Season of the Itch: Sleep on Silk to Pamper Your Summer Skin

Summer Days: Surf, Sun, and (boo!) Skin Problems

Ahhh, summer. The word conjures up thoughts of an icy lemonade and long, lazy afternoons on a porch swing. Or maybe the gentle whisper of waves on a sandy shore, or a barbeque under the fireworks are more your summer speed. No matter what summer means to you, we're sure of one thing: itchy, angry irritated skin is definitely not in your summer plans.

Unfortunately, skin irritation is a warm-weather reality for so many of us. Check out this list of common summer skin problems:

• Bug bites (mosquitoes, flies, gnats, chiggers, to name a few insect bite culprits)
• Heat rash/prickly heat
• Sunburn
• Chafing from sweating and friction
• Allergic reactions from plants like poison oak, poison ivy, or sumac
• Acne breakouts from sweating/oily skin
• Eczema flare-ups triggered by heat, sweat, and allergens
• Folliculitis (hair follicle inflammation)
• Yeast and fungal infections that thrive in warm, moist areas
• Swimmer's itch (caused by microscopic water parasites)
• Dry, dehydrated skin
• Skin rashes from sun exposure or sun allergy

No doubt about it: the summer months are hazardous to your skin health, even without sensitive skin or an underlying skin problem or skin condition. But there are things you can do to promote healthy skin in the summer: protecting it from the sun; treating bug bites and irritation; moisturizing; and sleeping on soothing, hypoallergenic Mulberry Park Silks sheets.

Summer Skin Requires Extra Care

Summer is a great time to be proactive about giving your skin extra care, both to safeguard it from the elements and treat any skin issues that crop up.

"During the summer, the skin requires additional care due to increased exposure to UV radiation and higher temperatures. These factors can lead to sunburn, photoaging, and an increased risk of skin cancers. To protect the skin, it is crucial to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours when outdoors. Wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves can also help. Additionally, staying hydrated and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) are important habits for maintaining healthy skin in summer." - Dr. Hannah Kopelman, Dermatologist,  Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery

Here are some best practices for summer skin care:

Sun protection to prevent burns and skin cancer:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily, even on cloudy days and a lip balm with SPF to act as a barrier.
• Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses.
• Seek shade during peak sun hours (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Treating bug bites and irritation:
• Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Use over-the-counter antihistamines to help with itching and swelling.
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce discomfort.
• Avoid scratching to prevent infection and scarring.
• Keeping skin clean and dry:
• Shower or bathe daily to remove sweat, oil, and sunscreen.
• Use a gentle, non-drying cleanser to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils.
• Pat skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing vigorously.

• Change out of wet or sweaty clothing promptly to prevent skin irritation and fungal growth.

Exfoliating and hair removal:

• Gently exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
• Use a physical exfoliant (like a scrub) or a chemical exfoliant (like salicylic acid or glycolic acid).
• Be gentle and avoid over-exfoliating, which can irritate the skin. Similarly, be careful with hair removal, as freshly waxed or shaved skin is more sensitive to irritation and sun.

Moisturizing:

• Even if your skin feels oily, it's essential to moisturize to maintain your skin's barrier function.
• Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
• Apply moisturizer to damp skin to lock in hydration.

Finally, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids, especially on warm days. Consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Following these guidelines-and adapting them to your individual needs-can help keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and protected throughout the summer months. Along with these good summer skin habits, there is another you can do to soothe and pamper your summer skin: sleep on pure silk sheets and pillowcases from Mulberry Park Silks.

Pure Mulberry Silk Sheets: The Perfect Protective Bedding for Summer Skin

When we think about silk sheets, the first thing that comes to mind is luxury. And that makes sense because silk bedding is the epitome of high-end, indulgent bedding. Nothing compares to the soft, sensuous feeling of sleeping on pure silk.

But Mulberry Park Silks sheets deliver some serious beauty and wellness benefits that make a real difference to your skin, especially in the summer months:

Hydrating: Pure mulberry silk sheets are made from the protein-based cocoon of the silkworm. (Fun fact: your skin and hair are also made from protein). Rather than pulling moisture away from the skin like cotton sheets, silk sheets help skin stay hydrated and retain its natural moisture (That is why silk sheets are frequently recommended by dermatologists and skin care professionals for people with dry skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis.)

"Regarding the benefits of sleeping on silk sheets, they are less absorbent than cotton, meaning they are less likely to draw moisture away from your skin overnight and thus help in maintaining skin hydration." - Dr. Naser Azar, board-certified physician, Serene Aesthetics MedSpa

Hypoallergenic: Silk is pure, protective to skin, and hypoallergenic. It naturally resists mold, dust mites, and other irritants. Mulberry Park Silks has taken the extra step of having our silk sheets independently certified as STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which means it is safe from harmful chemicals.

Non-irritating: The soft, charmeuse weave of Mulberry Park Silks sheets is smooth, gentle, and nearly friction-free. It is gentle on even the most sensitive skin and is a soothing environment for skin that is irritated by sunburn, bug bites, chafing, and other summer ailments.

Temperature regulating: Silk is breathable and naturally regulates body temperature to keep you cool in warmer weather (and warm in cooler conditions). This fosters a restful and renewing night of beauty sleep!

"Sleeping on silk sheets can be particularly beneficial during warmer months. Silk's smooth texture can help reduce friction, which in turn minimizes the risk of skin irritation and damage to sensitive skin. Additionally, silk is less absorbent than cotton, meaning it is less likely to draw moisture away from the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. Silk also stays cooler than cotton, which can be soothing for the skin, especially in heat, and can help in reducing sweat-induced skin irritations. - Dr. Hannah Kopelman, Chief Medical Officer for DermOnDemand

If you're looking to soothe your summer skin while you sleep, silk sheets are the answer! They're also incredible for keeping your hair hydrated; preventing tangles, frizz, and breakage; and preventing sleep wrinkles on the delicate skin around your eyes. NOTE: Make sure all lotions, creams, and medicines are fully absorbed by your skin before getting in bed to avoid transferring them to your silk sheets.

Mulberry Park Silks: Your Source for Silk Sheets

Mulberry Park Silk sheets and pillowcases are made from 100% pure mulberry silk, Grade 6A (the highest in the market) in a luxurious charmeuse weave. We offer a choice of 19, 22, and 30 momme weights and a range of color choices to suit your style and budget. Our silk sheets are washable, either by hand or in the machine. Mulberry Park Silks is a U.S.-based company with headquarters, warehouse, and customer service located in Branford, Connecticut. Our silk experts are here to answer questions and make product suggestions.