What Does Sleeping on a Silk Pillowcase Actually Do for Your Hair and Skin?

As it turns out, a set of silk sheets can do more than give your room a super-fancy Marie Antoinette vibe. Swapping your go-to cotton pillowcase for a silk version packs major beauty benefits for your skin and hair, putting a literal spin on the term "beauty sleep."

Although your current pillowcase may feel soft to the touch, the friction created by tossing and turning at night can be damaging to the hair follicle, ultimately resulting in more frizz and less shine.

"Cotton is a material meant to absorb moisture, and it will do just that to your hair," says Ali Batista, hairstylist and Kevin.Murphy Stylemaster. "Hairstyles that lack moisture tend to appear frizzy, lifeless, and more prone to static. Silk is a material that will allow hair to slide around more smoothly so you will have less breakage, and no more bed-head."

Additionally, your complexion can benefit from a silk pillowcase, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side. Depending on the material or dyes used in a piece of fabric, your seemingly-normal cotton pillowcase may be the culprit behind any irritated areas.

Silk is completely natural (and hypoallergenic), so it's gentler on your skin, and there is a far slimmer chance that you'll wake up with an unwanted crease across your cheek. Just like it helps your hair stay hydrated, silk won't draw the moisture out of your skin. Additionally, the material breathes much easier than others, meaning those hours late into the night spent searching for the cool side of the pillow are officially over.

VIDEO: 8 Great Face Masks

Read below to see out top picks for skin- and hair-saving silk pillowcases.

In deep navy to rich, luminous gold tones, plus delicate, impeccable stitching, these pillowcases are truly an exercise in luxury. They fit perfectly over a standard pillow, and maintain a cool sensation while gently cradling your hair and skin while you sleep.

To buy: $85; dermstore.com

Who can resist the pop of life that a print pillowcase (with benefits!) adds to a room? Chrissy Teigen, Kim and Khloé Kardashian, and Gisele Bündchen are just some of the celebs who love these cases as much as we do, and have even been seen touting these hair and skin-savers on the go. It’s a good a reminder that silk pillowcases are an easy way to keep up your routine on the go.

To buy: $149 (set of 2); ahalife.com

This silk pillowcase from Amazon has over 1,000 five-star reviews from customers who love it for its ease of washing, softness, and benefits for natural hair. It comes in 18-color options, but bear in mind that the actual hue of the case might be slightly different than what appears on your screen, based on buyers’ feedback.

To buy: $23; amazon.com

Satin refers to fabric made with manufactured fibers like polyester, that is designed to imitate silk. As true silk is a product of silkworms, satin pillowcases are a great way to reap the benefits of silk while maintaining a vegan lifestyle. Not only is satin silkworm-free, it’s also typically available at a lower price point.

To buy: $17 (set of 2); amazon.com

Want to extend the benefits of a silk pillowcase to your whole body? Silk sheets can provide anti-aging benefits to other wrinkle-prone areas like your decolletage. Plus, 100 percent silk can also control temperatures, keeping you warm when it’s cold out, and cool when it’s hot.

To buy: $425; amazon.com