Silk has been revered as a luxury item for thousands of years, but modern science sheds some light on why it remains one of the best products for pillowcases and other bedding.
If someone mentions silk, you probably think about smoothness and luxury, but there’s much more to this ancient material that makes it a superior option for pillowcases. In addition to causing less friction, silk has scientifically proven benefits for your hair and skin, as well as helping regulate your body temperature.
Before you rush out to splurge on some silk sheets and pillowcases, it’s important to understand that there are different types and grades of silk. London-based Mayfairsilk explains that offers superior texture, softness, and durability, and pillowcases made with 25 momme silk have more silk fibres.
A recent report in the Journal of Scientific Agriculture highlighted the advantageous natural properties of fibroin and sericin, the two proteins that make up silk. The piece states that both proteins are anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and have excellent absorption and release of moisture, which can result in improved softness and lustre of hair, as well as rejuvenation of body and skin cells.
Silk is also an excellent thermoregulator, meaning it can absorb or release heat depending on conditions, helping to regulate your body temperature. In addition, the smoothness of silk compared to other materials, such as cotton, reduces surface friction.
“Experiencing the remarkable benefits of silk on my hair, skin, and sleep for years, I found myself longing for higher quality and more visually captivating designs,” Mayfairsilk co-founder Darshana Ubl explained. “That led us to create a unique range of high-quality products, starting with the finest grade 6A long fibre Mulberry Silk.”
If you grew up on fairytales about princesses and silk bedding, it turns out that there was actually a solid scientific basis behind them. Of course, if you could talk to any of those fairytale princesses, they would most probably say their pillowcases and sheets were made from 25 momme mulberry silk!
