Lesser-known benefits of mulberry silk for skin and hair

Dermats and skin experts are having a eureka moment. It's the ‘mulberry silk' - the newest addition to skincare routines raging on reels and emerging as a hit among Hollywood divas. From Katy Perry to Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian to Cindy Crawford, celebrities are catching on to the lesser-known merits of the silk bedrg concept. Derived from the gut of Bombyx mori moth silkworms, this fabric offers unparalleled softness that has earned it a spot in the ancient traditions of Chinese folklore.

Recently Kim Kardashian was spotted in Los Angeles carrying around a black silk pillowcase

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City-based dermatologist Rinky Kapoor from The Esthetic Clinics recounts how mulberry silk can be an ideal choice for people suffering from severe skin allergies, sensitivities and diseases. Even a small dent by a pillow crease can provide clues about your skin condition. When you're in your twenties, pillow lines tend to go away easily - however, as one turns old, these dents become persistent, hinting at a loss of skin elasticity. That's one thing about ageing: we all know skin is important, but we tend to forget that our hair is changing as well.

Here's the deal: we spend 1/3rd of our lives sleeping. If you're sleeping on traditional cotton covers, chances are you are losing your skincare products and hair tonics to fabric absorption. Experts suggest it's time to switch to mulberry silk. To dig deeper, Midday.com consulted city-based dermatologists who share with us lesser-known benefits of incorporating mulberry silk for our hair and skincare routines.

What's the hype all about?
Mulberry silk is a special type of silk that is obtained from silkworms found on mulberry trees. These worms are exclusively nourished on mulberry leaves, which enhances the silk's superior quality. With its pristine white colour and long, fine fibers, this strain stands out for its exceptional refinement compared to other silk types. It's widely cultivated in the eastern coast of India including West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and parts of Karnataka.

We agree that achieving flawless skin and healthy hair can be challenging, but experts affirm that incorporating a mulberry silk pillowcase into your daily routine might be the secret you've been searching for. Unlike cotton, which can absorb your skincare products, silk allows these creams and serums to stay on your skin, enhancing their effectiveness, shares Swati Gupta, founder of Esme Luxury.

Benefits of mulberry silk for skin
Dinyar Workingboxwalla, celebrity aesthetician and co-founder, BiE remarks, "While mulberry silk is celebrated for its moisturising properties, it offers several lesser-known benefits for skin health."

Widely known for its hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, this specific silk significantly lowers the chances of developing allergic reactions, inflammation and skin woes as it contains no fragrance and also a natural protein called sericin (anti-inflammatory). Unlike other fabrics mulberry silk is gentle and softer on your skin without causing discomfort. Its smooth fibers reduce friction on the skin, minimising wrinkles and sleep creases, shares Dr Shifa Yadav, consultant - dermatology, at Artemis Hospitals.

Dinyar adds, "Its natural protein structure, including silk fibroin, helps maintain skin elasticity and smoothness. Silk also has a unique ability to regulate temperature and moisture levels, which can be beneficial for overall skin hydration. Additionally, its smooth texture minimises irritation, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema."

Kapoor informs that mulberry silk is dust mites and mold-resistant; common triggers that can aggravate your skin allergy. Adding products like sleep masks, pillow covers made with mulberry silk can not only enhance your wardrobe or bedding collection but also resolve your skin problems. It has a smooth and silky texture that can provide warmth and a touch of royalty at the same time.

However, if your allergies or skin sensitivities start to worsen over time then do not hesitate to seek professional support. Consider speaking to a doctor to know the root cause of your allergies to tackle them effectively.

Benefits of mulberry silk for hair
When it comes to your hair, a silk pillowcase can make a significant difference. The smooth surface of mulberry silk helps prevent tangles and frizz, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends, shares Swati. Celebrity hairstylist Amit Thakur tells Midday, "Known to have anti-static and temperature-regulating properties, investing in silk is one of the best beauty investments you will make to solving frizzy hair problems."

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Dinyar outlines that mulberry silk is rich in amino acids and proteins, particularly fibroin and sericin. These components help strengthen the hair by reducing breakage and promoting a smoother texture. Sericin, in particular, forms a protective barrier around hair strands, preventing damage from environmental factors.

The amino acids in silk can aid in retaining moisture in the hair, which supports a healthier scalp and reduces dryness. Moreover, these proteins can help improve the overall appearance of hair, making it shinier and less prone to frizz. Using silk pillowcases or hair wraps can enhance these benefits, improving the overall hair vitality, adds Yadav.

Things to keep in mind
The grade of the silk, the weave and the purity of silk matter when considering to purchase silk products for skin & hair. Incorporating mulberry silk into your hair and skin routine can be beneficial, but there are a few key points to keep in mind:

1. Mulberry silk is delicate, so handle it with care. Avoid harsh detergents and opt for mild, silk-friendly cleansers to maintain its quality.
2. Wash silk pillowcases regularly to remove any accumulated oils or impurities. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning to preserve the silk's benefits.
3. Keep silk away from direct heat sources, such as hair dryers or straighteners, to prevent damage. Silk can be sensitive to high temperatures.
4. While mulberry silk can help retain moisture in your hair and skin, it's important to keep your skin and hair properly hydrated through your regular skincare and haircare routines.
5. Store silk items in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent discolouration and degradation.

Dinyar concludes by adding that scientific studies on Mulberry silk's benefits for skin and hair are still emerging, but the evidence so far is promising. Research has shown that silk's amino acids and proteins can support skin hydration and elasticity. Studies also suggest that silk's hypoallergenic properties make it beneficial for sensitive skin types. While more extensive research is needed, the existing evidence supports the use of mulberry silk for maintaining skin and hair health over the long term.