Pampered Pretty with Silk Pillowcases

Jun 9, 2022 by Susan Rosenbluth

By S. Levin

Silk is considered a luxury, some see it as an extravagance.  Yet, when silk pillowcases come into play, there may be associated wellness benefits. Imagine improving the quality of your rest just by switching your pillowcases.  Silk is often associated with sleeping better, and awakening with a face that’s glowing, hydrated, and has fewer creases. The silk difference begins with its appearance, its lavish look, and silky feel.

Pamper yourself while you dream by enjoying the luxurious feeling of sleeping on silk.

Why Switch to Silk?

The origin of silk can be traced to Neolithic China. According to legend, Empress His Ling Shi was captivated by the shimmery threads, which were reserved for Chinese royalty.

Silk has a smooth lush texture, making it gentler and less abrasive on your skin than cotton. The smoothness of silk pillowcases may improve the quality of your sleep. But sleeping on silk pillowcases may take getting used to, its slippery texture can cause your pillow to slide off your bed.

Cartoonists’ depiction of a rough night’s sleep involves waking up with hair tussled, standing up, with facial creases from the pillow. While sleeping on silk may reduce the number of creases compared to rougher pillowcases, honestly, few people wake up with bedhead due to their pillows.  Switching to silk unfortunately does not magically improve your morning face.

Properties of Silk

Silk is a natural protein fiber and therefore is breathable and moisture-repellent. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which helps regulate your body temperature while you sleep. Because it does not absorb moisture, silk pillowcases tend to retain fewer odors and mites than cotton.

Silk is naturally hypoallergenic and fire retardant. Instead of burning, like cotton, silk shrinks from the flame, leaving a black residue and emitting an odor like charred meat.

Noticeable Difference?

Sources suggest that because silk does not retain moisture, it will not dry out your face and hair. Its smoothness may reduce friction, which can reduce morning frizzies and split ends. While this may all be true, we did not notice a significant difference.

How Silk is Made

Silk is made from the cocoons of the Bombyx Mori caterpillar. These caterpillars feast on mulberry leaves, which when combined with fibroin, a sticky secretion that hardens when exposed to air, is used to weave cocoons. The silk fibers, single-long continuous treads, come from unraveling the cocoons, using a process called sericulture.  The properties of the cocoon intended to protect the caterpillar during its metamorphosis are embodied in silk. Yes, there are ways to produce silk without killing the silkworms.

The quality of silk is measured in momme, the higher the momme the heavier and denser the weave, like a thread count in cotton sheets.  A count under 20 momme is lightweight silk, above 28 momme is considered heavy. Pillowcases typically fall in the 20 – 30 momme range.

Care and Handling

100% mulberry silk pillowcases can be washed in your washing machine. Before washing, turn the pillowcase inside-out.  Then wash on a delicate cycle with cold water using a clear PH balanced detergent. You should not use fabric softener, bleach, or brighteners. Let the pillowcases air dry.

To preserve the color and avoid fading, don’t dry or store silk in direct sunlight.  Silk does not need to be ironed, smooth it by hand to remove any wrinkles.

Celestial Silk

We were impressed with the highly personalized experience provided by Celestial Silk pillowcases. They are ordered online, and arrive in a beautiful, gift-wrapped box, with a personal Thank You note telling you. to ‘Sleep soundly. Sleep beautifully. Sleep on silk.’ They are not just another online purchase, they are positioned as a silk self-care solution, which recognizes your uniqueness.

Celestial Silk was envisioned in 2013 when CEO and founder Danielle Jackson, then a freelance beauty writer, began researching the health benefits and costs of silk pillowcases. She discovered that products available at the time had exorbitant marked ups (up to 600%). In 2014 Celestial Silk introduced their 100% 25 momme pure mulberry silk pillowcase, the first with a zippered closure, at an affordable price.

Now they offer over 25 colors and prints, all made with non-toxic dyes, still at an affordable price point. Celestial Silk is conscious to give back, by donating 10% of proceeds to charity, and they have donated over 3,000 silk pillowcases.

According to Jackson ‘Life can get so hurried and hectic that you forget about taking care of yourself. I know exactly how that feels. It’s important to let this thought sink in: Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s a necessity. It’s vital to take time for yourself, and every journey starts with a single step. Self-care starts with a good night’s sleep.’

A Lifestyle Choice

Silk pillowcases have a signature shimmer to their sheen, they are visually appealing and buttery smooth. Let’s face it, silk pillowcases are an easy way to pamper yourself while you sleep. It’s possible that silk pillowcases will enhance your sleeping experience. It is certain that the luxury of silk will make you feel special.

You are worth the splurge!