This One Bedding Swap Gave Me Better Skin, Hair, & Sleep

In my decades of dealing with acne — and working in beauty — there’s not much I haven’t tried in pursuit of clearer skin and healthier hair. From elaborate routines to pricey treatments, I’ve generally found that less is more. And it turns out, one of the best decisions I’ve made in the name of beauty has nothing to do with a luxurious serum or spa facial. (Hint: It has to do with beauty sleep… literally.) I got a silk pillowcase!

I have thick, frizz-prone hair, and ever since swapping my cotton and linen pillowcases for silk, I’ve noticed I wake up with fewer tangles and less bedhead. (I also use my vegan boar bristle brush before bed and first thing in the morning.) As far as skin benefits go, silk is also touted as a smart choice for reducing breakouts thanks to the natural antimicrobial properties of the fibers —  and the fact that it doesn’t absorb as much oil from your hair and skin compared to cotton or synthetic fabrics. I tend to break out primarily on one side of my face since I’m a side sleeper, so this was definitely a hypothesis I was keen to test. 

The skeptic in me couldn’t quite believe that all of these benefits could be attributed to silk pillowcases alone — but according to experts, there are some real-deal advantages. “Silk pillowcases are great for your hair because they don’t have fibers that cause friction between the hair and the pillowcase,” explains certified trichologist and BosleyMD expert Gretchen Friese. “This friction can cause the hair to weaken, break, and also cause frizz and tangles.” 

In addition to helping my acne-prone skin, silk pillowcases can also be a savvy upgrade to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. “As an extremely soft, natural fiber, silk reduces frictional forces between your skin and the pillow as you sleep,” explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital. “Folding of the skin as you sleep with your face against the pillow can cause sleep lines and eventual wrinkles in those areas.”

I have several favorites in regular rotation that I’ve used for years —   Slip’s silk pillowcases come in fun printed options (I have monogrammed ones for me and my fiancé), as well as Parachute’s, which I own in a moody charcoal grey. More recently, I’ve tried British brand Drowsy’s deliciously soft versions, which come in a rainbow of colors (mine is the prettiest shade of pale periwinkle). 

Now, you may be wondering whether all silk is created equal. Here’s the lowdown: “Just like cotton sheets, you want to pay attention to the thread count and momme weight, which states the density and quality of the silk fabric,” explains Friese. “The higher the momme weight, the denser the silk, which usually indicates a higher quality fabric.” Anything in the 19 to 22 momme count range is recommended. (BTW, mulberry silk is considered one of the highest-quality silk types due to its softness, shine, and hypoallergenic properties, so that’s a good term to keep an eye out for when shopping.) Frieze loves Blissy’s 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, which she says feels extra cool to the touch compared to others she’s tried and helps her avoid dreaded night sweats.

Fewer breakouts, less frizz… sounds pretty excellent, right? Indeed! But the biggest game-changer is the better quality sleep I’m getting, period. I tend to run warm under the covers, which used to keep me awake for hours. These days, I drift off to sleep within minutes (according to my Oura ring, anyway), and my pillow is still cool to the touch when I wake up. Is it realistic to expect your bedding to clear up skin or smooth hair on its own? Probably not. But my biggest takeaway? Silk pillowcases amplify the results of my skin and hair-care routines  — and more than that, they’ve helped turn my sleep setup into an actual act of self-care (with a delightfully luxurious vibe, to boot). IMO, they’re well worth the investment.