Many of the wonder claims associated with silk sound almost too good to be true.
But there’s no denying that many leading hair stylists, beauty specialists and dermatologists have gone public and endorsed the goodness claims of silk, especially Mulberry silk.
Movements such as the Curly Girl Method have contributed to the resurgence of silk’s popularity, as has a growing desire amongst consumers to live their life using only natural products.
So if you’re new to learning about Mulberry silk, and want to understand how it’s different from cheaper alternatives - such as satin - and whether it’s worth spending an extra few dollars, read on.
The Curly Girl fan club and silk
Let’s start with hair. Curly girls, long-haired ladies, and indeed anyone with hair that lacks moisture and is prone to dryness, frizz and split ends have been the biggest fans of silk. The smooth, flat surface of Mulberry silk helps to prevent friction and tangles; it allows hair to glide gently across the pillow which means less turbulence to your tresses.
Silk converts say they notice their hair does not seem as dry. The science behind this is that silk does not absorb your hair’s natural moisture the way other fabrics do - such as cotton, linen and polyester. In other words, the natural oils stay within your locks and are not drawn out and onto your pillowcase. Many followers of the Curly Girl Method swear by the benefits of sleeping in a silk bonnet or silk cap, or a silk pillowcase.
Read: 5 Reasons Why Silk Can Help Curly Hair.
Satin vs silk?
Satin offers similar benefits to silk, due to its shiny smoothness and minimal absorption, and is a great and cheaper alternative to silk. Just remember it is a man-made synthetic fibre that lacks the quality feel and lightweight touch of silk (which is actually stronger than satin).
Silk is wholly natural - and actually contains proteins similar to hair structure - and can be machine-washed just as easily as satin.
Can Silk stop sleep wrinkles in their tracks?
A little hard to prove, but many silk fans agree the natural benefits of silk don’t end with your hair - it can do great things for your skin. Upon the first touch of Mulberry silk, you can literally tell that it feels kind, calming and gentle to skin.
The soft and ultra-smooth touch of silk is perfect for skin to rest upon. Unlike other fabrics, which can cause friction between your skin and the pillowcase, Mulberry silk allows the skin to glide across the pillow slip rather than pulling or tugging against the fibres. Since there is no friction with silk, sleep crease lines - and what eventually may become permanent wrinkles - can be reduced.
Natural temperature regulation and hypo-allergenic
Silk is a natural fibre, and by virtue, has natural heat regulation. For sufferers of night sweats (and anyone going through menopause) this is priceless!
Silk’s thermo-regulation qualities keeps hot heads cool - so you can forget having to constantly rotate your pillow in the night! Read: Can silk ease menopause systems?
The skin-friendly fibre provides warmth in the winter yet stays cool in the summer. Pure bliss. Plus, silk is naturally hypoallergenic, and has resistance to dust mites, fungus and mould, making it the perfect option for asthma and allergy sufferers. Even acne sufferers can benefit from silk.
Anti-Ageing while you sleep
Silk is derived from protein, and contains 18 amino acids that naturally boost your skin. Amino acids are known to plump the skin and help retain moisture. And our own skin contains these little protein goodies. Sleeping next to silk not only feels luxurious - and you definitely deserve that - but can help counter the effects of ageing by preserving moisture - making it the best bed partner there is.
Creating the ‘ultimate beauty sleep’ is one way of describing how good silk can be. And it requires absolutely zero effort on your part. All you have to do is fall asleep on a silk pillow slip, and let the easiest beauty routine of all begin!
True, the cost of silk is a little more expensive than other fabrics. But it’s an investment that keeps giving back, night after night.
For under $70, a silk pillowcase truly is an affordable, long-lasting and worthy beauty investment. A high quality silk pillowcase can be used for years, and certainly much longer than an expensive jar of night cream.
And after all, how many other beauty products will deliver countless nights of blissful, beauty enhancing sleep for such a minimal investment?
