Nature Strikes Again: Health Benefits of Silk Everyone Should Know

If wool is the king of natural fibers, then silk is its queen- rivaling it in luxury, definitely, but also in the health benefits it provides. Silk, a material with a rich and luxurious history, has been coveted for centuries for its unparalleled softness and elegance. But the natural fiber possesses qualities that go far beyond luxury. In this blog, we will share our expertise on the benefits of sleeping in silk, and why, if you’re not already, you might want to start.

Silk is naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, which are common allergens found in bedding and clothing. These allergens thrive in moist environments, but silk's moisture-wicking properties help to keep the fabric dry and inhospitable to these allergens.

Silk fibers are smooth and soft. They have a natural protein structure that is very similar to human skin, making the fabric gentler on the skin compared to rougher fabrics. As a natural fiber, silk does not contain any added chemicals or synthetic fibers, which can often trigger allergic reactions. These qualities reduce the chance of irritation or an allergic reaction, making it a preferred choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

In summary, if allergies are the bane of your existence, it might be time to switch to silk.

When it comes to natural fibers, silk is one of the best options for keeping your skin soft and moisturized while you sleep. Unlike cotton, which can absorb moisture and oils from your skin, silk allows your skin to retain its natural moisture, helping to keep it hydrated and healthy. For some of us with dry and irritated skin, this can be a god-send.

Silk’s smooth surface helps to reduce friction between your skin and the pillowcase. The reduced friction can help to prevent creases and wrinkles from forming on your face as you sleep- a benefit we welcome with open arms.

At this point, you might be saying to yourself, “silk is smooth, we get it”, but stay with us for one more incredible benefit of silk.

Along with preventing wrinkles, the smooth surface of silk prevents hair breakage and split ends, keeping your locks healthy and strong while you sleep. Regardless of your hair care approach, our hair deserves a break from the stress of the day, and sleeping on silk can provide just that. It's a gentle and soothing surface that can help your hair recover from the day's activities and look its best the next morning.

As an added benefit, silk pillowcases can help preserve hairstyles and reduce bedhead, making your mornings easier and more manageable.

While we could go on and on about the benefits of sleeping in silk, it is important to keep in mind the QUALITY of your silk, as lower quality silk can impede the health effects we’ve mentioned thus far.

Not all silk is created equal. There are four commonly known types of silk with the most popular being Mulberry Silk, which makes up about 90% of high quality silk production worldwide. Mulberry silk, as an example of a high quality silk, offers superior benefits compared to cheaper alternatives. Investing in high-quality silk bedding not only ensures that you'll experience the full range of health effects, but it also means you'll have a long-lasting product that withstands the test of time.

With proper care, high-quality mulberry silk bedding can last for years, making it a cost-effective investment in your sleep and overall well-being. Cheaper silks possess little of the natural qualities that have positive effects on our overall health. So if you’re considering switching to silk, make sure you’re making a worthy investment into high quality silk.

Our Silk Charmeuse pillows are 100% pure, nature-made silk. Charmeuse is a special weave used mostly in the production of lingerie and fine garments, and has more shine and is more tightly woven than satin or other silk weaves. Four wefts to one warp for you weaving savants. Charmeuse not only has a beautiful shine, but it’s especially soft on the skin which allows us to take full advantage of the health benefits as we rest.

In summary, we will leave you with this statistic: The average American spends 36 years of their life in bed- either sleeping or lounging. Don’t we owe it to ourselves to spend those 36 years in luxurious comfort paired with the natural health benefits silk provides?

At JG SWITZER we say, “yes!”