If there were to be a hierarchy of fabrics, silk, cotton, and wool would be in the top 3 of the podium. These three materials are made from natural fibers and nothing can compete with the quality and benefits of natural fibers.
Regarding the difference between silk and cotton, the first thing to know is that cotton comes from a plant while silk comes from an insect.
Silk or cotton, which material is better for the skin, hair and for restful sleep?
1. Although both materials are soft, cotton is not as smooth and plush as silk. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase, or wearing a silk sleep mask is much gentler on your skin than cotton alternatives.
You should know that it is the folds that are created on the face during sleep that will gradually cause the skin to lose its elasticity and will become more pronounced and permanent over time. When sleeping on silk, you will wake up with fewer wrinkles on your face than if you sleep on cotton.
The same goes for hair: Silk creates less friction than cotton (43% less friction), which means fewer tangles and frizz when you wake up.
Using products, such as silk nightcaps and pillowcases , will make your hair less brittle and much silkier.
2. Silk has significantly higher hypoallergenic properties than cotton, and this makes a big difference if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or have sensitive skin.
Silk is naturally inhospitable to fungus, bedbugs and dust mites. Sleeping on silk pillowcases significantly helps reduce allergies and acne breakouts.
3. Silk wicks away moisture while cotton absorbs it.
If you put on night creams before bed, you'll wake up with a face as hydrated as the day before, simply because the silk won't absorb moisture from your skin while you sleep.
The fact that silk repels humidity makes it a very good ally against viruses that float in the air. Use pure silk masks is the best means of protection against any bacteria.
Cotton's ability to absorb moisture also means it can absorb airborne germs and allow them to end up on your skin.
The other big advantage of silk is that if you sweat at night, it will dry quickly since it is a naturally breathable material which will release the absorbed sweat. Cotton will absorb sweat and retain it, which will cause it to lose its insulating ability. Cotton traps germs and can produce bad odors. Silk is therefore much more hygienic than cotton.
4. Silk has a big thermoregulation advantage over cotton. Silk bedding will be more effective in insulating you from the cold and heat than cotton bedding, which only has average insulation capabilities.
Silk is a natural thermometer that helps cool you down in hot weather, then boosts insulation and warms you up when temperatures drop. For this effect to be obtained with cotton, you will have to add or remove several layers, which means that you will need two types of duvets depending on the season (summer or winter). If you opt for silk, one and the same duvet will suit all seasons and all temperatures.
Silk or cotton, which material is more durable?
Aside from Egyptian cotton which is very expensive but can last up to 5 decades under normal use, regular cotton will be cheaper than silk, but not as durable.
To conclude, cotton and silk are very good materials made from natural fibers, but, for optimal sleeping conditions, namely a perfect body temperature when sleeping, a reduction in allergies, plumped skin and softer hair, silk remains the best option.