The smoothness of the material can help reduce irritation and resulting inflammation. At the same time, satin pillowcases tend to absorb less, reducing the risk of oil and bacteria buildup pressing against your face as you sleep.
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.
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.
As such, silk is prone to fading when exposed to direct sunlight, either indoors or outside. Even this best silk bedding will fade if left in direct sunlight. This is why we recommend always hanging your silk to dry away from the sun. Happily, your silk sheets should air dry very quickly, even indoors.
A key factor when choosing pillowcases for acne is the type of fabric used. Smoother fabrics like silk and Tencel are generally less abrasive, meaning they are less likely to irritate acne-prone skin.
"Silk doesn't absorb or pull moisture from your skin the way traditional cotton pillowcases do, leaving hair hydrated and frizz-free." Plus, according to Richy Kandasamy, a hair colorist and a member of R+Co Collective, resting your head on this fabric will keep textured hair fresher and less "slept on" upon waking.
Sleeping on a satin pillowcase helps smooth frizzy hair and minimizes static. The softness of both silk and satin eliminate the friction you get when your hair rubs against a harsher fabric. Another added benefit is that silk and satin help keep your hairdo looking fresher and less “slept on” in the morning.
Down alternative pillows tend to last approximately 1 to 2 years. Polyester pillows are among the least durable and should be replaced every 6 months to 2 years. Avoid washing latex pillows in a washing machine. You can spot clean stains and hand wash the pillow with warm water and a mild detergent every 2 to 3 months.
We recommend washing your Savvy Sleepers satin pillowcase weekly or when you wash your sheets. You can tumble dry or air dry if you prefer. Washing your satin pillowcases regularly with your sheets is also fine if they are similar colors.
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.
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.
Satin is a non-breathable fabric, which means it does not allow air to circulate freely. This lack of ventilation can cause some people to sweat more than usual.
Satin sheets are cooler, and since they don't trap your body moisture, they do not get clammy or stick to the skin, thus allowing you to get better rest. Lastly, satin sheets do not retain dust, mites, or bacteria, which improves the quality of your sleep, as well as the air you breathe during the night.
Less Friction
The satin pillowcase will allow your hair to gently glide over the top of it reducing friction, tangles, and frizz and keeping your hairstyle intact. The satin or silk pillowcase also helps prevent split ends from breaking.
The smooth surface of satin reduces friction between your hair and the pillow, which means less breakage. Friction can cause your hair cuticles to lift, making your hair more susceptible to damage. By sleeping on satin, you'll be protecting your hair from unnecessary stress and breakage, promoting healthier growth.
Whilst we know a high ponytail can cause damage, a high, loose bun is a much better option. There are a few methods to make a high bun. You can firstly, use the same method as a low bun, where you twist the hair around itself.
If you have short hair, sleep with it down since tying it up would cause too much friction and pressure on your scalp. If you have long hair, you're going to want to tie it up to protect your strands, especially the ends, from getting snagged or pulled as you sleep.
Leaving your long hair open while sleeping can increase frizziness and cause hair loss eventually. “Tying your hair tightly can damage your hair roots and cause traction alopecia [1]. Hence, you need to wear your hair in a loose ponytail or braid which does not apply much pulling force on your scalp,” says Dr.
Never wring or twist your satin pillowcase, especially if you're washing it by hand. Water makes the fibers more elastic, and the twisting movement will make your pillowcase warp. Don't put it in the dryer. Even on a gentle, no-heat cycle, a dryer isn't a great idea for a satin pillowcase.
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.
If you have oily hair, a silk pillowcase may not be the best choice, since a cotton pillowcase will absorb oil better, according to Aguirre. Silk pillowcases will be more beneficial if you have dry hair, or are experiencing breakage.