Are copper pillowcases the next big thing?
First silk pillowcases took over the beauty world, now it is time for copper pillowcases to shine
What we rest our heads on at night has long been a topic of the beauty world, with silk pillowcases being the traditional solution. While their skin and hair benefits are countless, there is a newcomer on the market that is even more impressive: the copper pillowcase.
What is it?
Copper pillowcases look and feel like their silk counterparts, only the material is infused with copper-oxide particles. When you sleep on a copper pillowcase, the copper particles are absorbed by your skin during its nightly cell regeneration process.
Copper is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it helps to prevent the spread and growth of bacteria. Unlike cotton pillowcases, the material absorbs far less of the natural oils and bacteria from your face and hair.
What are the benefits?
- Copper is a vital element in the skin’s production of collagen, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Copper’s natural antimicrobial properties means it can help prevent and ease acne. The spread of bacteria can worsen acne breakouts, so copper’s properties, coupled with the fabric’s cooler nature, means it can help those who suffer with breakouts.
- The fabric’s light and airy nature means it does not retain heat or cause friction in the same way as cotton: this is beneficial for those who tend to overheat at night. While sweating during sleep is normal, it can clog the skin’s pore which is another source of breakouts and inflammation.
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What does the science say?
While sleeping on material derived from metal sounds less than appealing, copper is an essential nutrient the human body requires to function. However, as humans we receive our copper intake from external sources, such as through our diet or supplements.
The human reliance on copper is no new scientific revelation, and there is some existing research which supports its beauty benefits.
In 2012, a clinical study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology concluded: “Sleeping on copper oxide-containing pillowcases results in reduction of wrinkles depth and overall improvement of skin appearance.”
Moreover, the use of copper in textiles has traditionally been a method of the medical world. Copper is often infused in hospital linens, scrubs, and other medical fabrics to prevent the spread of bacteria. It can also be found in bandages for wound treatment, as copper can help restore damaged tissue.
Try it yourself
The copper pillowcase market is one that is still relatively small, and here in Ireland we have a few stockists to choose from.
The Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase by iluminage is one of the most popular copper pillow cases stocked by international beauty retailers. Available on Look Fantastic for €56.95, a copper infused eye mask is also available which specifically targets fine lines around the eye area.
Meanwhile, as part of NEXT’s wellbeing collection, it stocks a copper infused pillow for €27 by sleep brand Silentnight. The pillow holds all the same properties as the pillowcase, and its soft knit material ensures a comfortable night’s sleep. The pillow is machine washable too so you can keep that clean, fresh feeling.
While copper pillowcases are generally more expensive than silk, consider the skincare benefits: you are dedicating eight no-fuss hours to your skincare regime that might have the power turn back the hands of time on your complexion.
