Skin Care Lovers Beware: Your Facial Serum Is Ruining Your Silk Pillowcase

If you're fond of sleeping on a lavish silk pillowcase, chances are high that you place great importance on your skincare routine. If you fall into this category, then you're probably familiar with the challenge of keeping your mulberry silk pillowcase free from stains. Silk is less absorbent than other fibers, so it is a game changer when it comes to helping you get the most out of your skincare products.

One of the most common questions we get from our customers at Mulberry Park Silks is whether certain skincare ingredients can leave stains or damage the delicate fabric. Unlike a satin pillowcase which is a polyester derivative, silk fiber is protein-based and, thus, a very delicate natural fabric. You are probably wondering how your skincare routine could affect your pillowcase. Worry not we have got you covered! Our team has conducted extensive research and compiled a list of the top 5 facial products and their potential impact on silk pillowcases, a definitive guide to help you protect your silk bedding investment while still reaping all the benefits of your skincare arsenal:

Potential Silk Pillowcase Damage: Is Glycolic Acid Night Cream Safe to Use?

Glycolic Acid is excellent for fighting acne, fine lines, and other signs of aging but could potentially ruin a mulberry silk pillowcase. That is if the cream comes into direct contact with the fabric. This is because glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that can cause some fabrics to discolor, bleach, or weaken over time.

However, the degree of damage will depend on the concentration of the glycolic acid in the cream, how much of the cream is applied, how long it remains on the skin before coming into contact with the pillowcase, and how often the pillowcase is washed. If the glycolic acid is used sparingly and not directly applied to the pillowcase, the risk of damage should be low.

To minimize the risk of damage to your silk pillowcase, it's best to wait for at least 15-20 minutes after applying the glycolic acid cream before lying down on the pillowcase to allow it to absorb into the skin fully. Alternatively, you can use a separate cotton or linen pillowcase to protect your silk one. You can also wash your pillowcase frequently using a gentle enzyme-free detergent like Heritage Park Fine Silk and Wool Detergent. 

Is Your Silk Pillowcase at Risk: Will Vitamin C Serum Cause Discoloration or Staining?

A typical Vitamin C serums contain ascorbic acid, which is an acidic substance that can cause discoloration or bleaching of fabrics like silk when it comes into contact with them.

However, the likelihood of a Vitamin C serum staining a silk pillowcase depends on a number of factors, including the concentration of Vitamin C in the serum, the amount of serum applied to the skin, and the length of time it takes for the serum to absorb into the skin.

To minimize the risk of staining your silk pillowcase with Vitamin C serum, it is advisable to wait for 15-20 minutes after application to allow the serum to absorb fully into the skin before lying down. Using a darker-colored or patterned silk pillowcase can also offer protection against potential stains. In case of accidental staining, it's important to act quickly by dabbing the affected area with a clean, damp cloth and then blotting it dry. You can also try using a mild, pH-neutral detergent to wash the pillowcase, following the care instructions on the label.

Is Your Silk Pillowcase Safe from Damage with Retinol Cream?

Retinol cream can stain your mulberry silk pillowcase, especially if the product has not fully absorbed into your skin before coming into contact with the pillowcase. Retinol is a powerful skincare ingredient that can cause irritation, dryness, and flaking, and it's important to use it correctly to avoid any adverse effects.

To minimize the risk of staining your silk pillowcase, it's recommended to wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after applying retinol before lying down on your silk pillowcase. This will allow the product to fully absorb into your skin and reduce the likelihood of any transfer onto the pillowcase.

Silk Pillowcase Alert: Can Niacinamide Serums Cause Irreparable Damage?

Excellent news, not only does Niacinamide build skin cells helping to improve texture and keep your skin acne-free, it is also are unlikely to stain your mulberry silk pillowcases. Niacinamideis a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that is generally considered safe for use on fabrics, including silk.

However, it is always a good idea to do a patch test first, especially if you have not used the serum when sleeping on your silk pillowcase before. Apply a small amount of the serum to a corner of the pillowcase and let it sit for a few hours to see if there is any discoloration or staining. If there is no reaction, it should be safe to use the serum on your pillowcase.

It's also important to note that some skin care products may contain other ingredients, such as dyes or fragrances, that could potentially cause staining or discoloration. If you are unsure about a specific product, it's always a good idea to consult with the manufacturer or a skincare expert to ensure that it is safe to use on your silk pillowcase.

Will Hyaluronic Acid Destroy My Silk Pillowcase?

An anti-aging secret ingredient, Hyaluronic acid is known for its exceptional ability to hydrate and plump the skin. Likewise, silk pillowcases are revered for their smooth and gentle texture, which can aid in wrinkle prevention. So are these two skincare secrets a match made in heaven?

In general, hyaluronic acid should not destroy a silk pillowcase. Hyaluronic acid is water-soluble and does not contain any harsh chemicals that can damage silk. However, if you are using a product that contains other active ingredients or harsh chemicals, they could potentially harm the silk fabric of your pillowcase.

Should I Do A Patch test?

As a general rule, it's always a good idea to do a patch test before applying any skincare product to your pillowcase. Just apply a small amount of the product to a corner of your pillowcase and wait for a few hours to ensure that there is no discoloration or staining.

It's worth noting that some skincare products may contain additional ingredients such as dyes or fragrances that could potentially cause staining or discoloration. If you're unsure about a particular product, we recommend consulting with the manufacturer or a skincare expert to ensure that it is safe to use on your silk pillowcase.

Why Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase?

In any case, silk pillowcases are a great choice for maintaining healthy and youthful skin. Unlike cotton pillowcases which are rough on skin, leading to sleep creases and subsequent fine lines and wrinkles. They're gentle on the skin, reduce the likelihood of wrinkles, and can help to prevent hair breakage, especially wonderful for those with curly hair which tends to be drier. Not all that shimmers is gold. Beware of cheap satin imitation and silk blends which will not offer the same skincare benefits as pure mulberry silk. Overall, it is important to invest in the best silk pillowcase available, a 100 mulberry silk pillowcase will achieve the best results. Happy beauty rest!