continuously tugs at delicate parts of the face and neck. SLEEP ‘N BEAUTY pillowcases are made from the highest quality 100% mulberry silk and provide the slip and softness required to prevent sleep creases and bed-head.
When you think about how much time and money we spend on expensive facial creams and cosmetic procedures, it seems such a waste to undermine all these efforts by forgetting to do something as simple as sleeping on silk. Of course, its not just about the face and skin. Expensive hair extensions, hair straighteners and hair-dos can all be prolonged and maintained by sleeping on silk.
It’s something everybody has said at one time or another: “I need my beauty sleep.” The fact is, that a good night’s sleep offers all kinds of personal health and beauty benefits, from boosting the body’s immune system and alleviating stress to preventing bags and nasty dark circles under the eyes.
Nighttime also provides an opportunity to care for the skin—especially replenishing and hydrating facial skin. Many moisturizers and hair treatments are especially formulated specifically for overnight use, and there is evidence that ingredients in skin care and hair products stay active longer during the dark, night hours. In addition, the skin may be more receptive to active ingredients while asleep than during the light of day.
There’s just one problem: Natural cotton feels good against the skin and is comfortably cool, especially in warm climates BUT, cotton also absorbs moisture, which can be beneficial—except when it dries out the skin and hair. And as it absorbs moisture, it also absorbs the expensive facial creams which we apply.
So, what’s the big deal about silk? What is it about silk that helps us stay young and beautiful?
Silk pillowcases are Anti-Aging
First and foremost, there is documented research to show that sleeping on silk pillowcases prevents aging. Silk contains natural proteins and 18 essential amino acids which also help to counter the effects of aging.
Silk Pillowcases Are Hypoallergenic
Because of the small areas between the individual silk threads there is not much space that allows dust and other allergens to sit and irritate your skin, eyes, or nasal passages. Additionally, the smooth nature of silk allows many of the things that may hide in traditional cotton pillowcases to simply glide away, leaving you to sleep and breathe easier through the night.
Silk is less Absorbent Than Cotton
One of the properties of cotton is its ability to absorb many times its weight of a liquid. Silk doesn’t do that. It is absorbent, yet its absorbency is at about 11%. That means it will absorb some sweat and face cream, yet not nearly as much as cotton. What this means is your face will stay moisturized for longer than with cotton or linen. In other words, sleeping on a silk pillowcase can actually make your skin look better and younger over time than it would if were you sleeping on a cotton pillow case. Expensive night creams stay where they are supposed to be…..on your skin.
Silk Pillowcases Are Great For The Hair
Say the word “silk” and it will evoke certain images in ones mind. One of the most common images is the smooth and silky feeling of the luxurious fabric and the exquisite feeling of silk against your skin And, of course, the way that silk allows things to glide over its surface. That inherent “silkiness” means that your hair is not spending the night rubbing against surfaces that do not glide, causing friction and ultimately hair breakage and bed head.
Silk is a Temperature Regulator
Silk is a natural heat regulator which ensures that the perfect body temperature is maintained while you sleep. Base layer ski clothing is made from silk because of its wonderful properties as a temperature regulator. Silk keeps you cool when its warm and warm when its cool. This testimonial comes from one of our customers “As a menopausal woman who suffers from night sweats, the fact that silk is a natural heat regulator has been one of the most unexpected and fantastic benefits of sleeping on silk. This wonderful quality means that during my annoying night sweats, the only thing that is allowed to touch me is my silk pillowcase.”
It may be difficult to tell if your face looks younger or your hair is in better condition after sleeping on a silk pillowcase for just one night. But lay down on silk pillowcases and you can instantly feel how cool and silky smooth they are.
"Silk pillowcases are truly wonderful for many reasons, some of which have been explained here. Not everyone will like them, or love them as I do. Not everyone will see the benefits in younger looking skin or healthier hair – they are only one factor in the quest for beautiful skin and hair. But everyone should try sleeping on a silk pillowcase at least once in their life. Only then will you be able to appreciate all these wonderful benefits."