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.
Although some articles say that satin can cause breakouts, this may not be true. It doesn't really matters what material your pillowcase is made of, if it is not changed regularly, then it can have more grime, dirt and sweat.
Additionally, while some pillowcase materials actively pull moisture from the skin, satin pillowcases made from silk absorb less liquid, which helps the skin stay hydrated. Adequate hydration helps prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. Satin pillowcases may also appeal to sleepers with acne.
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.
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.
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 feels cool to the touch, whereas silk warms up with body heat. For those who prefer to sleep on a cool surface, satin is the better choice. Satin is easy to launder and will look beautiful for years. Silk's thin, delicate fibers usually require hand washing and hanging to dry, and will degrade over time.
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."
While a silk pillowcase won't stop you from getting breakouts, it's generally accepted that it can cause less irritation at night than other pillowcase materials due to the fact it's such a soft and smooth fabric.
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.
Opt for Breathable Fabrics
Cotton pillowcases may be popular and affordable, but they create more friction between your face and your pillow that results in breakouts and wrinkles. Experts recommend sleeping on silk pillowcases for their hypoallergenic qualities and its benefits for hair and skin health.
"I'd certainly recommend changing your pillowcase at least two to three times a week," she says. "This will help prevent breakouts and congested skin." It's not just your pillowcase, though, as experts recommend replacing your pillow every one to two years.
A satin pillowcase can easily be thrown in the wash with the rest of your laundry (silk requires more careful care). 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.
Compared to traditional cotton, satin is much smoother. This means that while you sleep on satin bedding, your hair will become much less tangled and matted and you won't have to worry about static. It's great for your skin. Less expensive fabrics often retain moisture, but that's not the case for satin.
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.
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.
If not these fabrics, then what? “Satin, silk and bamboo are better for acne-prone skin because they're less absorbent and do not draw oil away from the face,” said VanHoose.
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. Other materials, like cotton, soak up moisture. Satin allows your skin to retain it.
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.
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.
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.