Have you ever had that feeling that, as much as you try, you just can’t seem to get up in the morning, look into the mirror and say, “Wow, your skin and hair look perfect today!”

No matter how hard you try, no matter what skin and hair products you use, the results keep getting worse and worse. The amount of money you have given for different creams and shampoos is huge, and still you can’t catch a break.

More often than not, there are many other factors you have to take into consideration, the most important being genetics. But, still, it is a bit cruel to believe that only people blessed with “good genes” can feel the joy of looking themselves in the mirror every morning and not finding a single imperfection.

Fear not, there is reason why your very expensive, I-will-skip-paying-the-electricity-bill-but-I-have-to-have-this-cream products don’t work, and the answer is very simple, yet, slightly unbelievable – your pillowcase!

The Wrong Pillowcase Can (and Probably Will) Harm Your Hair and Face

Now, you may be wondering just how a simple thing as your pillowcase can exert such damage.

Yeah, we know, it sounds a bit ludicrous (and more than bizarre), but this is quite true.  A badly chosen pillowcase can be the main culprit for you clogged pores and messy, unruly hair.

The blame is usually put on sun exposure, different weather conditions, stress, and while all those are factors that contribute to a worse state of your hair and skin, pillowcases sometimes even trump them.  

If you think about it, it is quite obvious. How many hours a week, a month, a year do you spend lying on your pillow? The answer is clear, especially for those of us who have an unmatched affection for sleep – a lot.

Well, at least much more time than in the sun. And while you’re most likely to put sunscreen on when you go outside (yes, even in the winter), not many of us go about changing the pillowcases that we’re used to.

But, maybe we should.

Your face and hair are on the pillow, touching the pillowcase for a prolonged period of time, every day.  And the detrimental effects a poorly chosen pillowcase can have on your skin are numerous:

It can be full of bacteria

Depending on the material they are made of, pillowcases can store a lot of dirt and oil, which clog your pores and cause breakouts. Yes, the problem can be temporarily solved by washing said pillowcases. However, sometimes, long-term damage has already been done. And do you really wash your pillowcases every day?

It makes you look older

Have you heard of sleep wrinkles? Maybe not, but you should definitely pay attention now that you have. Using a wrong pillowcase, alongside not switching sides while you sleep (and thus putting pressure on only one side of your face) can cause new wrinkles and fine lines to appear on your face, even decades before wrinkles are meant to appear on your skin. As we grow older, our skin has less and less ability to resist this pressure because of decreased elasticity. By not letting it rest throughout the night, the problem is just getting worse.

It can cause various skin conditions

Not to be dramatic, but there are pillowcases out there that make you feel like your face is pressed against a series of razor blades. (Well, we can be a little dramatic, after all.) In addition, some pillowcases can cause severe irritation, and even make you break out in a rash. Sometimes the problem can be solved by simply washing your pillowcase. However, in most cases, the problem is in the material itself. If that really is what’s causing your irritation, there’s nothing you can do except get another one.

It can cause split ends

Yeah, we know, another one that doesn’t sound plausible. But, the average pillowcase can influence your hair to such an extent that it can cause breakage and split ends. It absorbs natural hair oil and can cause the dry look of your hair in the morning. And you’ve probably used all the best serums in the world. But hair damage caused by your pillowcase is not something that you can change permanently – unless you change your pillowcase.

6 Pillowcases Your Skin and Hair Will Love

Now, we may not know whether there will be feelings of adoration for the right pillowcase, but we can say that there will definitely be some love involved.

The right pillowcase can definitely make you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. (Well, a fluffy pillow will probably contribute to that.)

And if you’re tired of seeing the slightly disconcerting image you see in the mirror every morning, don’t worry, this can be changed. And the solution is quite simple – silk, satin or copper pillowcases! It may sound unbelievable, but choosing one of these three materials can benefit your hair and skin in infinite ways.

When in Doubt, Choose Silk

Silk is one of those materials that are quite expensive, but definitely for a reason.

And if you are to choose to invest in a silk pillowcase, we assure you, you will not be disappointed. There are numerous benefits that a silk pillowcase has for your skin:

It hydrates your skin

If an ordinary pillowcase is making your skin feel dry, a silk one is going to give it moisture it so desperately needs. The smooth surface absorbs less oil from your skin, which is extremely beneficial in the long run. It is especially recommended in the winter months for all skin types, because that is the time your skin and hair get additionally dehydrated due to the weather conditions.

It prevents wrinkles

As we’ve said before, using the right pillowcase can slow down the appearance of wrinkles on your face, and even your neck. The traditional cotton pillowcase causes a lot of friction, which is responsible for the creases in the skin. The smoothness of the silk pillowcase is what helps your skin and hair rest, without the unnecessary disturbances.

It helps with your hair

The aforementioned friction of your ordinary pillowcase can result in your hair looking like a bird’s nest. Hey, we’ve all been there. You look in the mirror, and somehow, overnight, you’ve turned into Einstein (and not it the good way). The sleekness of the silk pillowcase allows your hair to glide across the surface without breaking. The proof of this lies in the fact that women with wavy and curly hair have used these for a long time.  It can also help preserve hair styles like braids and blowouts. So, there’s no reason to wake up with tangled, messy hair any longer.

It helps with acne

People with acne know how painful irritated and inflamed skin can be. What they probably don’t know is that the right choice of their pillow cover can help alleviate some of the pain and irritation. The friction of the cotton pillowcase causes inflammation of the skin, making acne worse. In addition, the moisture and oil they take in from your hair and skin can draw in allergens and bacteria. On the other hand, silk pillowcases are gentler to the skin, softer and much cleaner. Also, they are a better solution since they absorb less oil and dirt, which helps calm the skin.

The Best Silk Pillowcases

There are many silk pillowcases out there, but some are definitely of a higher quality than others. The Zimasilk 100% Mulberry Pillowcase is a great option, with a sturdy zipper to keep the pillow itself well-enclosed.

The Olesilk 100% Mulberry Pillowcase is another good choice. This one is loved for its cooling effect – if you often find yourself over-heating in the middle of the night, this pillowcase will help you to maintain a more regular body temperature.

Using a Satin Pillowcase Will Change Your Life

For those who can’t afford silk pillowcases, satin ones are a cheaper but equally effective alternative. The main difference between the materials is that silk is made from the silk worm and satin is an industrially made fabric, thus easier to produce.

Satin pillowcases are made out of a combination of materials, and have a smooth, shiny side (made of silk) and a “dull” one. This is why they cost significantly less than silk pillowcases, which can range from a hundred to several thousand dollars, whereas the price of the satin ones starts around 10 dollars. It makes a whole lot of difference, doesn’t it?

Also, satin pillowcases are also quite good for your skin in various ways:

It soothes the skin

The surface of a satin pillowcase will help your skin rest and relax, removing all the marks that have had an impact on it during the day. Like a face mask that you use every day, the surface of the satin pillowcase cools your face down and can help reduce inflammation. Another perk is that the softness of the material helps your face glide against it, decreasing lines and wrinkles that develop around your mouth and eyes, helping your face breathe.  

It preserves your eyelashes, eyebrows and hair

You may not think that preserving your eyelashes and eyebrows is all that important in the grand scheme of things, but it definitely is. Excessive damage can cause them to fall off, and with the new trends of full eyelashes and eyebrows, you definitely want to keep every one of them, right? When you sleep, you press your head against the pillow, sometimes rubbing against it, which, of course, causes damage. Using a satin pillow case diminishes that. Satin pillowcases minimize static, which helps your hair look intact and fresher in the morning. Studies show that some conditions which cause hair loss can be improved by sleeping on satin pillowcases. 

The Best Satin Pillowcases

A popular brand with celebrities, Kitsch Rituals produces luxurious satin pillowcases in a variety of different prints. Gone are the days of boring plain colors – go for leopard print instead!

The satin pillowcases from NTBAY are also a good option, and are available at a very reasonable price.

Last, But Not Least – Copper

Yes, you’ve read that right – copper is our third material that is actually great as a pillowcase.

Now, don’t start imagining copper wires instead of your down-to-earth, regular and simple pillowcase, because that is definitely not it.

But you’re definitely wondering now how a heavy metal can help you get a good night sleep and improve the state of your skin and hair.

However, did you know that Ancient Egyptians used it for its healing and rejuvenation qualities? Copper is essential for humans since it plays a very important role in all human tissues, especially the skin. Needless to say, copper pillowcases have become very popular, very fast. They are also a cheaper but helpful alternative to silk pillowcases.

And we’re not talking about actual copper – instead, copper pillowcases have copper oxide particles embedded in fabrics such as polyester or nylon.

It helps you look younger

In a society that puts such an emphasis on staying young, you take everything that you can get. Copper pillowcases stop the forming of lines and wrinkles on the face. They increase collagen levels, which helps the rejuvenation process of your skin. Even NASA has tested copper technology and confirmed its skin-healing and antimicrobial process.  

It stops the spread of bacteria

Copper stops the spread of bacteria because it is naturally antimicrobial. This is very important for people with acne-prone skin. The use of copper in the process of making the pillowcases is relatively new. However, copper has been used in hospitals for making various kinds of medical fabric to avoid the growth and spread of bacteria. An even more fascinating fact about copper is that it has the ability to repair damaged tissue, since it has been often put in bandages for treatments of wounds and for curing athlete’s foot. If it can do all of this, imagine what it will do to your skin and hair! You will get up feeling fresher than ever in no time.

It helps with skin conditions

Copper in your pillowcase can also reduce inflammation of the skin and alleviates several skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Of course, it cannot cure them, so don’t go hoping for miracles, but it definitely helps with such conditions.

The Best Copper Pillowcases

The Luxury Copper Pillowcases from Sheex promise a cool, dry, and comfortable night, releasing negative ions as you sleep to help de-oxidize your body.

The Night Spa Skin Revitalizing Pillowcase from Cupron is also popular – not only does it feel super-luxurious, but it can easily be washed in the washing machine.

Choosing the right pillowcase can definitely improve the state of your skin and hair. Why should feeling fresh in the morning be only reserved for famous people? You also deserve an “I woke up like this” moment. Whether it is a new cream, nail polish or a pillowcase, you deserve to pamper yourself once in a while.

Through a simple change of your pillowcase, not only will you get a good night’s sleep, but you will also get a multi-layered beauty treatment. Imagine waking up to your skin not hurting or itching, your hair not breaking. Your pillowcase will do all the work for you, nourishing your skin and improving your appearance in a way you couldn’t have ever imagined.