Beauty Q & A

Need advice? Beauty director SUZANNE DUCKETT solves this month's dilemas.

Q. I'VE HEARD THAT SILK PILLOWCASES CAN HELP MAKE YOUR HAIR SHINIER AND YOUR SKIN SOFTER. IS THAT RIGHT?

A. It's true and I'm a convert. Not only does silk feel wonderfully soft to sleep on, it also contains amino acids with the same PH as our hair and skin, helping them retain moisture. The result is shinier, smoother hair and softer skin.
Michael Cimino, artistic director at Michaeljohn Salon in Mayfair, London, explains: 'Hair doesn't stick to silk in the same way it does to cotton, which is why you'll wake up with glossier, frizz free locks.' Unlike cotton or linen - which are absorbent fibres - silk won't soak up your night cream. It's also worth noting that silk's hypoallergenic properties make it a good choice for asthmatics, and the National Eczema Society recommends sufferers have silk or cotton next to their skin to prevent irritation.  One of my favourite pillowcases, which is machine washable is Holistic Silk 'Anti-Ageing' Silk Pillow Case.