If your skin is suffering under the constraints of an itchy face covering, it may be time to switch to silk face masks. They let the skin breathe, feel softer on the skin, and won't irritate sensitive types. So whether you are required to wear it all day or just need to sport one for a quick dash to the shops, silk might be the best way to go
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Masks have been fashion's break-out star this summer, becoming the ultimate accessory to stay safe and, in turn, also the medium for personal expression.
However, for many, mask-wearing has been a minefield of anxiety, from feelings of guilt (we didn't want to divert them from the front-line NHS) to superficial self-consciousness. Then there are the side effects – maskne, skin irritation and breathing issues – to contend with.
However, silk appears to be the gentle, soft, skin-friendly alternative to the bog-standard disposable or nylon versions popping up everywhere.
For years, we've been getting our beauty sleep on pillowcases and eye masks made from the soft, lustrous fibre, with dermatologists weighing in that this delicate, smooth texture provides much less friction and tugging on the skin, a benefit that, of course, extends to the face mask. Plus, it's less likely than cotton to absorb moisture, which means less drying and inflammation.
Fiona Stewart, the co-founder of Slip, the silk pillowcase and accessories company that launched in 2003, says, 'I was prescribed acne medication, which resulted in extremely sensitive skin and thinning hair; my dermatologist suggested sleeping on a silk pillowcase. However, unable to find the right one, I sourced the best silk I could find and wrapped it around my pillow. The results were dramatic and immediate.' She's never looked back, and lab testing has confirmed that Slip silk creates 43% less friction than basic cotton.
The bottom line is the soft silk designs do seem more comfortable to wear, are proven to be kinder to your skin, and look pretty too, and if that's the case – maybe we will all wear them more successfully – without all the incessant fuss and fidgeting.
This is printed with Lanvin's ‘Mother and Child’ logo and represents founder Jeanne Lanvin and her daughter, Marguerite’s family bond – which we can all relate to in this unsettling time.
Lanvin Mother and Child Face Covering, £60 – Buy here
A new wardrobe icon has been created by cult Italian brand Fornasetti. Pure silk and a decadent print, make it the perfect mask for socially distanced occasion wear. Plus, there are a whole host of other designs that you'll fall for too. Click here
Fornasetti Kiss Face Covering, £58.50 – Buy here
From pastels to deeper hues – these pretty and budget-friendly silk masks are handmade in the UK.
GoldenxHour silk face mask, £9.50 – buy here
This is made from mulberry silk – the softest and most durable, with a soft cotton insert that's all completely washable and re-usable – making an excellent eco-friendly option.
Slip reusable face covering in pink, £39 – buy here
or
Slip reusable face covering in black, £39 – buy here
With a mix of 70% silk and 30% cotton, this hand-printed vibrant mask, with fully adjustable straps, perfectly combines form and function.
Rixo Hope floral-print silk-blend face covering, £26 – buy here
These are designed to curve around the face and come in both medium and large sizes, so they'll fit all faces and heads.
Gisy set of three pure silk face masks, £73 – buy here
This reversible mask gives you a choice of looks – and it's easy to tell the inside from the outside.
Adelina Rusu two-sided black and orange silk face mask, £20 – buy here
The nose wire and adjustable straps help keep the mask from sliding around – so might help with comfort for glasses-wearers. Plus it comes in three sizes and three colours so it's a suit-all silk mask.
Pack of three triple-layer adjustable silk face masks with filter and nose wire, £116 – buy here
or individual masks, from £37 – buy here
Machine washable 100%silk face mask that comes in artsy baroque-style print and with 5% of net profits donated to NHS, it certainly has the feel-good factor too. Check out the other variations below.
Emily Carter Silk Face Covering, £40 – Buy here
These are rendered in pure silk and have carbon filter inserts – so are proven to be effective in filtering air pollutants and pollen.
Holistic Silk Anti-pollution mask in green, £35 – Buy here
Holistic Silk Anti-pollution mask in white, £35 – Buy here Holistic Silk Anti-pollution mask in white, £35 – Buy here
These masks are fabulously froufrou with the silk ruffling, and are lined with the brand’s scraps of printed, soft cotton.
One Imaginary Girl Neon Yellow Pleated Silk Charmeuse Face Mask With Ruffle Detail, £47 – Buy here
Take a walk on the wild side with a selection of animal print face coverings from this Etsy super seller.
Sew Craft Family Face Mask, £14.45 – Buy here
A scarf version can feel less restrictive than the traditional medical-style mask.
Mazkmasks silk face mask, £29.99 – buy here
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