Acne is a common problem that affects just under 10% of the population, globally. We’ve all encountered forms of acne, whether this be an outbreak happening just as you’re heading out somewhere important, or more aggressive forms of acne which affect larger areas of the face. Not only is acne a pain when we want our skin to look flawless, but it can also make the face sore and irritated. With a whole host of lotions and potions on the market to help the skin, it’s hard to determine exactly what your skin needs. If you’re a long-time member of the acne sufferers club and are looking for a more natural, everyday remedy to contribute to your skin’s health, this blog might just be useful for you.

Believe it or not, simply switching from a traditional cotton pillowcase to a silk pillowcase will do wonders for acne-prone skin. The gentle material has natural hypoallergenic properties and also allows the skin to breathe all night long. 

How Is Acne Triggered?

There isn’t just one single cause for acne, as it can be triggered in several ways, which differ from person to person. Unfortunate aspects such as hormones, genetics, medication, environmental factors and stress can cause your skin to become irritated, which subsequently leads to acne flare-ups.

In a nutshell, acne is simply when hair follicles within the epidermis (the top layer of your skin) become blocked with sebum (the oily secretion that you wake up to when glancing at yourself in the mirror). This then combines oh-so-sadly with dead skin cells, that then create the likes of blackheads, whiteheads and painful red spots. 

Bacteria will then spread and enlarge, which can cause inflammation and build-up of pus. And once the acne does begin to reduce, it can leave behind those dreaded acne scars that forever want to sit on the top of your skin. Thus, one of the best ways to ensure you wake up with clear skin is by sleeping on a clean canvas. Cotton sheets tend to be ridden with bacteria and bed bugs, so washing your sheets regularly is imperative. Here is where silk sheets and pillowcases can be ideal.

The benefits of silk pillowcases for acne: 

Cleaner skin

One of the advantages of silk pillowcases is that they do not clog pores, making them healthier to sleep on than cotton sheets and pillowcases. However, it’s vital to note that silk pillowcases alone cannot keep acne at bay, there must be other factors at play to ensure that you’re going to sleep and waking up with glistening skin (keep on top of your skincare routine!).

Despite there not being any definitive scientific evidence that silk cures acne, it is still a much better option than its alternatives. When your cotton pillowcase isn’t washed frequently, you are likely to see a build-up of bacteria, oil and dirt from your pillowcase that is transferred back to your skin. Silk pillowcases are renowned for their unabsorbent nature, massively minimising bacteria that could harm your skin.

Naturally moisturising

Picture your pillowcase as the cherry on the cake after your nightly skincare routine. Silk can create a strong barrier between the transferable bacteria from, let’s say, the typical cotton pillowcase to your face, as silk is a natural fibre. This means silk sheets and pillowcases cannot absorb moisture or any form of product that is put onto your face.

Gentle, hypoallergenic material

Silk is a gentle material and does not cause rubbing to the face, which can mean that the puffiness and swelling you sometimes see when you wake up can be reduced by simply using a silk pillowcase. The natural hypoallergenic properties found in silk allow your skin to breathe all night long with no irritation. Perfect for those who suffer from painful flare-ups that need to be soothed.  

Goodbye, fine lines! 

The super-soft, smooth nature of silk reduces friction as you sleep, leading again to less irritation and also preventing fine lines and wrinkles long-term. For less acne and overall healthier, glowy skin, a silk pillowcase is the perfect solution. 

What pillowcases are best for acne

When it comes to which pillowcases are best for acne, we recommend one of our 100% Mulberry silk pillowcases. We pride ourselves on offering a variety of sizes and styles to cater to your unique needs. Whether you prefer king size, standard-size, or square pillowcases, we have you covered. Our range of colours ensures there’s a perfect match for every bedroom style.

So if you’re desperate for better rest, reduction in puffiness and potentially less acne when you wake up, why not check out our silk pillowcases for that extra step in your nightly skincare routine?