The dermatologist-approved benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase

In my pre-teen days, I had a super cool pair of silk pajamas. They were light blue, covered in yellow daisies, and the ultimate luxury. If someone had told that 12-year-old that one day she would not only be able to—but be encouraged to—sleep on a silk pillowcase, she would have lost her NSync-loving mind.

That day is today, people: While I avoid sleeping exclusively in silk thanks to a particularly memorable satin-sheet moment from The Mindy Project, the past two years with a silk-adorned pillow have been game-changing for my hair and skin. And there are actually some incredible beauty benefits, from anti-aging to acne prevention to good hair days on loop. Here, a dermatologist and a hair stylist break down the silk pillow highlights.

Keep scrolling for why they say you should invest.

They help with wrinkle prevention

“Cotton pillowcases can potentially absorb moisture and hydration from skin and hair leaving the skin dehydrated and increasing the appearance of fine lines,” says Marnie Nussbaum MD, a New York City dermatologist. “While there is no scientific evidence, decreasing the friction between the skin and the pillowcase could also potentially minimize fine lines.” While you’re at it, Dr. Nussbaum does go on to say that the best in-bed protection against wrinkles is sleeping on your back.

They help with acne prevention

“Due to the product buildup on cotton pillowcases, the potential for acne-causing bacteria to fester is a possibility,” says Dr. Nussbaum. “Silk helps the skin stay hydrated as opposed to cotton which is an absorbent material.”

They help guard against frizz

That same principle of decreasing the friction between strands and the pillow case is at play here. “I have naturally frizzy hair that I’m constantly struggling with,” says celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, who has teamed up with Slip pillowcases. “Silk pillowcases work wonders for all kinds of hair types and textures as they keep the cuticle layer of the hair intact. With regular use, I’ve slept better, my hair is shinier, and it’s less prone to breakage.” 

They help extend your hairstyle

There are few things better than waking up with your flawless blowout from the night before perfectly intact, which is probably why Drybar launched their own line of 100 percent natural silk pillowcases. “Silk allows the hair to move easily over the pillowcase without friction, thereby keeping its style in pace,” says Nussbaum. “It also allows the hair to keep its natural oils and prevents frizz and dehydration.”

BTW, these are the beauty products that work while you’re asleep and this is why your temperature could be messing with your sleep.