Do Silk Pillowcases Cause Ace? Or, Can They Help

Acne is a common problem that affects around 85% of the UK population at some point in their life. 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, including:

Hormones
Genetics
Medication
Environmental factors
Stress

All of these factors 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, which then create the likes of blackheads, whiteheads and painful red spots.

Bacteria will then spread and enlarge, which can cause inflammation and the 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 riddled 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

Acne is a common skin condition which affects many people at some point in their lives. If you’ve suffered before, you’ll know the struggle of trying out product after product to treat your spots, but there is likely one thing which you’ve overlooked. The one thing that touches the skin on your face every night; your pillowcase.

Although it would be difficult to argue that your pillowcase is the only thing that is affecting your skin, it certainly will be a contributing factor.

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 need king-size, standard-size, or square pillowcases, we have you covered. Our range of colours and styles, including Housewife & Oxford, ensures there’s a perfect match for every bedroom style.

Our Tips & Tricks

To make sure your pillowcase is helping your acne instead of making it worse and is also improving your skin in general, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you.

Switch to silk. Silk has a huge number of natural benefits which make it superior to other fabrics. With the fabric you rest your head on at night being so important, it is an investment that will pay off night after night.
Wash your face every night. It is good to maintain a skin routine at night. Ensuring your face is clean and free of makeup and any other residues will prevent you from dirtying up your pillowcase.
Wash your pillowcase weekly. Making sure your pillowcase is kept clean will also help keep your skin in good condition. Plus, you should make sure you’re washing your pillowcase with a gentle detergent so that you don’t irritate your skin further. We’ve also put together a handy silk care & wash guide to help you take great care of your pillowcase.