As a hair professional of 20 years, a curly hair specialist of 10 years, and a 39 year old woman who finds herself easily intrigued by the science and chemistry that goes into skin & hair care products; I feel I can weigh in on this debate.
Characteristics of Silk
Silk and Satin are often confused as the same thing. Lets clear that up quick by defining both.
By definition, Silk is a 100% natural fiber obtained from Silkworms.
It consists of "strings" of amino acids matching the pH level of our own skin. This amazing characteristic allows for its ability to be naturally hypoallergenic.
Pretty cool, huh!?
What's even more interesting is that natural Mulberry Silk contains, "Sericin", which is the protein responsible for reducing allergic reactions, thus making silk the ultimate choice for sensitive, itchy skin.
Since its not near as absorbent as cotton or other common bedding materials, silk is excellent for aging skin. It won't leech moisture from your skin and hair while you sleep. It also won't leave unsightly creases in your skin, making it the perfect choice for traveling!
Satin
Commonly mistaken for silk (which is understandable since it used to be made from it) however, Modern Satin is now crafted from polyester, rayon or nylon. These materials are woven into long filaments that mimic the look of silk fibers.
Satin is actually a weave and not a natural fiber like silk. It's how they weave the chosen materials (polyester, rayon, nylon) that gives it the characteristic "sheen" that silk naturally has.
The finished product resembles silk, in touch and texture, but it cannot offer the many benefits that silk has.
Back to Silk...
100% Mulberry Silk ranks supreme in the "silk arena"...
...this is due to the careful breeding & strict diet of the silk worms. This added attention to detail makes this the most sought after silk for bedding and arguably the finest silk in the world!
One of the many fantastic qualities of silk is that it isn't near as absorbent as cotton, and other materials. Therefore, it leaves our skin, and hair's moisture barrier intact while reducing friction between our hair, and our pillow. Hair knots, and skin wrinkles, BE GONE!
Silk also enhances our sleep with its temperature regulating properties allowing us to keep cool at all times.
-As a lover of the cool side of the pillow, I can attest to this fact:)
When looking to purchase Silk products it's important to understand these key things-
Silk is measured in "Mommes"- (a Japanese unit of measurement used when describing the weight of a silk thread.)
Silk also comes in 3 weights:
19 Momme- most common weight used
22 Momme- slightly heavier and more luxurious feel
30 Momme- the ultimate in luxury & most expensive
Simply put:
If the piece of silk fabric weighs 19 lbs then the "Momme weight" of that silk is 19.
The higher the weight, the more silk used in the weaving process, naturally getting better as the Momme count goes up.
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