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.
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.
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase is actually a great idea for anyone with oily hair. This article explains why silk pillowcases work so well with oily or greasy hair.
Satin pillowcases may also appeal to sleepers with acne. 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.
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.
Sleep on a satin or silk pillow case.
No joke this will help your life in more ways than one. Not only does it help with oily hair, but also with fine lines and wrinkles. A normal cotton pillow case strips oils from your skin and keeps it built up in its fibers.
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.
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.
While both of these soft, slippery fabrics are smart choices, one comes out on top. “Silk is my go-to for my patients with acne or acne-prone skin,” said VanHoose. “Silk is superior because it is made from 100 percent pure, natural fiber. It's smooth and breathable and it doesn't harbor bacteria.”
Things You Should Know
Use dry shampoo before bed, and put your hair up into a high bun. Wash your pillowcase weekly to get rid of oil and grease. Shampoo your hair every day to rinse away grease and oil.
Silk pillowcases are beneficial for greasy hair as well as for wrinkles and fine lines. Ordinary cotton pillowcases absorb your skin's oil and cause it to accumulate in the fibers. This is why it's possible that your hair gets greasy than usual overnight.
Bamboo is natural breathable, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, which reduces the likelihood of acne on your face or odor on your pillowcase. Silk can feel warm against your face at night as it must be woven very tightly to produce the fabric. This may not suit those who tend to become hot and sweaty at night time.
"Over the course of a few days, dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria can build up on the pillow's surface. These three components may lead to acne breakouts."
Silk is a naturally soft and breathable material, which is great for any skin type, but especially oily skin. Because it's less absorbent than other fabrics, silk will help your skin be more hydrated and won't absorb all the skincare products you use at night.
Silk is made with natural fibers with hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating, and breathable properties that provide wonderful life-long benefits for the health of our skin and hair. Silk pillowcases can also help prevent skin irritations, alleviate sleeping discomforts, and improve your bedtime routine.
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.
Silk is a naturally occurring fiber, sometimes even organic! Great for acne. It's no miracle cure, but as we mentioned above, a silk pillowcase won't absorb oils and product from your skin and hair, then transferring that back onto your face all night long.
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.
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.
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.
Materials that combine temperature regulation and softness are great options for people looking for pillowcases that help prevent acne. Silk has a smooth and soft feel that is gentle on sensitive skin. It's also lightweight and breathable, so it can help keep sleepers cool throughout the night.
The biggest difference between silk and satin is cost: Silk is more luxurious and pricier, while satin is less expensive and often blended with other fabrics, which means it can be an easy way to save some coin.