Silk Pillowcases: The Dermatologist-Approved Solution for Post-Surgery Healing

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by Zoe Doyle
September 12, 2023
6 min read

This article explains how a silk pillowcase can help aid healing after skin surgery or treatments. Medical experts weigh in on the special properties of silk that make it ideal for recovering from dermatologic or cosmetic procedures.

Inside this Article:

Silk Pillowcases: Helping Heal After Cosmetic Surgery
Experts Recommend Sleeping on Silk Post-Op
Q&A With Dr. Anna Chacon on the Benefits of Silk Pillowcases Post-Procedure
Mulberry Park Silks Pillowcases: Your Perfect Choice for Post-Procedure Care

Silk Pillowcases: Helping Heal After Cosmetic Surgery

If you’re having a cosmetic or dermatological procedure -- micro-needling, injections, fillers, laser resurfacing, removal of actinic keratosis or even a surgical facelift -- a Mulberry Park Silks pillowcase can play an important part in your recovery. Along with feeling luxurious and comfortable, a pure silk pillowcase helps your skin retain necessary moisture for healing; prevents rubbing and irritation; and is hypoallergenic. (Fun fact: until recently, silk sutures were routinely used in operations of all kinds due to the purity and strength of silk fiber.)

Experts Recommend Sleeping on Silk Post-Op

Prominent dermatologists regularly recommend sleeping on silk for patients with sensitive skin or conditions like acne or eczema. Dr. Inessa Fishman, a plastic surgeon from Aviva Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Atlanta , elaborates, saying, “I recommend silk pillowcases for my patients interested in treating facial aging, or improving aging skin; and those with inflammatory or dry skin conditions.” She adds, “The nature of silk decreases moisture absorption and is associated with less bacterial, mold, and mite growth within the silk fabric; this probably makes for a cleaner sleeping surface. The smoother nature of silk has also been shown to decrease itching and inflammation within the skin of eczema-prone individuals.”

Q&A With Dr. Anna Chacon on the Benefits of Silk Pillowcases Post-Procedure

The innate purity and soothing properties of silk take on extra importance when a patient is recovering from a cosmetic or medical skin procedure. Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist from Miami , took time to answer some of our pressing questions about why silk pillowcases are so great after cosmetic surgery and procedures:

Which procedures would benefit from the use of silk pillowcases for healing and recovery?

Dr. Chacon: Silk pillowcases are not just a luxury item but can also serve a practical purpose in the post-procedure recovery process. Here's why:

Less Friction: Silk reduces friction against the skin compared to traditional cotton pillowcases. This is particularly beneficial following procedures that may leave the skin sensitive or irritated.
Hypoallergenic: Silk is naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and other allergens, which can be beneficial in preventing irritation and promoting healing.
Moisture Retention: Silk helps maintain the skin's natural moisture, preventing dryness and irritation, which can be a common side effect of many dermatological procedures.

How can silk pillowcases promote better healing and recovery after dermatological procedures?

Dr. Chacon: Treatments like chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or dermabrasion that leave the skin sensitive or raw can benefit from the gentleness of silk during the healing process.

Are silk pillowcases recommended for patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery? If so, why?

Dr. Chacon : Post-surgical recovery, especially for facial procedures like facelifts or eyelid surgery, can benefit from the reduced friction and skin irritation provided by silk pillowcases.

What are the specific benefits of using silk pillowcases for patients who have received cosmetic injections?

Dr. Chacon: -Patients who have received cosmetic injections like Botox or fillers can also benefit from using silk pillowcases. Reduced friction can help to minimize any potential bruising or swelling.

How do silk pillowcases contribute to maintaining skin health and improving overall skin appearance post-treatment?

Dr. Chacon: The reduced friction and skin-friendly properties of silk can help maintain the results of treatments like facials, peels, or injections by minimizing potential skin damage during sleep. The hypoallergenic and moisture-retaining properties of silk can assist in the healing process post-treatment by minimizing irritation and maintaining skin hydration. The soft and smooth texture of silk can make the post-treatment recovery process more comfortable, especially for those with sensitive or irritated skin. Regular use of silk pillowcases can contribute to a healthier skin appearance overall, thanks to their moisture-retaining and skin-soothing properties.

What makes silk pillowcases different from cotton pillowcases in terms of their impact on post-treatment recovery and results?

Dr. Chacon: Silk is a smooth material that causes less friction against the skin compared to cotton or other commonly used materials in regular pillowcases. This reduced friction can minimize potential skin damage and irritation, particularly beneficial for skin that's healing post-treatment. Unlike many regular pillowcases, silk is naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and other allergens. This can help prevent skin irritation and breakouts, which is essential for individuals with sensitive skin or post-treatment. Silk helps retain the skin's natural moisture, preventing dryness. In contrast, other materials may absorb the skin's moisture, leading to dehydration which can affect the recovery process and overall skin health. Silk is a natural thermal regulator, helping keep your skin cool during the night. This can be beneficial in maintaining the integrity of certain treatments and preventing excessive sweating, which can lead to skin irritation or breakouts.

How long should patients use silk pillowcases after their procedure to optimize healing and results?

Dr. Chacon: While the benefits of silk pillowcases can be enjoyed at any time, their impact is particularly significant during the healing period after a dermatological procedure. Here are some general recommendations:

Immediate Post-Procedure Period: We recommend using a silk pillowcase immediately after your procedure and continuing for at least the first 2-4 weeks. This is when your skin is most sensitive and can greatly benefit from the reduced friction and increased moisture retention silk provides.

Long-Term Use: If possible, consider making silk pillowcases a permanent part of your skincare routine. Their hypoallergenic properties and ability to retain skin moisture can contribute to overall skin health and help maintain the results of your procedure long-term.

How can patients choose the right silk pillowcase and ensure its quality and effectiveness for optimal results?

Dr. Chacon: Ensure that the pillowcase is made of 100% pure mulberry silk. This type of silk is known for its smoothness and durability. Check the label or product description for this information. Momme Weight: This is a measure of the density of silk. A higher momme weight (19-25) indicates a more durable and luxurious fabric. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, which can be beneficial if you have sensitive skin or allergies. However, some manufacturers treat their silk with chemicals that might cause irritation, so opt for untreated or organic silk if possible. Silk requires special care to maintain its properties. Look for pillowcases that come with clear care instructions. Typically, hand washing or gentle machine washing on a delicate cycle is recommended. [Lastly], check customer reviews and ratings for insights on the product's quality and effectiveness.

Mulberry Park Silks Pillowcases: Your Perfect Choice for Post-Procedure Care

Our collection of silk pillowcases deliver the healthy beauty sleep you need to recover from cosmetic and dermatologic procedures:

Gentle and Hydrating to Delicate Facial Skin: Our silk pillowcases are soft, smooth, and lustrous; they are made from pure mulberry silk Grade 6A (the highest on the market). Protein-based silk is a natural material that helps hair and skin retain natural moisture.

Reduced Irritation: Traditional pillowcases, especially those made from rougher materials like cotton, can cause friction against the skin, leading to irritation, abrasion, and potentially disrupting the healing process. Unlike a cotton pillowcase, which pulls and tugs at skin, our silk pillowcases minimize friction and reduce the potential for irritation, redness, or discomfort.

Minimal Pressure Points: Silk pillowcases are known for their ability to distribute pressure more evenly across the skin's surface. This can help reduce the likelihood of pressure points developing, which is especially important as pressure on surgical sites can impede the healing process. This is also why friction-free silk helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles (an age-old secret among beauty experts) and prevents frizz, hair breakage, and hair loss.

Temperature Regulation: Our silk is breathable and regulates body temperature to keep a comfortable sleep environment as your body heals. (Satin pillowcases do NOT regulate body temperature; unlike silk, which is a natural, protein-based fiber, satin is man made from petroleum products. Learn about the differences between satin and silk here ).

Hypoallergenic and Certified Safe: Along with being hypoallergenic , our pillowcases are resistant to dust mites , mold, and other allergens. We’ve also taken the extra step of independently certifying our silk bedding as safe from harmful chemicals with the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® designation,which you can read about here .

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Lastly, our pillowcases are easy to care for. Read how to wash your silk pillowcases at home by hand or in your washing machine !

Mulberry Park: Accessible and Affordable Luxury Silk

We founded Mulberry Park with one simple mission: to design the highest quality silk items in the market and offer them at an affordable price. And we've done just that, with a full range of silk products made from 100% pure mulberry long strand silk fabric. The silk fabric used for our silk sheets and silk pillowcases has also been OEKO-TEX® Certified (Standard 100) to be free of chemicals.

Visit us online or call us at (800) 860-1924 to learn more about our silk sheets, silk pillowcases, duvet covers and shams, and real silk accessories including sleep masks, travel pillows, and silk hair scrunchies.