Can what you sleep on boost your beauty or is the hype all bunk?
We all know a solid night’s rest can leave us looking and feeling refreshed, but could swapping pillowcases be the secret to waking up with clearer skin, smoother texture, and shinier hair?
The chatter on Instagram says silk or copper pillowcases are the newest beauty essentials. We examined the evidence and consulted experts to see whether bedding material truly affects our skin or hair while we sleep.
The science behind silk
The smooth surface of silk might be kinder to your skin, particularly if you struggle with acne.
While more studies are needed to fully confirm advantages, a recent clinical trial reported fewer breakouts among people who slept on “silk-like” pillow covers compared with those using cotton cases.
“These pillowcases can complement other acne therapies,” says Yoram Harth, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne.
Why? Silk can offer a gentler and cleaner surface against your face. “Silk pillowcases tend to be softer on the skin of those with acne or sensitive skin than coarse cotton pillowcases,” Harth explains. Friction from cotton on acne-prone skin can increase inflammation and worsen breakouts.
Cotton also soaks up natural oils and bacteria from your skin and hair, and that buildup sits on your pillowcase night after night, effectively turning your pillow into a bacterial reservoir.
“Silk pillowcases absorb less moisture and grime and therefore may be preferable for people with acne,” Harth says. “This is particularly relevant for those who sleep on their side or stomach.”
Another touted benefit of silk covers is that they’re gentler on hair. While solid scientific proof is limited, the same reasoning Harth gives for silk’s skin benefits could extend to hair.
Silk’s low-friction surface may reduce breakage and help maintain a smooth blowout or prevent tangles.
If you’re prone to dry hair, a silk case may also draw out less moisture.
Quick buying tipsWhen shopping for silk pillowcases, check reviews carefully. Some brands market “silk-like” products to appear premium while not using genuine silk or high-grade materials.
Prices on Amazon vary from $9 to $40, while Sephora options begin around $45.
The support for copper
Copper pillow covers have copper oxide particles embedded in synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon, and the underlying research is fairly robust. Studies indicate that copper pillowcases offer antimicrobial and healing effects for breakouts and might reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
“Copper is inherently antimicrobial,” says Susan Bard, MD, a New York City board-certified dermatologist. “In this application, copper may help keep bacterial levels down, and people prone to acne have reported improvements after using copper pillowcases.”
Where to buy copper pillowcasesCopper pillowcases are available at Sephora and on Amazon, typically costing between $28 and $75.
Although copper pillowcases are relatively new as acne-prevention products, copper-infused fabrics have been used for years. Copper has been incorporated into hospital linens, scrubs, and other medical textiles to limit bacterial growth and spread.
Copper also aids tissue repair. Copper has been used in wound dressings and in socks to treat athlete’s foot or to prevent and heal foot ulcers in people with diabetes.
A copper-infused pillowcase, therefore, might lower skin inflammation or accelerate recovery from acne flare-ups.
The regenerative and skin-supporting properties of copper may also help reduce wrinkles. “Copper is a necessary cofactor in collagen production,” Bard explains. “Boosted collagen synthesis leads to improvements in fine lines and wrinkles.”
In a 2012 randomized clinical trial, participants who used a copper pillowcase experienced an average 9 percent reduction in crow’s feet per month over eight weeks. Participants who did not use copper cases showed no wrinkle improvement.
So should you switch your cotton case for silk or copper?
If you’re considering a change, the most evidence-backed benefits point toward copper. Additionally, copper-infused cases are often manufactured from polyester or nylon.
Though not genuine silk, a copper pillowcase can feel “silk-like” by offering lower friction against hair and skin and reducing oil absorption.
But Bard offers one final wrinkle tip: “It’s best to avoid sleeping face-down altogether.”
If silk or copper pillowcases are beyond your budget, try a simple towel trick or follow tips for sleeping on your back.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.