You want to be on the lookout for fabrics that are hypoallergenic and breathable, that reduce friction and therefore irritation, and don't soak up a ton of products like face creams and serums so that the oils and any bacteria fester on your bedding. These include: Silk pillowcases. Satin pillowcases.
Silk and satin offer another skin-saving plus: Because they're smooth, they don't irritate acne lesions as rougher materials can. “Acne lesions are inflammatory in nature to begin with,” said VanHoose. “Irritation from rough fabrics can further inflame acne lesions and exacerbate breakouts.”
Pillowcases made from high-quality materials like silk and bamboo can help prevent acne due to their smooth and soft feel. While these materials can sometimes carry a higher price-point, they're often more durable, meaning you might not have to replace them as often as lower-quality alternatives.
Satin pillowcases offer an array of potential benefits to sleepers. The wrinkle-resistant fabric may prevent hair damage, support healthy skin, and limit exposure to allergens and bacteria.
Silk is recommended by leading dermatologists for its anti-ageing properties and helps to keep skin soft, supple and wrinkle-free. These pillowcases contain the same natural fibres found in our skin and hair, helping to reduce friction and moisture loss while keeping your hair healthy, sleek and shiny.
Which one you choose comes down to a few factors, like price and preference. "I like satin more because it's less expensive than silk, but it's also smoother than silk, reducing the friction between the hair strands and the pillowcase," says Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, Trichologist, Ph. D.
With silk and satin pillowcases, skin is able to breathe more which helps with minimizing pores, reducing irritation and redness, and increasing firmness. Regardless of the type, change pillowcases every few days because the natural oils and product residue from your hair can clog facial pores and lead to acne.
Satin is one of the best materials for pores. The silky material allows pores to breathe throughout the night which reduces the chances of acne. Similarly, if you are prone to dry skin and require a lot of moisture to keep your skin looking supple and youthful, satin can help.
If you have any thick products on your hair when you sleep, the oils from your hair sit on the surface of your pillowcase and that can transfer to your face. However, this can happen if your pillowcase is cotton, silk or satin."
Dermatologists have suggested that natural fibres are the best for your skin, think organic cotton, wool, cashmere, hemp, silk, alpaca, and linen. Properties of organic fabrics, like the fact that they are soft, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic always work best for the skin.
Dermatologists Say a Silk Pillowcase is the Top Choice for Acne-Prone or Sensitive Skin. A silk pillowcase is the perfect choice for anyone with acne prone or sensitive skin. In fact, skin care specialists and dermatologists often recommend sleeping on silk to help manage these skin conditions.
Sleeping position
If you sleep sideways, you are most likely to have acne on the side of your face, including the cheeks. Sleeping on your back is perhaps the most appropriate way as there is minimal contact between the surface and your face in this position.
Bacteria and dirt will build up more slowly on silk or satin than on cotton, but you still need to wash it frequently. You don't want to be applying a fresh layer of skin irritants every time you go to sleep! For this reason, read the label carefully before deciding between silk or satin pillowcases.
Mack says she would recommend switching your pillowcases every two to three days and the rest of your bedding every week. Now, she says every day or every other day is ideal.
Though there isn't much scientific evidence supporting that silk pillowcases can reduce or even prevent acne, the fact that it doesn't snag the skin like rougher cotton or polyester fabrics can ultimately help prevent redness and irritation that can make acne look and feel worse, experts told us.
There's a reason why many dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases. Not only is the material naturally hypoallergenic, which can keep irritation at bay, but it also has a silky smooth texture that's no match for the troublesome friction other materials might cause.
Satin is non-absorbent, and therefore helps preserve the moisture in the hair and skin. Satin also won't absorb any applied night creams. Silk (and cotton) are highly absorbent, which can rob hair and skin of their natural oils. Satin feels cool to the touch, whereas silk warms up with body heat.
For acne-prone skin, sateen sheets are the better option. They tend to feel more silky and smooth against the skin and won't irritate any other skin conditions you may have.
This dirt goes on to clog the pores and leads to blemishes. An old pillow accumulates dirt, dust and oil from your face which can lead to break outs. For a small group of people with very sensitive skin this might be due to the material used, but in most cases, it is probably a case of acne mechanica.
It's great for your skin.
Less expensive fabrics often retain moisture, but that's not the case for satin. This means that if you use skincare, it will stay on your skin and won't transfer to your bedding.
Hair and skin help – When choosing between a satin vs silk pillowcase for skin and hair, you win either way, as satin also has the benefit of low friction. It also shares silk's breathability and hypoallergenic nature.
Sleeping on a satin pillowcase is a timeless beauty secret for maintaining lustrous hair and youthful skin. Satin's tightly-woven, smooth, silky fibers reduce friction on the hair, which prevents not only bed-head, but damage and breakage.
Washing satin isn't the time for heavy-duty stain removers, bleach or other harsh chemicals. Use a gentle detergent. Use cool water. Never use warm or hot water to wash your satin pillowcase as it will damage the fibers and cause the pillowcase to shrink.