Face masks have become one of the most purchased items in 2020. It seems just about everywhere is selling face masks, so it can be overwhelming to decide which mask you should buy. But did you know silk is one of the best materials for a face mask? It has properties that make it more protective than other materials and it’s also great for your skin. So, whether you’re looking to buy a mask or make your own, here 5 reasons why you should consider silk.

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati have found that silk in one of the most effective materials in preventing transmission. Silk is hydrophobic, which means it repels water. This makes it great for face masks as it prevents the penetration of droplets and doesn’t absorb water like cotton or polyester does.

Silk is known for having anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. This is great as it prevents bacteria from growing even before you’ve washed. It’s also hypoallergenic!

Maskne (mask acne) is becoming a very common condition from using a mask. It’s caused by the moisture and friction against the skin, leading to redness, dryness, inflammation and break outs. Silk, however, is an incredibly soft fabric that sits comfortably against your skin and is less likely to result in break outs

The denser the fibre of a material, the better it is at filtering. Fabrics, like cotton are great mechanical barriers and can filter well, especially if they have a high thread count. However, silk holds a static charge, which creates an electrostatic barrier which filters out smaller particles that other materials cant

While wearing a mask, the humidity and moisture created from our breath can change our skins PH level, resulting in skin irritation. Silk is a very breathable material, making it great for wearing over long periods.