The transformative power of bamboo pillowcases: Elevate your sleep and beauty routine

Cotton is one of the most used materials for bedding and pillowcases. Although it is a natural material it can be rough and the absorbent nature of cotton can impact, skin, hair and sleep. Due to waking up with dry skin and frizzy hair shoppers started searching for an alternative.

Enter silk, the benefits of silk pillowcases are numerous - the smooth, gentle surface minimises friction, preventing sleep lines and wrinkles from forming on your delicate facial skin. Unlike cotton, which can absorb moisture and leave your hair and skin feeling dry and dull, silk retains your skin's natural oils, keeping you hydrated and radiant. The temperature-regulating qualities of silk ensure a comfortable, restful night's sleep, no matter the season. And the hypoallergenic nature of this natural fibre makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

The big but…
The advantages of silk pillowcases are numerous, but if you’re an ethical shopper there are a few things you will want to know.

Silk is the fibre that silkworms weave to make their cocoons. Most of the insects used by the silk industry are boiled or gassed alive inside their cocoons so that the silk thread can be unravelled, ready to weave. Each silkworm cocoon produces one single strand of silk, which measures about 100 metres long. Approximately 6,600 silkworms are killed to make just 1kg of silk (Peta), that’s approximately 2000-3000 silkworms that are needed per pillowcase!

As well as not being cruelty-free, the silk pillowcase industry is highly labour and resource intensive. It is estimated that one metric ton of silk requires approximately 1000 metric tons of water to produce, that is even more than cotton!

What is the alternative to silk pillowcases?

If you love the benefits of silk, but don’t want to support the silk industry, there is an amazing alternative in bamboo silk.

Why are bamboo pillowcases great for hair?

Standard pillowcases can absorb moisture and leave your hair feeling dry and dull, bamboo pillowcases help retain your hair’s natural oils, leaving it hydrated, frizz free and radiant. The smooth finish also reduces hair breakage and damage at night. If you're dreaming of waking up to silky locks and plump, healthy skin, you may want to consider switching to the naturally luxurious bamboo. 

Why are bamboo pillowcases great for skin?

For acne sufferers the naturally antibacterial qualities of bamboo help prevent breakouts. For those with sensitive skin and skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema the breathable, anti-static and anti-friction surface of the bamboo pillowcases means that skin glides across the surface and doesn’t get inflames and irritated. A bonus to this smooth finish is that it doesn’t drag on the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

Why are bamboo pillowcases great for allergy sufferers?

Bamboo pillowcases have hypoallergenic properties that make them less likely to trigger allergic reactions or cause additional skin irritation. The moisture-wicking capabilities of bamboo fabric also help maintain a dry environment, reducing the risk of bacterial growth on the skin and also provides an inhospitable environment to dust mites.

Why are bamboo pillowcases great for sleep?

Bamboo is naturally thermoregulating, the micro gaps allow it to adjust to your body temperature and keep you at the perfect temperature around the year. Silk has a tighter weave than bamboo which can compromise breathability, sleep temperature and comfort.

Why are bamboo pillowcases easier to look after?

Silk pillowcases are very delicate and require either handwashing or cold washing. Bamboo pillowcases however can be machine washed at 30 degrees and even tumble dried on a cool setting.

Are bamboo pillowcases as smooth as silk pillowcases?

While both bamboo and silk feel smooth and luxurious, bamboo pillowcases aren't quite as smooth as silk ones. Nonetheless, many people prefer it that way as they find that silk can be too slippery and shiny in appearance. Bamboo has more of a natural buttery feel that looks natural and blends in with other materials and furnishings.

Why are bamboo pillowcases great for your pocket?

Bamboo is a low maintenance, high-yielding crop which means it is much more cost effective to manufacture than the very labour-intensive silk process of unravelling thousands of silkworm cocoons. The proof is in the price comparison – All About Sleep Organic Bamboo Pillowcases are £29.99 for two, that’s less than £15 each. Popular mulberry silk pillowcases range from £45-£90+.

Moving to plant-based silks is way to shop sustainably without compromising on the health and beauty benefits of silk. Investing in a bamboo pillowcase is an act of self-care that will elevate your entire sleep and beauty routine. Treat yourself to the opulence and transformative power of bamboo, and wake up feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the day.

Use the code ALL20 at checkout to get 20% off.
www.allaboutsleep.co.uk/collections/bamboo-pillowcases