Silk versus satin: Which is superior? While both of these soft, slippery fabrics are smart choices, one comes out on top. “Silk is my go-to for my patients with acne or acne-prone skin,” said VanHoose. “Silk is superior because it is made from 100 percent pure, natural fiber.
Benefits of Satin Pillowcases
Hair and skin help – When choosing between a satin vs silk pillowcase for skin and hair, you win either way, as satin also has the benefit of low friction. It also shares silk's breathability and hypoallergenic nature.
Dermatologists have suggested that natural fibres are the best for your skin, think organic cotton, wool, cashmere, hemp, silk, alpaca, and linen. Properties of organic fabrics, like the fact that they are soft, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic always work best for the skin.
Likewise, some cotton pillowcases trap more moisture and dead skin cells in the fabric which often worsens acne breakouts on the face. It is also for that reason that silk pillowcases are perfect for acne-prone skin, as it ensures that no dust and dirt will irritate your face as you settle down for the night.
With silk and satin pillowcases, skin is able to breathe more which helps with minimizing pores, reducing irritation and redness, and increasing firmness. Regardless of the type, change pillowcases every few days because the natural oils and product residue from your hair can clog facial pores and lead to acne.
“Satin, silk and bamboo are better for acne-prone skin because they're less absorbent and do not draw oil away from the face,” said VanHoose.
"Satin is much more forgiving, as it moves with the hair which reduces the friction between the hair fiber and the pillowcase or surface," explains Hill. Satin also provides the same benefits as silk: It is hypoallergenic, less absorbent, and breathable.
There's a reason why many dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases. Not only is the material naturally hypoallergenic, which can keep irritation at bay, but it also has a silky smooth texture that's no match for the troublesome friction other materials might cause.
Though there isn't much scientific evidence supporting that silk pillowcases can reduce or even prevent acne, the fact that it doesn't snag the skin like rougher cotton or polyester fabrics can ultimately help prevent redness and irritation that can make acne look and feel worse, experts told us.
If you have any thick products on your hair when you sleep, the oils from your hair sit on the surface of your pillowcase and that can transfer to your face. However, this can happen if your pillowcase is cotton, silk or satin."
If you have acne-prone skin, then you should opt for bed sheets made from natural fibers like silk, cotton, or bamboo. These materials are breathable and won't clog pores. Additionally, wash your sheets frequently and stick to a nightly face-washing routine for best results.
Cotton clothing and cotton sheets are best. Avoid use of fabric softener. Antifungal supplements can help.
Satin feels cool to the touch, whereas silk warms up with body heat. For those who prefer to sleep on a cool surface, satin is the better choice. Satin is easy to launder and will look beautiful for years. Silk's thin, delicate fibers usually require hand washing and hanging to dry, and will degrade over time.
So which should I choose - a silk or satin pillowcase? If your budget can stretch to it, a silk pillowcase is superior to a satin one when it comes to benefits for your hair and skin. They can generally help to reduce frizz and hair breakages and to keep your skin looking its best.
SILK IS HYPOALLERGENIC
'Hypoallergenic' refers to any material that unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. In this case, the main difference is that silk is hypoallergenic while satin is not. Silk is made up of a protein called sericin, a coating that makes fibers repellant against mold, fungus, and dust mites.
Although some articles say that satin can cause breakouts, this may not be true. It doesn't really matters what material your pillowcase is made of, if it is not changed regularly, then it can have more grime, dirt and sweat.
Silk is a natural fibre that does not clog pores – making it healthy for the skin in general.
Change them once a week at the very least, but if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, once every other night may be an even better idea, ensuring you have a clean sleeping surface.
Changing your sleeping position may help prevent acne. Train yourself to sleep on your back, so that your face does not come in contact with the pillowcase. Position the pillows around you in such a way that they stop you from rolling over on your side or front.
Pillowcases made from high-quality materials like silk and bamboo can help prevent acne due to their smooth and soft feel. While these materials can sometimes carry a higher price-point, they're often more durable, meaning you might not have to replace them as often as lower-quality alternatives.
The Disadvantages of Satin
Satin can be difficult to sew and work with because of its shiny, slippery texture. Satin can also snag, this because of the way the threads interlace, creating those longer runs in one direction.
Satin is one of the best materials for pores. The silky material allows pores to breathe throughout the night which reduces the chances of acne. Similarly, if you are prone to dry skin and require a lot of moisture to keep your skin looking supple and youthful, satin can help.
Satin is made from synthetic fibre and is not breathable. Pure silk on the other hand is breathable and temperature regulating which means it would keep you cool on a hot night and warm on a cold one.