Listen to an audio transcription of this post
For clear, glowing skin, we have put together information on the best pillowcases for acne breakouts, so you can choose the right go-to pillowcase for your skin health. Continue reading to find out more about how silk, cotton, polyester, satin, and bamboo pillowcases differ.
Choosing Silk Pillowcases or Satin Pillowcases: What's the Difference?
The best pillowcases for acne-prone skin reduce the risk of breakouts by minimizing the collection of dirt and debris. A silk pillowcase and satin pillowcase might look the same, but they are made from different materials.
The Truth About Satin
Satin is sometimes hailed as one of the best pillowcases for acne, but that's generally because of a misunderstanding between satin and silk.
Satin refers to the weaving process, not the material used for the weaving. It's possible that a satin pillowcase could actually be a cotton pillowcase, for example, but its sheen makes it appear "like satin."
Satin materials
There are several materials that tend to be woven into satin designs, many of which are synthetic and may cause the collection of skin cells and oil from oily skin. They include:
- Polyester
- Cotton
- Acetate
- Rayon
To sleep comfortably, you need to know exactly what material you're sleeping on. It's completely possible that the polyester satin pillowcases you have are harming your skin while you believe that the satin weaving is enough to offset the texture (unfortunately, it isn't).
Your go-to anti-acne pillowcase should provide real benefits to you, not damage your hair and skin.
The Truth About Silk
A pure mulberry silk pillowcase is different, because of the luxurious all-natural silk it's made from. Silk refers to the material, not the weave.
Pure mulberry silk is made by silkworms. Silkworms create soft, beautiful threads that are woven together to create silk fabric that helps to minimize acne breakouts by resisting dirt and debris in its fibers.
Silk also helps wick away moisture while limiting the risk of dust mites and natural oils from gathering in the material.
Caring for your silk
Silk is a little more complex in terms of care. You can opt to machine wash your silk pillowcases on the gentle cycle or delicate cycle in cold water with light detergent. But it is recommended to air dry them rather than tumble dry them.
Remember, this is a natural material that should have a weekly wash for all the benefits you expect in a go-to pillowcase.
What About Cotton or Polyester Pillowcases?
You might have cotton pillowcases or polyester pillowcases at home. Both of these are rougher materials than silk pillowcase fabrics, making it more likely for you to see damage to your hair and the emergence of cystic acne. For this reason alone, a cotton pillowcase or polyester pillowcase usually aren't the best pillowcases for acne or sensitive skin.
All pillowcases need regular washing and should be made free from harmful chemicals in the fabric, but you can't always guarantee the quality of materials, especially when they're synthetic.
Natural silk pillowcases offer a clean surface that can be washed easily before you put them out to hang dry. Silk is safer for all hair types, as it can absorb moisture to keep your skin drier at night.
Aren't Bamboo Pillowcases Good Quality?
Bamboo pillowcases are also breathable and hypoallergenic, just like silk. Silk pillowcases are softer than bamboo pillowcases and have a history of success, whereas bamboo pillowcases are relatively new.
Bamboo pillowcases, like silk, can be washed in a washing machine. Both are also hypoallergenic, antibacterial, antifungal, and less likely to cause your skin to break out than cotton or synthetic blends.
That being said, one of the main differences between silk and bamboo fibers is the texture. While bamboo may get softer over time the more you use and wash it, it's never going to feel as soft and silky as mulberry silk. If you're looking for soft and luxurious material with an unparalleled sheen, silk is your best bet.
What Should You Look for in a Great Silk Pillowcase?
There are a few things to look for in a quality silk pillowcase that's going to become your go-to pillowcase every night.
Durable fabric that's machine washable
It needs to be made with a top-quality fabric and should be machine washable (though you may need to use a delicate detergent and gentle cycle). You can also find some that are hand wash only (we offer pillow cases that you can toss in the wash to save time).
Zippered closure
Look for a silk pillow case with a hidden zipper, so you reduce the likelihood of scratches on your face or discomfort while you're sleeping.
22-momme mulberry silk
Look for a mulberry silk pillowcase with 22-momme weight fabric, and buy from a company with a board certified dermatologist providing support for the product. Dermatologists can help you find the best pillowcases for acne, and having a positive review from one is a great sign.
No harmful chemicals
You want to be sure there are no harmful chemicals that could damage your skin—so look out for the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Label.
No amount of regular washing can help when damaging materials or chemicals are present, so doing a little research and buying from a brand (like Blissy) will make sure you stay safer and get a pillowcase of the quality you expect.
Get a Good Night's Sleep with Silk Pillowcases for Acne Prone Skin
At Blissy, we have the mulberry silk pillowcase you're looking for. We have the best pillowcases for acne-prone skin in the cutest colors and designs. We offer colored pillowcases, white pillowcases, and others that will help you get your beauty sleep while keeping with the theme of your room.
A luxurious silk pillowcase will leave you completely satisfied as you protect your skin against acne-causing bacteria and rough textures. You can find all our best silk pillowcases with 22-momme weight here in our online shop.