Because it's made from more common, cheaper materials like polyester, it's not naturally hypoallergenic so may not be suitable for those with allergies or sensitive / acne-prone skin. It's less breathable than silk and does not regulate temperature as well as silk.
Unfortunately, satin has no hypoallergenic properties. As much as they look shiny and luscious from afar, they can be most enjoyed by people with no sensitive skin and who can use any type of pillowcase material with no problems.
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.
The texture of the fabric helps to retain natural shine and freshly blown out and styled hair." Silk is hypoallergenic and less absorbent, preventing the trapping of oil or bacteria on the pillowcase, which benefits the skin and complexion as well.
Satin offers similar haircare benefits to silk, but it won't retain moisture as well as silk. "Satin absorbs a little bit more than silk since it's a mixture of numerous materials including cotton, but it's still way less than 100% cotton pillow cases," Onuoha says.
You Should Go for a Satin Pillowcase If…
You hope to clear up acne or hydrate dry skin. You notice hair breakage or tangling after sleeping. You have sensitive skin.
Silk, of course! Silk is entirely natural, very breathable and ultra resistant to bacteria, mould and even dust mites. It is therefore an ideal choice for anyone with eczema on their face, ears, neck or shoulders. Its the best natural anti-alergy pillowcase you can buy.
Silk, satin or man-made materials aren't soothing for your skin. They cause your body to sweat which can make your eczema sting and become more irritated. Linen and cotton are a far better option for bedding than man-made fabrics and will help keep your skin cool.
What types of clothing fibers are good for sensitive skin? Some of the most common skin-friendly fabrics are “cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, hemp and those made with wood pulp,” mentioned Sarkar. "Any fiber that has good conductive and wicking properties are good for people who have different skin conditions.”
These include: Satin is also soft, so it won't pull at your skin or hair which means it's better compared to a cotton pillowcase and can help prevent the formation of wrinkles or reducing breakage and frizz.
Over time, they can cause problems ranging from infertility to cancer. Other chemicals used in the creation of satin material can lead to dermatitis and allergies. For instance, AZO dyes, which are used to color textiles into vivid colors, can come off and come into contact with the skin.
It's a good idea to wash your pillowcase at least once each month to remove product buildup or oils which it may have collected. Washing satin may seem like a daunting task, but it's not.
How Often to Wash Satin Pillowcases. Pillowcases, even satin ones, come into contact with your face and skin. They gather a lot of dirt and oils on them. So, you'll want to wash them at least every seven to 14 days, more if you notice stains.
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.
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.
Silk and satin offer another skin-saving plus: Because they're smooth, they don't irritate acne lesions as rougher materials can.
Remember that a dirty pillowcase is re-depositing dirt, oil, germs, makeup, hair products, and more onto your skin, which could be the cause of temporary irritation but it could also be the materials in your bedding.
Pillowcases can house dirt and oil.
Like anything else that transfers dirt and oil to your skin, pillowcases can be the cause of something thats called acne mechanica. Acne mechanica is any type of acne that is the result of material or objects touching your face.
If you're someone who goes to bed with wet hair often, you might want to consider resting your tresses on satin. Unlike cotton, which can cause damage to your hair if you sleep with it wet, satin pillowcases will be more forgiving and allow your wet hair to move more freely and prevent creases while you sleep.
Silk pillowcases, like your other bed linens, come into direct contact with your skin every night, so it's important to wash them regularly — typically about every seven to ten days. To learn more about washing bed linens, check out this guide to washing and properly caring for bedding.
But although a silk pillowcase may prevent breakage, it won't prevent hair loss. We all shed hair throughout the day. More significant hair loss can be caused by a number of factors — alopecia, chemotherapy, hereditary baldness, childbirth, stress — but your pillowcase doesn't have anything to do with it.