A definitive verdict on whether silk pillowcases actually 'work' for your skin and hair.

This wonderful nugget of beauty wisdom comes courtesy of Mamamia’s beauty podcast, You Beauty. To ensure you never miss an episode, listen to You Beauty here for free. It’s a blast.

Just quietly, everyone seems to be sleeping on silk pillowcases these days.

Kim Kardashian. Meghan Markle (probably). Beauty editors. Instagram people. Your 10-year-old niece.

At around $70 to $80 a pop, sleeping on a silk pillowcase is quite a boujee habit. And just like common cotton pillowcases, you really ought to have more than one silk pillowcase to rotate through the wash.

Side note – Leigh gave us a peak into her beauty bag full of the products she uses every single day. Post continues after video.

But are silk pillowcases worth the exxy price tag or a great way to burn some cash?

Mamamia’s executive editor and beauty editor of 15 years Leigh Campbell is a fan, but not of paying that much for one. Speaking on the You Beauty podcast, Leigh shared everything you need to know about silk pillowcases, from their many benefits to where to nab one for cheap.

Silk pillowcase benefits.

Some of the benefits of resting your weary head on a silk pillowcase sound too good to be legit. But, as Leigh explained, they’re not all talk.

“Silk is a smooth surface, so it doesn’t rough up the cuticles on your hair strands or crease your face. Sleeping on silk helps to keep you hair smoother, and stops sleep face creases which can create wrinkles over time. It’ll also help your hairstyle last longer, especially if you’re paying to get a blowdry,” she said.

“Silk isn’t absorbent, so your skincare will also last longer. If you put all your fancy stuff on your face and then whack it on a cotton pillow, the cotton’s like mmm juicy and will eat up all your delicious serums and face creams. Silk is less absorbent.”

How to wash silk pillowcases.

Silk pillowcases are expensive, so it’s important to take care of them so you get your money’s worth.

Always read the care instructions – they’ll tell you to use silk wash rather than your regular washing liquid, and hand wash – don’t put your silk pillowcase in the washing machine.

Leigh added, “It’s annoying, but think of it like having a beautiful silk shirt, you wouldn’t just throw that in with your towels.”

Having a few silk pillowcases on rotation will help extend their lifespan, especially if you have acne-prone skin and need to change pillowcases more often.

You can listen to more about the wonders of silk pillowcases in the episode of the You Beauty podcast below. Post continues after audio.

Where to buy cheap silk pillowcases.

Many premium brand name silk pillowcases – for example, Slip silk pillowcases – can cost upwards of $70 or 80.

Leigh doesn’t recommend you pay that much (unless you want to), here’s where she buys cheap silk pillowcases:

You can use satin, still smooth but because it’s synthetic, you’ll get sweaty and hotter.

• Silk pillowcases on eBay.
• Groupon or other online deal sites.
• OR if you’re crafty, buy silk and make your own.

As for the quality, you can verify the material of your pillowcase by checking the composition of the fabric listed on the tag or website. If you can’t afford silk, you can try satin instead, but because it’s synthetic, it might make you sweatier/hotter.

Leigh’s final verdict on silk pillowcases?

“Yes, they’re expensive but if you care for them, they’ll last you for years. It’s an investment, but look at it like a beauty product.”

Love all things beauty? Come join our You Beauty Facebook group for more chit chat about things to put on your face. And body. And hair.

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